HBO’s CEO, Casey Bloys, has expressed his disapproval towards A.I. encroaching in the showbiz industry. During the Variety TV FYC (For Your Consideration) event, Bloys confirmed his stance on the matter. The chairman cautioned that he grew up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he had witnessed the consequences of companies that do not contemplate the future. Furthermore, he expressed his reservations about the use of A.I. in the creative process for the shows produced by his network.
Bloys revealed that HBO had never tested a pilot to decide whether to pick it up or not. He added that HBO does not use all the tools that other networks do. Consequently, the use of A.I. in their show’s development or creative process is not something Bloys would like to be a part of.
The HBO’s CEO emphasized that if the use of A.I. in show-making becomes a norm, he would not be around to witness it. If it does become something, and I hope I don’t sound like a steel executive in the ’70s — I just can’t see it. And if it is, I hope to God I’m retired by that point, he said.
The discussion around A.I.’s involvement in show-making has been a topic for debate in recent years – some people believe it could have a positive impact on the industry, while others are skeptical. Moreover, Succession’s Jeremy Strong also expressed his doubt that technology could make scripts as good as humans, stating, I don’t know how they will adapt to things changing on set.
In conclusion, HBO’s CEO Casey Bloys has made it clear that the network will not be using A.I. in its show-making development or creative process anytime soon. Whether A.I. will eventually play a role in showbiz remains to be seen.
