Filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov is Betting Big on AI-Generated Actors. But Is it Worth the $5 Million Investment?
A decade-long project, costing a whopping $5 million, has finally reached its launch date in December. Stanislavski, a program developed by Bekmambetov, aims to utilize Method acting techniques to create lifelike AI-generated characters.
During a Zoom demonstration of the tech, Bekmambetov explained how he wants to give character development more context. "If a character is staring out a window with a sad look, I won’t just tell the AI, ‘He’s sad,’” Bekmambetov said. “In the prompt I’ll use the Stanislavski system and write something like ‘His dog died yesterday, and the sunset is reminding him of what it was like to play with his dog in the park.’"
This technology works by taking a script and breaking down the action into suggested shots and sequences that can be reshaped by filmmakers during production. The AI program also functions as an interface for department heads, such as cinematographers, production designers, and editors, to share notes and feedback.
AI is set to revolutionize filmmaking in 2023 with big-budget projects like "Mercy," a thriller about a man who must prove his innocence to an AI judge. The film was created using AI before shooting even began.
"Stanislavski can show them the final cut,” Bekmambetov said, highlighting how producers and filmmakers were more open to feedback than usual.
In another project, "The Man With A Shattered World," director Bekmambetov will be telling a story that is almost entirely AI-generated, as a tribute to Russian psychologist A.R. Luria’s techniques for reprogramming the brain.
While there's skepticism about whether AI can replace traditional actors, Bekmambetov believes creative work cannot be replaced.
A decade-long project, costing a whopping $5 million, has finally reached its launch date in December. Stanislavski, a program developed by Bekmambetov, aims to utilize Method acting techniques to create lifelike AI-generated characters.
During a Zoom demonstration of the tech, Bekmambetov explained how he wants to give character development more context. "If a character is staring out a window with a sad look, I won’t just tell the AI, ‘He’s sad,’” Bekmambetov said. “In the prompt I’ll use the Stanislavski system and write something like ‘His dog died yesterday, and the sunset is reminding him of what it was like to play with his dog in the park.’"
This technology works by taking a script and breaking down the action into suggested shots and sequences that can be reshaped by filmmakers during production. The AI program also functions as an interface for department heads, such as cinematographers, production designers, and editors, to share notes and feedback.
AI is set to revolutionize filmmaking in 2023 with big-budget projects like "Mercy," a thriller about a man who must prove his innocence to an AI judge. The film was created using AI before shooting even began.
"Stanislavski can show them the final cut,” Bekmambetov said, highlighting how producers and filmmakers were more open to feedback than usual.
In another project, "The Man With A Shattered World," director Bekmambetov will be telling a story that is almost entirely AI-generated, as a tribute to Russian psychologist A.R. Luria’s techniques for reprogramming the brain.
While there's skepticism about whether AI can replace traditional actors, Bekmambetov believes creative work cannot be replaced.
I don't know man, investing $5 million in AI-generated actors just feels like we're chasing a ghost 
. Remember when films were all about the method actor thing? Marlon Brando's performances were legendary because he got into character, you know? Not just some algorithm spitting out lines on a screen. I mean, what's next? Creating entire movies with AI-generated extras that look like they're from a bad 90s sci-fi film? 
Not to mention the whole 'emotional depth' thing... how do you even program in 'dog died yesterday'? 
Give me a break.
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Worth $5M investment? 
I'm all for it... until the characters start looking like they're stuck in a never-ending loop of boredom 
[GIF of a character repeating the same line over and over: 
"I'm a sentient AI, but I have no feelings." repeat]
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[GIF of a person watching a blank wall: 
The fact that Timur Bekmambetov is investing $5 million in Stanislavski makes me think he's all about pushing boundaries and creating something revolutionary. And you know what? It might just work! I love the idea of giving character development more context, like using a personal tragedy to create a deeper connection with the audience. That's where the magic happens, right? 
. Can't wait to see what other crazy stuff they come up with!
! Think about it, no more worrying about actor availability or budgets. You just write your script and BAM! The Stanislavski system does the rest 
. And Bekmambetov's got a vision for how it can bring more depth to films 
. I mean, can you imagine seeing the exact same take 10 times because of some AI actor? No thanks 
.