Does ‘Mad Max’ Director George Miller Support AI in Filmmaking?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- AI democratizes filmmaking, enabling wider access to storytelling.
- The debate around AI mirrors historical art movements.
- AI is described as a dynamically evolving tool for filmmakers.
- Human creativity and machine capabilities need to find a balance.
- AI cannot replicate the unique essence of human performances.
Los Angeles, Oct 9 (NationPress) Humanity has always advanced alongside technology, a sentiment echoed by George Miller, the visionary behind ‘Mad Max’.
While many in Hollywood express concern about the influence of artificial intelligence—recently exemplified by the AI actress Tilly Norwood—Miller compares it to the transformative effects of the Renaissance on art, as reported by ‘Variety’.
In an interview with ‘The Guardian’ before he leads a jury at the Omni AI Film Festival in Australia, Miller remarked that the ongoing discussion surrounding AI “mirrors earlier chapters in art history”, particularly during the Renaissance, when oil painting allowed artists to refine and enhance their creations over time.
“This transition sparked intense debate; some claimed that authentic artists should commit to the canvas without the option for revisions, while others welcomed the newfound flexibility,” Miller explained to The Guardian. “A similar discourse emerged in the mid-1800s with the advent of photography. Art must progress. Although photography evolved as a distinct medium, painting persisted. Both forms transformed yet survived. Art evolved.”
Miller advocates for AI, describing it as “incredibly egalitarian”. He noted, “It democratizes screen storytelling, making it accessible to anyone with a passion for it. I know young people still in their adolescence using AI technology. They no longer need to secure funding; they are creating films—or at least compiling footage.”
According to ‘Variety’, Miller stated that artificial intelligence is “the most dynamically evolving tool in the realm of moving images”.
“As a filmmaker, I have always been drawn to innovative tools. AI is here to stay and will transform the industry,” he asserted, emphasizing that “the dialogue centers on balancing human creativity with machine proficiency, which fuels both concern and debate.”
However, Miller maintains that AI poses no threat as it cannot replicate the human essence. Reflecting on a discussion regarding the 2015 British documentary ‘Listen to Me Marlon’, which rendered Marlon Brando in 3D using software, Miller expressed skepticism about AI’s ability to authentically replace or resurrect actors due to the intricacies of human performance.