Ghost in the (Hollywood) Machine: AI tools in the early stages of film production

This talk presents an overview of emerging AI-powered applications in the film industry at the greenlighting stage, where decisions are made as to the feasibility and earning potential of film projects. Through a qualitative analysis of company case studies, interviews, and media discourse, I interrogate and tease out the ethical, cultural, and industrial implications emerging from the use of AI in influencing decisions about film production, particularly the ways the use of AI might influence notions of creativity, labour, and reception. I will also outline three possible research agendas for humanities and social science scholars to critically engage with this nascent phenomenon.