Movies will be the last thing AI will replace - Ben Affleck

t the CNBC Delivering Alpha Summit 2024, Ben Affleck shared his thoughts on the role of AI in filmmaking, providing a nuanced perspective on its potential impact.

While he acknowledged the capabilities of AI, he confidently argued that it lacks the creative intuition and originality required to truly replace human artistry in cinema.

"AI can write you excellent imitative verse that sounds Elizabethan. It cannot write you Shakespeare. The function of having two actors, or three or four actors, in a room and the taste to discern and construct that is something that currently entirely alludes AI’s capability and I think will for a meaningful period of time." - Ben Affleck

The Limits of AI in Art

Affleck emphasized that while AI is powerful in areas of replication and efficiency, it falls short of generating entirely new ideas. He described AI as a tool for cross-pollination rather than creation, noting its inconsistency when compared to human judgment.

This lack of creativity and originality solidifies his belief that AI will not replace human beings in the art of filmmaking.

"It’s not going to replace human beings making films, It may make your background more convincing, it can change the color of your shirt, it can fix mistakes you’ve made. It can make it so you might be able to get two seasons of House of the Dragon in a year instead of one." Ben Affleck

AI as an Enhancement, Not a Replacement

Affleck acknowledged that AI could play a transformative role in streamlining filmmaking processes. Tasks like adjusting visual effects, altering backgrounds, or even accelerating production timelines could benefit greatly from AI.

For instance, it could speed up the production cycle for major TV shows, allowing studios to release new seasons at a faster pace.

However, he firmly stated that the core human aspects of filmmaking—such as interpreting emotions, crafting dialogues, and building on-screen chemistry—remain irreplaceable.

For Affleck, the human element is what makes films resonate with audiences.

A New Revenue Stream for Hollywood?

Beyond its operational benefits, Affleck suggested that AI might unlock new opportunities for Hollywood. He speculated about personalized content creation, where viewers could request custom episodes of their favorite shows, creating an additional revenue stream for the industry.

While acknowledging the disruptive potential of AI in areas like visual effects, Affleck saw these developments as opportunities for innovation rather than threats to creativity.

In conclusion, Ben Affleck believes that AI can complement filmmaking by enhancing efficiency and accessibility, but it cannot replace the unique creative touch that human beings bring to the art of storytelling.