Ben Affleck's latest directorial effort, the Netflix-bound film Animals, is making waves not just for its premise but for its reliance on generative artificial intelligence. According to a report by Ecran Large, Affleck has utilized AI "for a lot of things" during the production of the movie, which is set to premiere on the streaming giant.

This revelation places Animals at the forefront of a contentious issue within the entertainment industry. While generative AI offers new creative possibilities and potential cost savings, it has also become a flashpoint for labor disputes and intellectual property concerns. Hollywood's relationship with AI has often been described as a "love-hate" affair, particularly due to legal challenges surrounding what some, including Disney and Universal Pictures, have dubbed "bottomless pits of plagiarism."

Netflix, however, appears to be an enthusiastic adopter of the technology. The streaming platform has openly committed to incorporating AI into its productions, asserting that it does so to protect "great artists." This stance, as noted by Ecran Large, often overlooks the anxieties and potential job displacement faced by technicians and other craftspeople whose roles could be impacted by AI integration.

Affleck's involvement with AI extends beyond just this film. Netflix previously acquired a company specializing in artificial intelligence that was linked to the actor, suggesting a strategic alignment with the technology. This acquisition, coupled with his hands-on use of AI in Animals, positions Affleck as a key figure in the industry's evolving approach to filmmaking.

The use of generative AI in Animals is not an isolated incident. Another high-profile project, Bitcoin, directed by Doug Liman and starring Gal Gadot and Casey Affleck, is also reportedly planning to generate its sets artificially. These examples underscore a broader shift where major studios and platforms are pushing forward with AI adoption, despite its unpopularity with segments of the public and significant portions of the creative community.

As Animals moves closer to its release, its production methods will likely continue to draw scrutiny, serving as a case study for how generative AI can be integrated into large-scale film projects and what that means for the future of filmmaking.