London's Prince Charles Cinema canceled the world premiere of “The Last Screenwriter” after receiving complaints about the use of ChatGPT to write the film's script.
Swiss director Peter Luisi employed the generative artificial intelligence chatbot to write the movie and gave the AI the credit for the screenplay. Aptly enough for a script composed by an AI, “The Last Screenwriter” is about a famous screenwriter dealing with an AI screenwriter named “ChatGPT 4.0,” surpassing it and somehow understanding humanity better than the actual human being.
Luisi produced the script through a series of prompts to ChatGPT, beginning by asking him to “write a plot for a feature film where a screenwriter realizes that he is less good at writing than artificial intelligence.” He continued with the AI by asking it to compose outlines and scenes, as well as name the characters in the film. With some editing, the script was complete.
The film's press kit even includes a statement from the 'screenwriter', who is very proud of the script.
“As the screenwriter of 'The Last Screenwriter,' I'm excited to bring this thought-provoking story to life on the page,” ChatGPT is quoted as saying. “At its core, the film explores the intersection between technology and human creativity, and asks the question: can machines really replace the human experience when it comes to art and storytelling?”
That almost sounds too human.
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However, just before the premiere, the cinema canceled the event due to an avalanche of complaints from the public. While trying to avoid this specific controversy, the theater stressed that the issue of AI in entertainment is a broader issue than just this film and the politics of one theater.
“The feedback we received over the last 24 hours once we announced the film has highlighted the serious concern of many of our viewers about using AI instead of a writer, which addresses a broader issue within the film. industry,” Prince Charles wrote. in his statement.
Proponents of AI in entertainment say it can offer innovative solutions and new perspectives. However, many worry about what it could mean for creative employment and even the future of storytelling.
Generative AI and its uses were at the center of recent union strikes by film writers and actors, and both agreements addressed how companies should approach the technology. Still, it's not likely to be a settled issue when the technology itself is evolving so rapidly.
Don't cry for ChatGPT. Director Luisi still occupied the screens of family and friends. Additionally, there are plans to release the film for free online on June 27 and post the script and how it was created by ChatGPT.
