Could AI write 'Casablanca'? Screenwriters take aim at ChatGPT
The capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are impressive, but when it comes to generating screenplays, Hollywood screenwriters and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) are not on board yet. The WGA is currently on strike, seeking better wages in an industry that has been disrupted by streaming services. The introduction of generative AI has only increased their anxiety.
While AI chatbots have the potential to generate rough drafts with ease, screenwriters would be able to punch them up and refine the final product. Regenerative AI could even generate scripts to imitate the style of renowned writers. However, despite AI's potential, the WGA is concerned with issues like copyright infringement and plagiarism, and is pushing for more safeguards and regulations.
Though AI has been used in several aspects of moviemaking, such as de-aging actors and posthumously bringing back artists' voices, screenwriting remains an area of concern. Actors like Alan Alda and Mike Farrell have already read a new scene from "M(asterisk)A(asterisk)S(asterisk)H" written by ChatGPT, with mixed reviews.
Despite their concerns, the WGA is open to discussion, recognizing AI's potential to be useful. However, they are wary of how AI will be used and how it will impact the industry. The long work stoppage may offer the industry more time to explore and analyze how regenerative AI can be effectively integrated into the moviemaking process.
In conclusion, while AI is not yet ready to replace human screenwriters, it has already generated fear and concerns among them. Although AI has its advantages in creating the bare bones of a script, it cannot replace the human touch that makes a screenplay unique and engaging. It remains to be seen how AI will evolve, and how the industry will adapt to this new technology.
