George Lucas: Resisting AI in Filmmaking is Futile
The 'Star Wars' creator argues that artificial intelligence will inevitably become a key part of cinema, comparing opposition to clinging to horse-drawn carriages.
Star Wars creator George Lucas believes that resistance to incorporating artificial intelligence into filmmaking is a losing battle, asserting that AI will become an essential component of cinema.
Speaking with A Rabbit's Foot, Lucas, 82, stated that AI "means it's much easier for us to make movies." He likened the opposition to AI in Hollywood to someone arguing for the superiority of horse-drawn carriages over automobiles.
"There's nothing you can do about it," Lucas said. "That's progress, it's the future." He explained that AI offers distinct advantages for filmmakers, noting its ability to identify fake content and trace its origins, a task he believes is beyond human capability.
"Humans can't, we're not that smart," he said. "The whole idea is you're a human being, you're responsible for what you say and what you do, and if you're doing something that's illegal you should be punished for that.
"Whatever you do, you should be recognized. It's just like real life."
Lucas also expressed his disdain for using focus groups to shape film narratives. He argued that audiences do not always know what they want to see and that their input, when misinterpreted by studios, can lead to films being compromised.
"If they don't like a character, that's interesting, and as a filmmaker I want to find out why," Lucas said. "But when the studios hear that, they take the wrong message - they let the audience actually make the movie."
He criticized studios for becoming "crazy with" focus groups and attempting to cater to "what the fans think," which he deems a flawed strategy. Lucas emphasized that moviemaking should be driven by individuals with a clear vision and passion for storytelling.
"That isn't how you make the movie," he stated. "You make a movie by finding someone that knows how to make movies, that has a story to tell and is passionate about it."
Lucas, also known for creating the Indiana Jones franchise, believes that audiences attend movies because "the stories move you emotionally" and that "art is an emotional medium."
He recalled feedback on characters like Jar Jar Binks and the Ewoks from the Star Wars saga, where initial criticisms eventually gave way to acceptance or even affection from fans, illustrating his point about the unpredictable nature of audience reception and the potential pitfalls of letting it dictate creative decisions.