The AI Landscape Shines Bright and Dark at CES 2023
Last week at CES, it was hard to find a corner of the massive tech conference that didn’t buzz with conversations about artificial intelligence. If you were there, you’d agree: AI was the elephant in the room, and discussions ranged from gleeful optimism to stark apprehension, especially among those in Hollywood.
The Dual Nature of AI in the Creative Realm
As the film and entertainment industry grapples with the rapid advancement of AI, a palpable tension emerges. On one side, there’s immense potential—a future where tools enhance creativity and streamline workflows. On the flip side, many creatives are wary of AI’s capacity to disrupt traditional roles, invoke job insecurity, and devalue artistic work. While strides were made in 2023 with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA securing some protections, uncertainty still looms over the future for writers, actors, and filmmakers.
Keynotes that Sparked Imagination
At the forefront of the dialogues at CES was Nvidia’s founder and CEO, Jensen Huang. He captivated an audience of 14,000 with his annual keynote, unveiling Blackwell, which he touted as “the engine of AI.” Huang described these innovations as groundbreaking, asserting they mark the most significant advancement in computer graphics in the last 25 years. This wasn’t just technical jargon; it underscored the transformative role AI could play across industries, including visual effects and animation.
The Concern: An Existential Threat?
Despite the tech titans like Nvidia presenting a visionary future, many attendees were also contemplating the dark side of AI. During a panel discussion, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the SAG-AFTRA national executive director, described AI as both a innovative tool and “an existential threat.”
James Cameron and Jon Favreau—two heavyweights in the film industry—shared insights on leveraging AI as a creative tool, but highlighted the essential need for these advancements to remain under the control of artists. Russell Hollander of the DGA emphasized that directors viewed AI primarily as an asset to enhance their craft rather than a means to slash jobs.
Real Talk: The Creative Community’s Concerns
Moiya McTier, a dual-threat astrophysicist and folklorist, echoed similar sentiments, blending creative and scientific perspectives. She pointed out that while AI could optimize certain operational tasks, it also flooded the creative space with mass-produced content, making it challenging for genuine talent to stand out amid the noise.
Crabtree-Ireland wasn’t finished. Drawing from personal experience, he recounted being the subject of a deepfake during contract negotiations, emphasizing that without proper safeguards, AI could undermine the essence of creative work.
A Legal Balancing Act
Navigating the murky waters of AI will likely demand legal clarity. Chad Hummel of McKool Smith predicted that fearless artists might soon lead the charge in court to set necessary limits on AI technology. Alongside him, attorney Lisa Oratz argued that while challenges exist, many of AI’s implications could ultimately tilt towards positive advancements for creators if managed well.
Former Lucasfilm executive Richard Kerris offered an encouraging perspective, reminiscing on past anxieties over technological disruptions. He reminded the audience that what may seem threatening today often becomes an opportunity tomorrow. Samira Panah Bakhtiar from Amazon Web Services echoed this hope, affirming that despite technological leaps, the unique expertise of industry professionals would always have value.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of AI
As CES 2023 showcased both the awe-inspiring potentials and profound concerns of AI technology, it’s clear that this tool’s evolution will significantly reshape the creative landscape. Finding that balance between embracing innovation and protecting artistic integrity is critical, especially in a world increasingly influenced by machine learning.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
