Kevin O’Leary, known for his participation in the show Shark Tank, has defended the use of artificial intelligence in the film industry during a recent appearance on The Hill’s podcast, World of Travel. O’Leary is part of the cast of the upcoming film Marty Supreme from A24 studio, and argued that the production could have saved “millions of dollars” if it had opted for the use of “AI agents” instead of the 150 background actors employed in the film.
Give work? Of course not!
O’Leary’s statement highlights a growing debate: the possibility that artificial intelligence could replace actors and actresses in supporting roles. Although the use of AI in film is still a developing concept, such comments indicate a potential shift in how work in the entertainment industry is perceived. The proposal to use advanced technology to cut costs could lead some in Hollywood to reconsider their current practices.
On the other hand, this trend also brings with it a series of questions about the future of employment in the sector. With the unstoppable advance of technology, the background actors, a group that often faces economic difficulties, could see their job opportunities threatened. AI, if integrated effectively, could offer a cost-effective solution for many studios, but it could also destabilize the existing labor ecosystem.
As the conversation about the role of artificial intelligence in the creation of audiovisual content intensifies, industry professionals will be forced to weigh economic benefits against ethical and labor concerns. Kevin O’Leary, advocating for AI, suggests that the future of cinema could be an amalgamation of human creativity and innovative technology, although the path to that vision still seems fraught with challenges.