Adam Savage's Issue With A.I.-Generated Art

Adam Savage’s Tested
16 Mar 202412:24

TLDRThe transcript discusses J Delarosa's mixed feelings about AI in filmmaking, highlighting its potential to refine the creative process but also expressing concern over the loss of human touch and the impact on employment. Delarosa emphasizes the importance of a personal point of view in art, something they feel AI lacks. The conversation also touches on the physicality of film props and the alchemy of creating a great film, with a nod to the importance of a champion for any film's success.

Takeaways

  • 🤖 The integration of AI in filmmaking is seen as both fascinating and complicated, with concerns about its impact on the creative process and employment.
  • 🎨 AI's potential in generating visual art and film props is acknowledged, but there's skepticism about its ability to replicate the unique point of view of human artists.
  • 💡 The speaker values the human element behind art, believing that it's the mind and heart of the creator that makes the artwork interesting.
  • 🚀 AI technology is rapidly advancing, with AI-generated visuals in movies like 'Secret Invasion' being a sign of the early days in this field.
  • 📈 There's a concern about the commercial implications of AI, especially its potential to replace human jobs in various industries.
  • 🎥 The authenticity of film props is often surprising when seen in person, with details and weathering being more pronounced than on camera.
  • 🧥 A specific example of a film prop discussed is Indiana Jones' coat, which is often heavier in replicas than the original lightweight version.
  • 🌟 The portrayal of emotion in a film relies on a combination of factors including the actor's ability, the script, the score, and the lighting.
  • 🏆 A key to a great film is having at least one person who champions it and ensures its creation, according to the filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.
  • 📚 The making of great films is described as an alchemy, with no formula能保证 success, and the importance of a film's champion is highlighted.
  • 💼 The discussion concludes with a philosophical reflection on AI's role in art and employment, expressing concern for the future of human jobs in the face of AI advancements.

Q & A

  • What is J Delarosa's initial reaction to the prospect of AI being used in filmmaking?

    -J Delarosa finds the prospect of AI in filmmaking to be complicated, with a mix of fascination and curiosity, but also concern about the potential loss of human creativity and the impact on employment in the industry.

  • How does the AI illustrator compare to a traditional illustrator in terms of productivity and cost?

    -The AI illustrator can generate hundreds of pictures a day, which is much more than a traditional illustrator who might produce only one drawing or painting per day, and it does so at a potentially lower cost.

  • What does J Delarosa value most about art and filmmaking?

    -J Delarosa values the point of view that a human artist brings to their work. They believe that the artist's mind and heart behind the creation are more interesting than the creation itself.

  • What was J Delarosa's impression of the AI-generated visuals in the opening credits of 'Secret Invasion'?

    -J Delarosa was not impressed with the AI-generated visuals in the opening credits of 'Secret Invasion', feeling that they lacked a point of view and were not as engaging as human-created art.

  • How does J Delarosa feel about the commercial use of AI in industries, particularly in replacing human jobs?

    -J Delarosa is upset and finds it offensive. They see it as a lazy approach and a symptom of late-stage capitalism, which they believe has no bottom or limit to its negative impact.

  • What does J Delarosa think about the role of a champion in the success of a film?

    -According to J Delarosa, every great film has at least one person who champions it, ensuring its creation and success. This champion is crucial for a film to be great, as they are its driving force.

  • How does the use of AI in filmmaking relate to the broader societal concerns J Delarosa has?

    -J Delarosa is less worried about AI from an aesthetic standpoint, but more concerned about the employment implications and the potential for AI to replace human jobs across various industries.

  • What was J Delarosa's experience with a prop from 'Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark'?

    -J Delarosa was surprised by the lightweight nature of Indiana Jones' coat from the film, as most replicas are heavier than the original. They found that the camera does not capture the same level of detail as seen in person, which affects the creation of film props.

  • How does J Delarosa assess the quality of weathering on a prop?

    -J Delarosa assesses the quality of weathering on a prop by taking photographs of it and viewing the images on a camera. This method helps them evaluate the flow and overall appearance of the weathering job.

  • What subversive effect does Lee Pfeiffer's 'The Incredible Fashion Book on The Shining' have on the common narrative of Stanley Kubrick?

    -The book subverts the narrative of Stanley Kubrick as a genius with a preconceived vision, instead portraying him as someone who was excellent at creating circumstances for drama and finding the story during the filmmaking process.

  • What is the most significant factor in portraying emotion in a film, according to the insights shared by J Delarosa?

    -The most significant factor in portraying emotion in a film is the combination of various elements, including the actor's ability, the script, the score, and the lighting. It is a confluence of these factors that creates a great film.

Outlines

00:00

🤖 AI in Filmmaking: A Complicated Feeling

J Delarosa discusses the mixed emotions towards the increasing use of AI in filmmaking. They mention a conversation with a list director who appreciates how AI makes his creative process more iterative by generating numerous visual ideas. While recognizing AI's potential to refine the creative process, Delarosa expresses curiosity and fascination with AI, especially in its talking and visual aspects. However, they also voice concerns about AI-generated art lacking a personal point of view, which they value greatly. The discussion touches on the early days of AI visuals and the fear that AI might replace human jobs, comparing it to a bubble economy. Delarosa hopes that AI will be used innovatively in student films but worries about Hollywood's potential to overuse and dilute its impact.

05:00

🎨 The Surprising Reality of Film Props

In this segment, the speaker shares insights about the unexpected nature of film props when viewed in person, particularly their dirtiness and the level of detail required to create a realistic, weathered look. They discuss their own experience with replicating K's coat and boots, emphasizing the importance of assessing the props' appearance through a camera lens to match the on-screen used versions. The speaker also talks about the lightweight nature of Indiana Jones' coat from 'Raiders' compared to the heavier replicas available, highlighting the nuances of prop creation. Additionally, they delve into the factors that significantly impact emotion portrayal in films, such as the actor's ability, script, score, and lighting, and share a conversation with Guillermo del Toro about the importance of a film's champion for its success.

10:03

🎬 The Art of Filmmaking: Alchemy and AI

The speaker reflects on the art of filmmaking, likening it to alchemy due to the lack of a formula for creating truly great art. They discuss the common misconception that Stanley Kubrick had a preconceived notion of his films, but in reality, he was adept at creating situations for actors to find the drama, building a machine for discovering it through numerous takes and extensive editing. The speaker feels that AI, while potentially transformative, is unlikely to replicate the distinct and personal point of view that humans bring to art, as AI lacks the human element. They express more concern about AI's impact on employment than its aesthetic implications and conclude with a philosophical outlook on the role of AI in the creative process.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI in filmmaking

AI in filmmaking refers to the use of artificial intelligence to assist or enhance various aspects of film production, such as visual effects, scriptwriting, and editing. In the video, the speaker discusses the impact of AI on the creative process, noting that while it can make certain tasks more efficient, it lacks the personal 'point of view' that human creators bring to their work.

💡Emerging technologies

Emerging technologies are innovations that are relatively new and have the potential to significantly impact various industries or society as a whole. In the context of the video, the speaker is intrigued by the evolving role of AI and its integration into the filmmaking process, which represents an emerging technology with transformative potential.

💡Creative process

The creative process involves the steps taken by artists to conceive and produce their work. It is often characterized by experimentation, iteration, and personal expression. In the video, the speaker acknowledges that AI can refine this process by making it more iterative, but also emphasizes the importance of a human point of view in creating meaningful art.

💡Point of view

Point of view refers to the perspective or standpoint from which something is considered or represented. In the context of the video, the speaker argues that AI-generated art lacks a human point of view, which is essential for creating art that resonates with audiences on a deeper level.

💡Late-stage capitalism

Late-stage capitalism is a term used to describe a hypothetical final stage of capitalism characterized by increasing social inequality, market saturation, and the commodification of everything. In the video, the speaker expresses concern about the potential for AI to exacerbate these issues by replacing human workers and contributing to a capitalist system without moral limits.

💡Union negotiations

Union negotiations refer to the discussions and bargaining that take place between labor unions and employers to establish the terms and conditions of employment. In the video, the speaker mentions concerns that recent union negotiations in Hollywood may not have adequately addressed the implications of AI on employment within the industry.

💡Aesthetics

Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty, art, and taste, and with the creation and appreciation of beauty. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses the aesthetic implications of AI in filmmaking, questioning whether AI can ever truly replicate the unique aesthetic sensibilities of a human creator.

💡Film props

Film props are objects used by actors in a scene to create a believable environment and enhance the storytelling. They can range from simple items like a cup of coffee to complex costumes and set pieces. In the video, the speaker shares insights into the surprising nature of film props when viewed in person, noting differences in cleanliness and detail compared to their on-screen appearance.

💡Portraying emotion

Portraying emotion in film involves the use of various elements to convey the emotional state of characters to the audience. This can include acting, scriptwriting, music, and lighting. In the video, the speaker explores the complex interplay of these elements and the importance of a 'champion' who believes in the film's potential to be great.

💡Alchemy

Alchemy is a metaphorical term used to describe the mysterious process of transformation or creation, often implying a sense of magic or the inexplicable. In the video, the speaker uses the term to describe the unpredictable and intangible nature of creating great art, suggesting that it is a process beyond formula or calculation.

💡Employment

Employment refers to the state of having a paid job or being engaged in a profession. In the video, the speaker expresses concerns about the impact of AI on employment opportunities, particularly in the context of creative industries like filmmaking.

Highlights

J Delarosa discusses the complex feelings towards AI in filmmaking, acknowledging its potential but also expressing concerns about its impact on the creative process.

An A-list director shares how AI has made his creative process more iterative, allowing for the generation of hundreds of images a day compared to a single illustration.

The speaker expresses fascination with AI and its current role in the emerging technologies within the filmmaking community.

AI's role in creating visual effects is praised, but the speaker questions the complexity of prompts used and the general public's access to this technology.

The speaker criticizes AI-generated art for lacking a point of view, which is essential for them to appreciate any creation.

Marvin Minsky's quote is mentioned, emphasizing the danger of AI that hides its intelligence rather than super-intelligent AI.

The commercial aspect of AI is discussed, with the speaker expressing frustration over the potential for AI to replace human jobs in various industries.

The speaker is concerned that recent union negotiations in Hollywood did not adequately address the implications of AI on employment.

The speaker shares a personal anecdote about the process of weathering a prop, highlighting the importance of detail and perspective in film props.

The camera is noted as a useful tool for assessing the weathering on a prop, drawing parallels to the speaker's father's painting techniques.

The speaker discusses the lightweight nature of Indiana Jones' coat from Raiders, which is often heavier in replicas.

The biggest impact in portraying emotion in a film is debated, with the speaker suggesting that a combination of factors contributes to a film's emotional depth.

The speaker recounts a conversation with Guillermo del Toro about the unpredictability of a film's success and the importance of having a champion for the film.

The speaker reflects on Stanley Kubrick's approach to filmmaking, which involved creating situations for actors to find the drama, rather than having a preconceived notion.

The alchemy of art is discussed, emphasizing that there is no formula for creating truly great art, which reassures the speaker about AI's potential impact on aesthetics.

The speaker concludes by expressing less concern about AI's aesthetic impact and more worry about its implications for employment and the future of human creativity.