Hollywood’s great divide: Can AI create movie magic?

Hollywood’s biggest issue? Artificial intelligence.

AI is integrating into every area of the film industry: writing, editing, and even actors like Tilly Norwood. As technology becomes more advanced, the entertainment industry is asking itself a difficult question — is AI a tool that enhances creativity or a threat that could replace it?

Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese called using AI in the pre-production process “creatively freeing.” On top of directing legendary films like The Wolf of Wall Street, Scorsese is also an adviser to AI company Black Forest Labs, whose AI tool he was endorsing.

His comments carried additional weight because his 2019 film, The Irishman, used AI to de-age actors.

While some welcomed Scorsese’s comments, others viewed them as another sign that Hollywood is embracing AI too quickly. The controversy surrounding his remarks shows how divided the industry is.

For many artists, writers, and actors, concerns about AI are with job security, not the technology’s efficiency. If studios use AI to generate scripts, edit footage, create visual effects, and even replicate people — human labour is not needed.

When the Writers Guild of America, a union that represents more than 18,000 writers, went on strike in 2023, AI was a key issue.

The strike shed light on the growing anxieties within the film industry, including how studios might prioritize cost savings over creative workers. Writers didn’t want to outlaw AI use, rather they negotiated guardrails so the technology can’t be used to replace them.

Despite concerns, supporters within Hollywood argue that the technology is misunderstood. Some view AI as a creative assistant and asset rather than a replacement.

Much like how editing software, computer-generated imagery, and digital cameras transformed filmmaking in previous decades, supporters believe that AI could simply become another tool that helps artists bring their ideas to life.

However, a major part of the argument centres around ethics. One of the most controversial issues involves copyright.

Many AI systems are trained using vast amounts of existing content, including scripts, artwork and other creative works.

Hollywood’s divide over AI continues while it’s already being implemented in films. There’s no longer a discussion of “if” or “when.” Instead, the industry must decide how much influence artificial intelligence should have, and where the boundaries should be placed.

Innovation has always shaped the entertainment industry, but protecting creative labour should remain a priority. AI may offer new possibilities for filmmakers, but Hollywood must ensure that technological progress does not come at the expense of the artists who make storytelling possible.

Remember folks, we had great films long before we had AI.