BREAKING: Netflix has officially made history by using generative AI in its production of “The Eternaut,” marking the first time the streaming giant has incorporated fully AI-generated shots in a show’s final footage. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos announced this groundbreaking development during a quarterly earnings call on October 19, 2023.
The show, based on a beloved Argentine sci-fi comic, features a remarkable sequence that depicts the dramatic collapse of a building in Buenos Aires. Sarandos emphasized the financial benefits of using generative AI, stating that this innovative approach allowed the complex visual effects to be completed ten times faster than traditional VFX methods.
“The creators were thrilled with the result. We were thrilled with the result. And more importantly, the audience was thrilled with the result,” Sarandos remarked, highlighting the positive reception among both creators and viewers. This rapid execution not only saved costs but also expanded storytelling possibilities, showcasing how AI can revolutionize the production process.
Netflix’s foray into AI is not entirely new. Sarandos previously discussed the use of AI in deaging effects for Martin Scorsese’s film “The Irishman,” revealing that the entire budget for “Pedro Paramo,” another project, was comparable to just the VFX costs of “The Irishman.” This suggests a significant shift in how productions can approach budgeting and technology integration.
However, the rise of AI in Hollywood has sparked controversy. The recent dual actors’ and writers’ strikes in 2023 underscored the tensions surrounding AI utilization in the industry. Many fans expressed their discontent over Disney’s use of AI-generated credit art for the Marvel series “Secret Invasion,” illustrating the growing unease about AI’s role in creative processes.
With Netflix’s announcement, the conversation around AI’s impact on visual effects and storytelling is expected to intensify. The demand for innovative and cost-effective solutions in visual storytelling is more crucial than ever, especially as audiences increasingly expect spectacular visual experiences.
As the industry adapts to these technological advancements, all eyes will be on how Netflix and its competitors navigate the delicate balance between leveraging AI and addressing the concerns of creators and audiences alike.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
