Artificial intelligence
AI writes script – cinema does not show film
Filmmaker Peter Luisi: “The status quo no longer exists, we have to accept it.” Photo
© Urs Flueeler/KEYSTONE/dpa
A film about a filmmaker who realizes that artificial intelligence is better than him – with this, a Swiss screenwriter wants to start a debate. The controversy comes quicker than expected.
The Prince Charles Cinema in Soho got cold feet because there were negative comments on the announcement on the short message portal X. “It’s a shame,” Luisi told the German Press Agency. “I think that bowing to such comments is not the right way to go. But I respect that.”
What the film is about
The film “The Last Screenwriter” is about screenwriter Jack, who is shocked to discover that AI writes better screenplays than he does. “Hello Jack, I’m your new screenwriting assistant,” says a nice female voice in the film to Jack, who then takes over the work for him. She appears to be talking to the author.
Viewers don’t actually notice the AI because it was filmed with real actors, on real locations. Luisi wanted to start a debate about the topic with the film, as he told the dpa. “I’m a screenwriter myself and I see the problem,” he said. “Closing your eyes and pretending that AI isn’t there won’t work. The status quo no longer exists, we have to accept it. Let’s talk about it.” He doesn’t know where AI will lead the film business either. Personally, he is rather old-fashioned and likes classic storytelling.
Why the cinema backed out
The cinema wrote on X that in the comments on the film’s announcement, many people had expressed great concerns about the use of AI instead of a screenwriter. That’s why the cinema decided not to show the film. “Our decision is based on our passion for films and on listening to those who support what we do.” Luisi says the commentators did not know that it was a nonprofit film that was meant to spark a debate.
The use of AI in the film industry was already an issue during the months-long strike in Hollywood last year. The agreement that ended the strike offers protection against the unregulated use of AI for the first time. Actors and actresses were thus forced to expressly consent to digital imitation via AI.
Where the film will be shown
Luisi now wants to show the film only for employees and guests in another cinema in London. It was shot in English. “The AI script is amazingly good,” he says. After the premiere was canceled, “the film’s festival and cinema career was dead,” he says. He wants to make the film available for free on the associated website soon. He doesn’t have to make any money from it. Luisi had just had great success with the comedy “Bon Schuur Ticino” about the Swiss coming to terms with their linguistic diversity in Switzerland. This gave him funding that would have been enough to produce the Screenwriter film.