The internet, a breeding ground for memes and a battleground for film trailers, has delivered its verdict on “Next Stop Paris,” the first-ever AI-generated film – and it ain’t pretty.
TCLtv+ Studios, a name more familiar for televisions and mobile phones than Hollywood, unveiled the trailer for their upcoming summer release. The film promises a romantic tale set in the City of Lights, but it’s the supposed innovation – the use of AI-generated visuals – that has netizens reaching for the popcorn (to throw, perhaps?).
While the plot summary itself isn’t exactly groundbreaking – girl meets mysterious man on a train, love story ensues – it’s the AI’s attempt at bringing this story to life that has viewers scratching their heads. Critics point out inconsistencies galore: clocks with Roman numerals that would make Julius Caesar do a double take, reflections defying the laws of physics, and characters whose appearances seem to morph and change on a whim, triggering the infamous “uncanny valley” effect – that unsettling feeling you get when something appears almost, but not quite, human.
TCLtv+ Studios acknowledges these shortcomings. Script issues seem like a walk in the park compared to the current limitations of AI in crafting believable visuals, admits Chris Regina, the company’s content chief. He highlights character consistency as a major hurdle they’re actively trying to overcome.
Despite the online roasting, Regina remains optimistic. The trailer, he says, serves as a glimpse into their work and a marker of their entry into the world of original programming. He emphasizes their commitment to refining the technology as it rapidly advances.
So, should actors and filmmakers be concerned that machines will eventually replace them? Most likely not, particularly in light of the SAG-AFTRA strike and the subsequent negotiations from last year. However, there is no denying AI’s increasing influence in cinema. “Next Stop Paris” may not be a classic of film, but it serves as a timely reminder that artificial intelligence’s role in narrative is still in its infancy. It’s unclear if artificial intelligence (AI) will be able to contribute more than just special effects to the creative process, or if it can actually become a true collaborator. There’s little doubt about it: the internet will be closely monitoring, popcorn in hand, and ready to offer criticism at every turn.
