Thompson LLP's Cathy Perifimos, who has extensive experience in the entertainment industry, recently offered a nuanced perspective on the long-term implications of Open AI's Sora technology, which has the ability to generate video clips based on user prompts and visual art.
Perifimos specifically addressed two major concerns within the film industry related to Sora: copyright infringement and job replacement.
Copyright Concerns Related to Generative AI
The question of whether AI models can be lawfully trained using copyrighted materials will continue to be litigated and artists may subsequently face public backlash for incorporating generative AI in their creative processes. As courts grapple with the legal frameworks surrounding fair use, licensing agreements, and the protection of intellectual property, these decisions may influence how companies and artists navigate the intersection of technology and creativity. Artists who adopt generative AI in their work may face not only legal uncertainties but also public backlash, as audiences question the authenticity and originality of AI-generated art. This tension between innovation and the preservation of creative rights is likely to shape both the future of copyright law and the public's reception of AI-driven creativity.
AI’s Impact on Filmmaking Careers
On the issue of job security within the film industry, Perifimos offers an optimistic outlook: “There's certainly a possibility that this technology works to eliminate some jobs in the entertainment industry in the near future. On the other hand, there is definitely a camp of filmmakers that believes Sora can enhance their filmmaking by making it easier to experiment and take risks that are too costly or difficult in traditional filmmaking. This perspective – that Sora can expand and not reduce what is possible in filmmaking – might ultimately be a boon to the industry."
Ultimately, the entertainment industry "is going to have to learn to accept the prevalence of generative AI tools like Sora" and create appropriate guidelines. Instead of fearing it, it might be more productive for filmmakers to seize the opportunity to use generative AI as a tool that adds to creativity, makes creation accessible to more audiences, and enhances audience experiences.