In a recent episode of The Adam Buxton Podcast, renowned actor Tom Hanks shared a fascinating insight into the potential future of cinema. Hanks, known for his incredible range and timeless performances, discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) could allow him to continue appearing in movies even after his passing. With a quote that resonates with both intrigue and contemplation, Hanks explored the idea of AI-generated movies that feature him as his younger self, providing audiences with a lifelike experience that blurs the line between reality and technology.
He starts talking about AI at 36:00 and here is the transcript of the podcast
Podcaster: Have you placed legal restrictions on who gets to use AI to recreate a Tom Hanks performance when you are no longer acting?
Tom Hanks: This is something that is literally part and parcel of what's going on in the realm of intellectual property rights right now. This has always been lingering. The first time we did a movie that had a huge amount of our own data locked in a computer was The Polar Express, which was around the year 2000. We saw this coming—we saw that there was going to be this ability to take zeros and ones inside a computer and turn it into a face and a character. Since then, it has grown exponentially, and we see it everywhere. I can tell you that there are discussions in all of the guilds, agencies, and legal firms to come up with the legal ramifications of my face, my voice, and everyone else's being our intellectual property. Your wife is a smart lawyer because she has put her finger on what is a bona fide possibility right now. If I wanted to, I could get together and pitch a series of seven movies that would star me, in which I would be 32 years old from now until kingdom come. Anybody can now recreate themselves at any age using AI or deep fake technology. Because, you know, I could be hit by a bus tomorrow, but my performances can go on and on and on. Outside of the understanding that it's been done with AI or deep fake, there'll be nothing to tell you that it's not me and me alone, and it's going to have some degree of lifelike quality. And that is certainly an artistic challenge, but it's also a legal one.
Podcaster: Sure, but I think people would be able to tell, because what will be missing are the unique choices that you made as an actor and as a person that produced certain performances.
Tom Hanks: Without a doubt, people will be able to tell, but the question is, will they care?
Podcaster: Uh-huh, yeah they will.
Tom Hanks: I think you might have more faith in the human condition than others. Some people won't care, won't make that delineation. I mean, look, a long time ago, this guy invented a machine that could print lies that would be taken as absolute truth by anybody who read them and decided to believe them without examining them. That guy was Gutenberg, who invented the printing press. This is a super attenuated version of that printing press. AI, deep fake—anything will be able to lie just as well as they can tell the truth. And there are going to be some people who will put a huge stake in what is authentic and what is not, just as there will be a ton of people who won't care.
Podcaster: I will care.
The Power of AI in Film
As technology continues to evolve, the boundaries of what is possible in the world of filmmaking are expanding. AI and deep fake technologies have already shown their potential in altering and recreating visual content, enabling filmmakers to resurrect long-gone actors or create entirely new performances. The prospect of leveraging AI to create an entire series of movies featuring Tom Hanks, seemingly defying the limitations of age and time, opens up a world of possibilities.
Preserving an Actor's Legacy
For actors like Tom Hanks, who have made an indelible mark on the film industry, the concept of posthumous performances raises questions about the preservation of their legacies. While some may find the idea unsettling or ethically questionable, others argue that it allows iconic actors to continue captivating audiences long after their physical presence is gone. By using AI to recreate performances, the essence of an actor's talent and unique on-screen presence can be immortalized, ensuring their contributions to cinema are not lost to the passage of time.
The Artistic Implications
The emergence of AI-generated movies featuring real actors introduces complex artistic considerations. How do we define authorship and authenticity in a film where the actor's physical presence is simulated? Will audiences embrace these AI-driven performances with the same emotional connection they feel towards traditional films? These are questions that demand exploration and debate as technology shapes the future of storytelling.
Challenges and Ethical Concerns
The rise of AI in film undoubtedly brings ethical concerns to the forefront. Deep fake technology, while offering exciting creative possibilities, can also be exploited for malicious purposes. Ensuring that the utilization of AI respects privacy, consent, and intellectual property rights is crucial. Additionally, there must be transparent disclosure to audiences, distinguishing between AI-generated performances and those delivered by living actors. Striking the right balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations is essential to navigate this new frontier.
The Potential Impact
Tom Hanks' statement on The Adam Buxton Podcast sheds light on the ever-evolving relationship between cinema and AI. While the idea of a "Tom Hanks AI movie" might sound like a concept from science fiction, it presents a potential future where beloved actors could continue captivating audiences long after their time. As AI technology continues to progress, the possibilities for storytelling and preserving the legacies of iconic performers are expanding, challenging our understanding of film and raising new possibilities for the medium.
Tom Hanks' intriguing discussion on The Adam Buxton Podcast has sparked contemplation about the future of cinema and the role AI may play in preserving an actor's legacy. The prospect of AI-generated movies featuring Hanks himself, even after his passing, opens up a world of artistic, ethical, and technological possibilities. As we navigate this uncharted territory, it is vital to strike a delicate balance between technological advancement and the preservation of artistic integrity, ensuring that the power of AI in film is harnessed responsibly and with the utmost respect for the actors, their legacies, and the audiences they continue to captivate.
Productivity
The discussion on The Adam Buxton Podcast regarding AI-generated movies featuring Tom Hanks not only offers food for thought in the realm of entertainment but also provides valuable insights into the intersection of AI and productivity.
Technological Optimization: The potential for AI to extend an actor's creative output beyond their physical lifetime reflects the broader concept of leveraging technology to optimize productivity in various domains.
Automation and Streamlining: AI-powered tools and systems can automate repetitive tasks, streamline processes, and reduce manual effort, allowing individuals to focus on more meaningful and impactful work.
Time Management: By utilizing AI and automation, individuals can free up time and mental resources, enabling them to allocate their energy towards tasks that require creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Adaptability and Growth Mindset: Just as actors must adapt to emerging technologies, individuals in any field can benefit from embracing change and maintaining a growth mindset. The willingness to learn and explore new possibilities fosters personal and professional growth, enhancing productivity and success.
Innovation and Creativity: Integrating AI into workflows opens up opportunities for innovation, enabling individuals to leverage AI's capabilities to generate fresh ideas, analyze data, and approach problem-solving from new perspectives.
Staying Relevant: The podcast discussion underscores the importance of staying relevant in a rapidly evolving world. Embracing AI and technology ensures individuals remain competitive and adaptable in their respective industries.
Efficiency and Effectiveness: AI-driven tools and systems can enhance efficiency and effectiveness by providing intelligent insights, optimizing resource allocation, and assisting in decision-making processes.
Leveraging AI Responsibly: The podcast highlights the need to approach AI integration responsibly, with considerations for privacy, consent, and ethical guidelines, ensuring that the benefits of AI are harnessed ethically and in alignment with productivity goals.
Continuous Learning and Upskilling: Embracing AI necessitates ongoing learning and upskilling to maximize its potential. Individuals can proactively seek opportunities to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage AI effectively.
Transformative Potential: The discussion emphasizes that AI's transformative potential extends beyond entertainment, demonstrating how it can revolutionize productivity, shape industries, and push the boundaries of what is achievable.
