Summary

Utilizing AI in media production is heavily scrutinized.
Films and series like Civil War and Secret Invasion have openly admitted to using AI.
Despite criticism that AI devalues human creativity, it can also streamline processes and enhance visual output.

The use of AI (artificial intelligence technology, in case you’re wondering) in media is a very important and controversial subject. What should have worked as an “enhancer” for the experiences is actually seen as a damning resource that neither films nor TV shows have succeeded in implementing while maintainging the respect of audiences. Any sign of AI use in a production equals public scrutiny and further sentencing. Nothing can escape the outcry.

Despite how controversial the subject is and how imperfect the output by AI has been, it still does seem like it’s something that is here to stay. And while the implications of implementing AI into the established workflow of the entertainment industry are far-reaching and terrifying, its admitted use thus far has perhaps not been as evil or sinister as some of the backlash has indicated. We decided to go deep into the industry’s dynamics and make a quick list of the films and series that, in some way, have admitted to using AI.

Related: 20 Movies About AI That Came Out in the Last 5 Years

Civil War (2024)

Alex Garland’s Civil War is the latest piece by the English director, which has seen its fair share of controversy due to its subject matter. The film is a dystopian chronicle about war photographers trying to document the reality of a conflict that has shaken the United States beyond the stability of the American dream. The country is divided by a formalized dictatorship about to fall, and brave journalists decide to go on a road trip to witness the fall of the empire.

A Couple of Posters Didn’t Hurt Anyone
The use of AI isn’t exactly in the film. AI technology was used to create some posters that reflected the film’s premise and its conclusion about devastation, with a slight sense of irony. In the posters, we see the remains of the country and the effects of a society dominated by a permanent state of war and militarization. Regardless, people went ahead and slammed everyone for the material. Check out the Instagram post:

A24, the distributors of the film, are yet to make a statement, but considering they’re using their social media accounts to promote the film, the “allegation” part is already over.

Secret Invasion (2023)

In Secret Invasion, Earth is being threatened by a rogue faction of Skrulls. The shapeshifting aliens coming from planet Skrullos are led by Gravik, who will fight against Nick Fury and former Skrull leader Talos. Together, the MCU characters try to restore peace on Earth, just like it happens in every other series belonging to the MCU.

Secret Invasion Fury and Talos try to stop the Skrulls who have infiltrated the highest spheres of the Marvel Universe.Release Date June 21, 2023 Seasons 1

The Intro Looked Great Nonetheless
The Disney+ series (the ninth in the MCU) came and went without causing much impact on audiences in 2023. While it was a blast to see Samuel L. Jackson in a more important role as Nick Fury, the show felt like a downgrade. The AI used in the show was visible in the opening credits of the show. And yes, it looks good. It’s somewhat effective because its abstract style is as effective as other non-traditional opening credits. The credits feature AI-generated art that shows humanoid figures in a green palette of colors. Disney admitted to using AI, but everyone seems to have forgotten about Secret Invasion already.

Related: Michael Bay Comments on AI: ‘To All the Original Creators Out There, Have No Fear’

Late Night With the Devil (2024)

One of the notable horror films to come out in 2024, Late Night with the Devil, tells the story of a late-night show host whose show has seen better times. Jack Delroy uses a live television broadcast during Halloween of 1977 to increase viewers. It’s supposed to be a paranormal special that turns into something horrific, with a possession being revealed on live television.

The Horror Movie That Took All the Hits
Ironically, the film that has taken the most hits from the AI controversy and backlash is the smallest one. In the film, there are interstitials with the show’s title and Halloween theme, and that design was accomplished by AI. The directors have admitted to using the technology in question: “In conjunction with our amazing graphics and production design team, all of whom worked tirelessly to give this film the 70s aesthetic we had always imagined, we experimented with AI for three still images, which we edited further and ultimately appear as very brief interstitials in the film.”

Not Everyone Has Admitted to Suspected AI Use

So far, no use of AI has gone without a hostile attack by critics and fans alike. Not even the promise of something well-made will convince someone that AI works in creating art and replicating what humans can with emotional intelligence, subjectivity, and sensitivity. The need to “govern” is clear. There has to be control, otherwise, art will rapidly shift into something that we’d rather not even imagine.

AI is seen as a tool that depreciates human creativity and poisons art. However, if we must be honest, a very important reason is that it looks awful when compared to what human hands can create as art. Interpretation by machines is a reality that we must address because, yes, it’s a huge advancement, and in some ways, it can make our lives easier.

Related: George Carlin’s Family Suing AI-Generated Stand-Up Creators to “Draw a Line in the Sand”

But there’s no denying that it inevitably feels like it’ll dumb us down at some point. The irony is that, while it has advanced, it’s still not perfect by any stretch of the imagination.

Another problem is that not everyone behind the making of the films and shows is open about the use of AI. For example, take one of the latest documentary films released on Netflix, What Jennifer Did. The film is alleged to contain manipulated images, but Netflix remains silent about this. The controversy seems to have helped, as many people tuned in to see the film, and it seems to be one of Netflix’s most successful crime documentaries in recent years.