The future of filmmaking is being written by algorithms, and some heavy hitters are already asking big questions about who owns that creative territory. Celebrated actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster recently threw this into the spotlight, suggesting that the recent blockbuster film starring Brad Pitt felt eerily generated by artificial intelligence.
During a discussion at the Aspen Festival of Ideas, Foster dove into the seismic shifts happening in Hollywood, particularly focusing on how digital technology and AI are reshaping the industry. Speaking with former Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton about “Who Owns the Future of Hollywood,” she viewed AI not as a threat, but as one more giant step forward in changing the creative landscape.
She pointed to the massive changes brought about by visual effects and digital technology, noting that the entire movie business has been fundamentally altered. When asked specifically about the recent success of the film “F1,” Foster admitted that its structure felt almost manufactured: “I look at a movie like ‘F1’ and I’m like, ‘F1’ was made by AI. Wasn’t it?”
Foster elaborated on this observation, suggesting that the script and dialogue seemed perfectly engineered. She noted that the narrative structure adhered strictly to learned academic principles, implying that the lines felt exactly as they would be written if a computer determined what was “right” for that time period.
The reality of the integration of technology is already reshaping jobs within the industry. Foster acknowledged that people are already being replaced; studios, for instance, utilize technology to save money by replicating background actors for large crowd scenes.
This shift raises crucial discussions about labor and fairness. She expressed hope that as technology advances, organizations like unions will step in to ensure equitable treatment—for example, ensuring actors are compensated fairly if they are utilized repeatedly across various projects.
Rather than resisting the technological tide outright, Foster calls for filmmakers to adopt a mindset of mastery. She urged creatives to view AI purely as a tool—something small and helpful that assists in the process—and never allow it to assume complete control over the creative wheel.
Ultimately, her message is one of agency: “What we all would love is that filmmakers would be able to dominate AI, and never lose sight of that. If we are able to dominate AI consistently over time, we will be able to make things that reflect us, and we can make things better.”
Even amidst this philosophical debate about creation, the commercial success of films like “F1” proves the enduring power of storytelling. Despite Foster’s musings on artificial authorship, the film achieved massive global appeal, earning a $634.1 million worldwide haul and significant recognition, including an Oscar win for sound.
Credit: Dark Horizons
