Ben Affleck and James Cameron Weigh In on AI in Hollywood: A Tale of Two Perspectives
In a recent episode of Joe Rogan’s podcast, Ben Affleck shared his thoughts on AI, and while he certainly sounded intelligent, his insights on the topic left much to be desired. It seems Affleck is going through what psychologists call the "six stages of grief," particularly the "bargaining" phase, as he struggles to come to terms with the realities of AI in the entertainment industry. His mention of the infamous six-finger glitch in 2023's image generation—or rather, his lack thereof—only highlights his detachment from the nitty-gritty of AI advancements.
Affleck’s comments bring to mind the publicity stunt involving Tilly Norwood, which he seemingly took at face value. This underscores a broader point: if the difference isn't discernible, then, for all practical purposes, there is no difference. Fortunately for Affleck, his celebrity status ensures that he won’t be replaced by an algorithm anytime soon.
James Cameron's Bold Claim
Meanwhile, James Cameron made headlines by stating he would save 300 million in question comprises fees and salaries for real people, after all. Unlike Affleck, Cameron sits on the board of Stability AI, so his assertion comes across as either ignorant or disingenuous. Either way, it’s a disappointing stance from someone of his stature.
The Real Victims of AI and Industry Shifts
Ironically, both Affleck and Cameron’s jobs are likely secure, but the same can't be said for middle-class workers in Hollywood. The so-called "below the line" crew—drivers, grips, gaffers, hair stylists, carpenters, and costumers—are the ones who will bear the brunt of AI advancements and other industry changes. These workers have already been suffering due to runaway production moving to cheaper locations, with Netflix even setting up sound stages in New Jersey.
Hollywood Real Estate Under Pressure
The troubles don't stop there. Hollywood’s real estate market is also feeling the strain. Just this week, Goldman Sachs is poised to take over the historic Radford Studio Center in Los Angeles after the current owner, Hackman Capital Partners, defaulted on a roughly $1.1 billion mortgage. The 55-acre lot, once a silent-era movie site and later home to classics like "Gilligan’s Island" and "Seinfeld," will be handed back to lenders following months of unsuccessful restructuring talks.
This default is indicative of broader issues plaguing Hollywood real estate, including declining production and rising financing costs. The property, appraised at about $1.8 billion in 2021, is now set for a different future. Given Los Angeles's housing shortage, it's likely that the land will be repurposed for more lucrative uses, marking yet another shift in the tectonic plates of Tinseltown.
While celebrities like Ben Affleck and James Cameron may continue to make headlines with their takes on AI and cost-saving measures, the real story lies in the impact on Hollywood’s workforce and real estate. As the industry evolves, it's crucial to keep an eye on who stands to lose the most in this rapidly changing landscape.