Disney director discusses AI’s impact on animation and film industry
- Rob Minkoff discussed AI's role in filmmaking, describing it as a 'Wild West' with few regulations.
- He highlighted AI's potential to lower production costs and democratize content creation, leading to a diversity of voices.
- Despite concerns about copyright and job displacement, Minkoff believes the positive momentum of AI in film will persist.
Rob Minkoff, co-director of Disney's 1994 animated classic, discussed the implications of artificial intelligence in filmmaking during an interview with CNBC. He described AI as a 'Wild West' with minimal regulations, highlighting both its potential to democratize the film industry and the legitimate concerns surrounding copyright and intellectual property. Minkoff emphasized that AI could significantly reduce production costs by making advanced tools accessible to a broader range of creators, potentially leading to a surge in diverse content. He acknowledged the fears surrounding AI's impact on jobs, drawing parallels to the introduction of computer animation in the 1990s, which also raised concerns about employment in the industry. Despite these worries, Minkoff believes that the momentum of AI in filmmaking will continue to grow, as it offers new opportunities for creativity and innovation. The Reply AI Film Festival, held during the Venice International Film Festival, showcased filmmakers utilizing AI to create short films, further illustrating the evolving landscape of the industry. The festival began as an internal competition within the tech firm Reply, demonstrating the rapid advancements in technology for creative work. Minkoff's insights reflect a broader conversation about the balance between embracing technological advancements and addressing the ethical implications they bring to the film industry.