Panel at Red Sea Film Festival Explores AI's Role in the Future of Storytelling
A panel at the Red Sea International Film Festival discussed AI's growing role in Hollywood as a tool to enhance creativity and streamline production, predicting job evolution and new opportunities rather than widespread job losses.
The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and Hollywood was front and center during a panel discussion at the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Titled “Can AI Be a Creative Partner?”, the session, moderated by AI expert and Saudi businesswoman Fatmah Baothman, examined the opportunities and challenges AI presents to the entertainment industry. Panelists included Chris Jacquemin, head of digital strategy at WME, Diana Williams, co-founder of Kinetic Energy Entertainment, and Jennifer Howell, chief creative officer at Deep Voodoo, the AI and deepfake video company founded by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
The discussion touched on AI’s role in reshaping creative jobs, streamlining production processes, and its potential for innovation in storytelling. Jacquemin noted the growing interest from Hollywood studios, despite the absence of major AI-driven films to date. Howell confirmed that Deep Voodoo is actively collaborating with several studios, emphasizing that the industry is still in the exploratory phase of integrating AI into filmmaking.
Deep Voodoo, which garnered attention for its AI-driven deepfake projects like Sassy Justice and a Kendrick Lamar music video, demonstrated how AI can serve as a tool for parody and visual effects. For instance, the team digitally de-aged Billy Crystal for the Apple TV+ series Before. Howell highlighted that the technology can accelerate technical aspects of production, enabling creatives to concentrate on storytelling rather than mundane tasks.
However, the panelists were quick to dispel fears of AI completely overtaking human roles in the entertainment industry. Howell stressed that actors remain integral, even in scenarios involving deepfakes, as their performances drive the authenticity of the technology. While certain jobs may evolve or shift, the overall sentiment was that AI will create new roles rather than cause widespread job losses. Howell pointed to the emergence of professions like deepfake artists as an example of how technological advancements lead to new opportunities.
Jacquemin echoed this perspective, suggesting that AI could democratize access to filmmaking tools and storytelling. He likened the current moment to the rise of YouTube, which enabled a new generation of creators to share their work with the world. By streamlining pre-production tasks such as mood board creation and story outlining, AI acts as a co-pilot rather than a replacement for human creativity.
The economic implications of AI’s efficiency gains remain uncertain, Williams noted, especially regarding its impact on industry professionals. She also highlighted the importance of intellectual property and copyright considerations as studios navigate the integration of AI technologies. Howell underscored this point, describing AI as a storytelling tool rather than a substitute for human ingenuity.
The session underscored a cautious yet optimistic approach to AI in Hollywood, framing it as an enhancement to creative processes rather than a disruptive force. The discussion began with an AI-generated video of animated speaking voices, a fitting demonstration of the technology’s potential to engage audiences in new and innovative ways. As the entertainment industry continues to explore AI, its role as a collaborative partner in storytelling is poised to evolve, offering both challenges and exciting opportunities for creators.