Jon M. Chu, the director of 'Wicked: For Good', believes that human improvisation is what makes some of the most memorable moments in cinema truly special - and AI couldn't have replicated those exact moments.
The director made his thoughts clear during a recent interview at WIRED's Big Interview event in San Francisco. He cited the iconic scene where Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, winks at the camera while putting on her witchy cape as an example of what can't be replicated by AI. Chu explained that if he had written this moment into the script beforehand, it would have felt forced and artificial.
Instead, Erivo's spontaneous reaction during filming created a moment that has become forever etched in fans' minds. "Since she did it in the moment, it becomes an image that lasts forever," Chu said. "That's what makes cinema and art beautiful."
Chu's experience with 'Wicked: For Good', where he worked closely with his cast to build genuine relationships between characters, also underscores the importance of human connection in filmmaking. The director believes that this bond helped fans feel more invested in the story, leading to a successful marketing campaign centered around the relationships built by the actors during filming.
In contrast to AI's potential for information gathering and organization, Chu sees value in the flexibility that comes with human creativity. "When I started directing, I was built by the generosity of this place," he said, referencing his upbringing in a Chinese restaurant where tech-savvy customers would offer him resources when they heard about his filmmaking ambitions.
Chu's openness to AI technology, however, suggests that he is also willing to explore its possibilities. He has taken steps to learn more about how to incorporate AI into his filmmaking process, acknowledging the potential benefits of this technology for information gathering and organization.
For Chu, it seems that the key to creating memorable cinema lies not in replicating perfect moments through AI but rather embracing the unpredictability of human creativity. By giving room for spontaneity and genuine connection between actors, directors can craft cinematic experiences that endure long after the credits roll.
The director made his thoughts clear during a recent interview at WIRED's Big Interview event in San Francisco. He cited the iconic scene where Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, winks at the camera while putting on her witchy cape as an example of what can't be replicated by AI. Chu explained that if he had written this moment into the script beforehand, it would have felt forced and artificial.
Instead, Erivo's spontaneous reaction during filming created a moment that has become forever etched in fans' minds. "Since she did it in the moment, it becomes an image that lasts forever," Chu said. "That's what makes cinema and art beautiful."
Chu's experience with 'Wicked: For Good', where he worked closely with his cast to build genuine relationships between characters, also underscores the importance of human connection in filmmaking. The director believes that this bond helped fans feel more invested in the story, leading to a successful marketing campaign centered around the relationships built by the actors during filming.
In contrast to AI's potential for information gathering and organization, Chu sees value in the flexibility that comes with human creativity. "When I started directing, I was built by the generosity of this place," he said, referencing his upbringing in a Chinese restaurant where tech-savvy customers would offer him resources when they heard about his filmmaking ambitions.
Chu's openness to AI technology, however, suggests that he is also willing to explore its possibilities. He has taken steps to learn more about how to incorporate AI into his filmmaking process, acknowledging the potential benefits of this technology for information gathering and organization.
For Chu, it seems that the key to creating memorable cinema lies not in replicating perfect moments through AI but rather embracing the unpredictability of human creativity. By giving room for spontaneity and genuine connection between actors, directors can craft cinematic experiences that endure long after the credits roll.
. I mean, have you seen that Elphaba wink scene? 
That was pure magic! AI might be able to gather info and organize it, but it can't replicate the spark of human creativity like that. And it's not just about the script - it's about building genuine connections between actors and characters. When it feels real, it feels special 
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. AI might be able to help with that info gathering and organization, but it can't replace the human touch.
. As a fan, I love seeing my favorite actors and actresses bring characters to life in ways that feel authentic and unique 
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I remember watching 'Wicked: For Good' and it still gives me chills whenever Cynthia Erivo puts on that witchy cape 
The director is right, if he had written that in beforehand it would have felt so forced and artificial 
I love how Chu emphasizes human connection over AI tech, it makes total sense 
cant have ai replicate thos exact feelinz n stuff. its not jus about throwin sum actz on screen n hopin they get away w/ it, nope! u gotta hav real connections between ppl, like betwern actors & directors. dat's whut makes u go "wow, i need 2 c more of dis" 
n even tho ai is cool n all, i think we shud just let humans b humans, u kno? 
. Jon M. Chu gets it, he knows that some moments in cinema are just too special to be replicated by machines 
. I mean think about it, Elphaba winking at the camera... that's not something you can script or program 
. It's the little things like human connection and spontaneity that make movies truly unforgettable 
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. He's all about embracing creativity and unpredictability, which I think is the key to making great cinema 
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. It's all about embracing that unpredictability and letting creativity shine through unscripted 
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! I mean, AI is great and all, but it's just not the same as having a talented cast and crew work together to create something special