Steven Spielberg has become the latest filmmaker to voice concerns over the use of artificial intelligence, saying that while it can be used as a tool like any other technology, it should not be considered the final authority in creative work.
During an appearance on Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson's IMO podcast, the legendary Hollywood director, known for movies such as Jaws, E.T., Indiana Jones, Schindler's List and Lincoln, said the technology can be useful in finding solutions to medical issues or scouting locations, but not in movie making.
"Where I don't love AI is where it takes a position or there's an empty chair at a writer's table," Spielberg said.
"I'm not willing to substitute, you know, because I don't really believe in sentience. I don't believe there is any substitute for the soul. I don't think that is an algorithm that's inventible. A computer that thinks it feels more than we feel is anathema to the way I was raised and how I'll practice my own trade of producing and directing in the future."
The director said he can see a future where AI can help "save us a lot of legwork", but he is not willing to treat is beyond anything other than a tool.
"Don't tell me how to write my dialogue for this character. Don't tell me where the camera has to go. And also don't tell me what the set should look like, unless AI is simply a tool in a large tool chest of the production designer," he added.
"Use AI as a tool, but do not use AI as the final word on anything creative. That's where I draw the line."
Spielberg may be against the use of the technology, but the Hollywood studios are enthusiastically embracing AI despite the alarm sounded by those on the creative side as it cuts production costs significantly.
Amazon MGM Studios just greenlit three children's series to be developed through generative AI.
Paramount Studios is also looking at AI generated content and many streamers are using for animation and production design.
Artists like Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett and many others have criticised the use of AI to tell stories.
(With inputs from PTI)