Tim Burton, the renowned filmmaker known for his distinctive style and characters, recently shared his concerns about the threat of artificial intelligence (AI) to animation. In a recent interview with The Independent, Burton discussed a Buzzfeed story that used AI to imagine what Disney movies would look like if he directed them.
Burton expressed his surprise and discomfort when he saw AI-generated versions of his iconic Disney characters. He compared it to the belief in some cultures that taking a person’s picture steals their soul. The AI-generated examples included Elsa from Frozen with a pale face, wearing a black dress in a haunted forest, and Aurora from Sleeping Beauty with a similar face color and stitches on her cheeks, lying in a dark dress.
While Burton acknowledged that some of the AI creations were impressive, he couldn’t fully enjoy them due to the unsettling feeling of seeing his creative style imitated. He described it as something being taken away from his soul or psyche, almost like a robot stealing his humanity.
The use of AI in Hollywood has been a subject of ongoing debate across the industry, particularly with actors and writers. Contract negotiations between studios, streamers, and these creative professionals have faltered, and AI has been one of the key issues they haven’t reached an agreement on. Many in the industry are calling for protections against the potential harms of AI.
During the interview, Burton also expressed his thoughts on the challenges of making big studio films, describing the process as exhausting. However, he tries to focus on the positive aspects of each project. Burton discussed his latest film, Beetlejuice 2, which stars Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe. The film was almost finished filming when the strikes were called, and Burton hopes to complete it once the strikes are resolved. Despite the challenges, Burton expressed gratitude for what they have accomplished so far, emphasizing the joy of working with talented individuals and returning to the basics of filmmaking.
The news of Burton’s concerns over the AI threat to animation highlights the ongoing discussion about the use of AI in Hollywood and its potential impact on creativity and the industry. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for stakeholders to consider the implications of AI and find a balance between innovation and preserving the unique artistic visions of talented individuals like Tim Burton.
