Okay, so, I stumbled across something pretty interesting today. You know how everyone’s talking about AI taking over everything? Well, it looks like Vince Gilligan, the mastermind behind “Breaking Bad,” is hitting the brakes, at least when it comes to his new show, “Pluribus,” on Apple TV.

Apparently, if you stuck around until the very end of the credits, you saw a message loud and clear: “This show was made by humans.” Now, that’s not something you see every day, right? It got me thinking – what’s behind this very deliberate statement?

The article I read on TechCrunch really dives into it, and it got me thinking about a few things. We are, after all, in an interesting place where the lines between human creativity and AI-generated content are getting blurrier. And while I’m all for exploring new tech, I also think there’s something really special about human input, especially in storytelling.

Just consider this: a 2023 study by Stanford University showed that audiences perceive AI-generated stories as less creative and emotionally resonant than those written by humans. This suggests that even though AI can mimic writing styles, it struggles to replicate the authentic emotional depth that viewers connect with.

It’s not just about the story, though. Think about the people behind the camera, the actors bringing the characters to life, the editors crafting the final product. This declaration signals more than just shunning AI; it is about valuing the collaborative spirit of filmmaking as a human endeavor.

And let’s be real, with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike highlighting the importance of human writers, this move by Gilligan could be seen as a powerful statement. Remember, the WGA fought hard to ensure AI isn’t used to diminish the role of human writers. Their 2023 agreement includes provisions to regulate the use of AI in scriptwriting.

There’s something reassuring in knowing that the stories we’re watching are coming from a place of genuine human experience, imagination, and, yeah, even flaws. Flaws are part of what makes us connect!

Here are my main takeaways from this whole “Pluribus” situation:

  1. Human Creativity Still Reigns: Despite the rise of AI, there’s a perceived value in human-created content, especially when it comes to storytelling and emotional connection. Data is backing this.
  2. Intentionality Matters: Putting that disclaimer in the credits wasn’t an accident. It’s a conscious decision to emphasize the human element.
  3. Supporting the Arts: By highlighting human creation, it subtly supports the work of writers, actors, and everyone involved in the production process.
  4. A Nod to the WGA: This move can be interpreted as support to the WGA and their fight for human writers, which resonated with many in the industry.
  5. Transparency is Key: The industry, and viewers, appreciate the transparency about the source of the creative works.

So, yeah, I found that pretty interesting. What do you think? Are you more likely to watch something knowing it was “made by humans”? Let’s chat in the comments!

FAQ About “Pluribus” and AI in Filmmaking

  1. What is “Pluribus” about? Pluribus is a new show on Apple TV created by Vince Gilligan, the creator of “Breaking Bad.” Specific plot details are still emerging.
  2. Why did “Pluribus” include the “Made by Humans” disclaimer? To emphasize that human creativity and effort were central to the show’s creation, rather than relying on AI.
  3. Does this mean Vince Gilligan is against AI? Not necessarily. It suggests he values human input in this specific project and wants to be transparent about its creation.
  4. Is AI being used in filmmaking? Yes, AI is increasingly being used for tasks like script analysis, special effects, and even generating background visuals.
  5. What was the WGA strike about? The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike was largely about fair compensation, job security, and concerns about the use of AI in writing.
  6. How does AI affect writers? AI could potentially replace some writing tasks or be used to generate scripts, impacting the roles and compensation of human writers. This is why the WGA negotiated rules around its use.
  7. Are audiences able to tell the difference between AI-generated and human-created content? Studies suggest that audiences can often perceive differences, with AI-generated content often being seen as less emotionally resonant.
  8. Can AI write a whole movie script? AI can generate scripts, but they often lack the depth, nuance, and originality of human-written scripts. Most AI-generated content still requires human editing and refinement.
  9. Will AI replace actors? While AI can create digital actors, it’s unlikely to completely replace human actors. Audiences often connect with the unique performances and personalities of human actors.
  10. What’s the future of AI in film? AI will likely continue to be integrated into various aspects of filmmaking, but the extent to which it replaces human roles is still uncertain and dependent on ethical guidelines and industry standards.