Acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky is behind a new streaming series that utilizes AI to help recreate scenes from the Revolutionary War. The Best Director Academy Award nominee has delivered innovative films throughout his career, beginning with his debut feature, 1998’s haunting Pi, and continuing with experimental films like Hugh Jackman’s The Fountain, Jennifer Lawrence’s Mother!, and even a bold take on a biblical story in Noah. Aronofsky recently gave audiences Caught Stealing, one of the director’s more mainstream efforts, with his next project looking to bring American history to streaming audiences.
As reported by THR, Aronofsky is partnering with TIME magazine and Google DeepMind to produce a new streaming series for TIME’s YouTube channel. The director is serving as an executive producer for the series through Primordial Soup, an AI-focused production venture backed by Aronofsky. Called On This Day… 1776, the short-form streaming series will focus on pivotal dates from the titular year, with the episodes rolling out with a distinct hook, as they will be released on the 250th anniversary of each episode’s topic.
On This Day… 1776 will use SAG actors to narrate each episode, with visuals crafted using AI. The company addressed the show’s setup, calling it a “combination of traditional filmmaking tools and emerging AI capabilities.” The first two episodes of the unique new show debut this Thursday, focusing on George Washington raising the Continental Union Flag and Benjamin Franklin’s questioning upon Thomas Paine’s arrival. The creators of On This Day… 1776 noted that their goal is:
“Reframing the Revolution not as a foregone conclusion but as a fragile experiment shaped by those who fought for it.”
What Is the Future of AI in Hollywood?
AI and Hollywood are in a unique spot. While many, like Aronofsky, are embracing the possibilities it presents, allowing a show like On This Day… 1776 to become a reality. However, many others see the new technology as a betrayal of the art form, as AI is trained on other people’s work. Furthermore, it may hinder a career with SAG-AFTRA, as the union has voiced concerns, and strikes and negotiations with studios have occurred in recent years. There has even been a recent campaign to raise awareness of the growing problem, backed by Scarlett Johansson and Cate Blanchett.
AI actress Tilly Norwood caused a stir when it was announced that she had landed an agent and was seeking projects. While the studio that created her was ultimately acting as her agent, it marked the start of a potentially dangerous timeline that could see more actors like Norwood enter the argument. Numerous actors condemned Norwood and the industry’s acceptance of replacing humans in film and TV. While the AI revolution is in full swing, the technology has not yet been perfected, and limitations keep it from taking over the industry. Still, with filmmakers like Aronofsky pioneering the use of AI in the industry, numerous concerns remain.
What’s upsetting some is that the creators of Norwood recently stated that actors should make AI copies of themselves or “be left behind.” While there could be a genuine benefit for some, as actors like Bruce Willis signed over likeness rights, it presents a scary future for the entertainment industry. While new shows like On This Day… 1776 present distinct new possibilities, it enters the AI landscape at a shaky time.
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