Netflix Uses AI for First Time in Original Production
The Facts
- Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos on Thursday announced that the streaming platform used generative AI for the first time in an original production — specifically in the Argentine sci-fi series "The Eternaut," creating a building collapse sequence in Buenos Aires.
- The AI-powered visual effects sequence was completed 10 times faster than traditional VFX methods would have allowed. Sarandos, during Netflix's quarterly earnings call, said that the cost of conventional effects "wouldn't have been feasible for a show in that budget."
- Sarandos also said that AI represents an opportunity to help creators make "better, not just cheaper" content, describing the technology as providing "real people doing real work with better tools" rather than replacing human workers.
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The Spin
Techno-optimist narrative
The future is here, and it's up to companies and their creators to embrace AI technology. In this first instance, a creator was able to make an effect that otherwise would've been outside of its small budget — and the result earned the approval of everyone, including the creator and viewers. Humans will still be involved in content creation, they're just going to have more tools at their disposal.
Techno-skeptic narrative
AI is degrading to the craft of film, which needs to be created from the heart and soul of humans. In addition, it's a job killer, as fewer people will be needed to create films if AI becomes more widely used. We've already seen studios put off hiring and expansion. More must be done to regulate AI's use and protect the people who want to provide the audience with quality productions.
Metaculus Prediction
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