Tyler Perry recently put an $800 million Atlanta studio expansion on hold due to concerns over advancements in artificial intelligence and the impact on the industry. Specifically, AI generated video tools like OpenAI’s Sora threaten jobs across all areas – acting, lighting, editing, VFX, and more. However, these powerful technologies also present opportunities to augment human creativity.
“I have been watching AI very closely and watching the advancements very closely,” said Perry in an interview. “I was in the middle of, and have been planning for the last four years, about an $800 million expansion at the studio, which would’ve increased the backlot a tremendous size, we were adding 12 more soundstages. All of that is currently and indefinitely on hold because of Sora and what I’m seeing.”
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As AI tools generate increasingly sophisticated visuals, directors can focus less on technical complexities and more on the emotion and narrative of scenes. For example, Perry himself used AI to digitally de-age in two upcoming films, skipping the makeup chair. Now Tyler’s considering using AI to generate complex location shots and sets without costly travel. Other innovative filmmakers are experimenting with AI-written scripts, virtual production, and even AI-directed projects.
Still, automation threatens many careers. Perry worries regulations haven’t kept pace with AI’s rapid progress. He hopes the industry considers the human impact: “I just hope that as people are embracing this technology and as companies are moving to reduce costs and save the bottom line, that there’ll be some sort of thought and some sort of compassion for humanity and the people that have worked in this industry and built careers and lives, that there’s some sort of thought for them.”
The solution likely involves both embracing AI’s potential and protecting workers through retraining programs, job sharing, and more. Perry reiterates, “There’s got to be some sort of regulations in order to protect us. If not, I just don’t see how we survive.”
If adopted ethically, AI can significantly enhance filmmaking. Directors can focus more on storytelling while AI handles complex, precise, technical execution. Locations and sets can be generated cost-effectively without travel. Production budgets can decrease as AI minimizes waste. And VFX-heavy scenes previously unachievable become possible.
At the same time, worker protections ensure the human creative spirit continues driving films. With planning and compassion, AI can usher in a new golden age of cinema. The key is balancing enhanced productivity with empathy – utilizing AI’s strengths while preserving roles requiring emotional intelligence, imagination, and interpersonal collaboration.
If the industry takes a measured, human-centric approach, emerging technologies like Sora offer an exciting future – not just slashing costs but actively boosting quality, access and innovation. The potential is astonishing. But we must proceed thoughtfully, keeping sight of both human and technological considerations, as we shape the next generation of movie-magic.
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