Hollywood creates its own dystopia: the future of entertainment is no longer as it used to be

The brave new world of Artificial Intelligence continues to enchant us, and sometimes, scare us too. A few days after the controversy with Elis Regina starring in Volkswagen's commercial and Madonna's declaration not allowing the use of her image posthumously, Hollywood goes on strike for several reasons, including the use of AI in their productions.

For many decades, Hollywood has captivated audiences with tales of dystopian futures, such as Terminator, I, Robot, Matrix, et cetera. However, in a dramatic twist, Hollywood itself is now facing a dystopian version of its own future, as evidenced by the recent discussion around the "Joan Is Awful" episode of Black Mirror. Amidst the increasing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology, four potential scenarios emerge, shaped by futurist Jim Dator's futures archetypes: growth, collapse, discipline, and transformation.

Growth: In this scenario, we see Hollywood enhancing and leveraging AI to increase content production. AI could take over acting roles, potentially leading to a proliferation of high-quality, low-cost productions. However, reckless use of AI, without proper regulation, could lead to unregulated exploitation of actors' likenesses, as per the Black Mirror series. The fear is that we may be on the verge of a cataclysm, where AI and deepfake technology could be used to undermine the acting profession and the inherent dignity of actors.

Collapse: This scenario envisions a future where AI surpasses the need for human actors, leading to a collapse in the entertainment industry as we know it. AI could take over acting, directing, and even scriptwriting, leaving humans as mere passive spectators. This could lead to the disappearance of vital cultural and social elements inherent in the art of entertainment.

Discipline: Here, we see a future where strict regulation around the use of AI leads to the preservation of the actor's craft and protects the dignity and rights of those involved in the entertainment industry. AI is used responsibly, ensuring that the use of deepfake technology aligns with the rights and dignity of actors. In this scenario, AI coexists with human actors, serving as a tool to enhance content and performance, rather than replacing them.

Transformation: Lastly, in this futuristic scenario, we see a merger of AI and human actors, creating a new form of entertainment where the line between reality and fiction is even more blurred. This is a world where personalized stories become the norm, with AI creating content based on each viewer's individual desires.

These four scenarios provide a framework for considering some of the possible pathways Hollywood entertainment′s industry could take in the future, given the increasing influence of AI. Each has its own implications for the industry and society at large, reinforcing the need for broad debate and prudent regulation around the use of AI in the entertainment industry.

In the end, we as a society, have the power to shape the future we want to see. If we want to avoid the dystopia that Hollywood so frequently portrays, we will need to ensure that the voices of all those affected by these changes are heard, and that steps are taken to protect the interests of everyone involved.

What do you think? I would love to hear your comments ??

And if you're interested in co-creating preferable futures for your organization and the society, we offer the Futures Lab: an experiential training/consultancy/mentorship package that integrates Strategic Foresight, Design Sprints, Agile, and Gamification:

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Gustavo Machado

#AI #Artificialintelligence #Entertainment