Jacobson, a pivotal figure in bringing Suzanne Collins' dystopian world to the big screen, explained that AI serves as a valuable preliminary tool in the demanding process of ADR. For 'Sunrise on the Reaping,' which recently wrapped post-production, the production team employed AI-generated approximations of actors' voices to try out different line readings. This allows them to experiment with various dialogue options quickly and efficiently, streamlining a stage that traditionally involves editors manually inserting temporary lines or bringing in actors for early, potentially discarded, takes.

"When you have ADR you want try out, you used to either have the editor getting in there with the lines you wanted… Just for something you’re trying out that you might not even keep. [AI] is a great tool to use ADR," Jacobson told the audience at the IndieWire event.

Crucially, Jacobson underscored that this application is strictly for testing and never makes it into the finished product. The definitive dialogue is always recorded by the actual actors, preserving the authentic performances that define the franchise. She views AI as a "tool for artists" and "not a substitute" for human talent, whether in front of or behind the camera.

Her stance on AI's limitations extends to the creative process itself. Jacobson firmly stated, "We would still never use it because it’s not our actors." Furthermore, she clarified that AI is not employed for writing or developing story elements: "I don’t ask Claude, ‘What should they say?’ I don’t ask Claude to finish the movie for us." For her, the technology’s utility lies in its capacity to advance production work and lead to better creative outcomes, rather than replacing the fundamental human elements of filmmaking.

'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' is set to hit theaters on November 20. This prequel marks the sixth film adaptation in the beloved series, which first captivated audiences in 2012. Jacobson highlighted the franchise's enduring relevance, noting that the films consistently echo contemporary societal issues. She explained that the previous installment, 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,' delved into the allure of authoritarianism, while 'Sunrise on the Reaping' will explore themes of resistance and the long-term impact of challenging the status quo.

Jacobson's commitment to the source material is also evident in the franchise's longevity. She affirmed that new films are only made when author Suzanne Collins writes a new book, ensuring the integrity and narrative depth of the 'Hunger Games' universe. Her approach to AI mirrors this philosophy: a powerful instrument to enhance, but never to supersede, the human artistry and storytelling at the heart of filmmaking.