Why are respected film-makers suddenly embracing AI?

Now actors and writers are supposed to be human. As the Academy released its rules for the 99th Academy Awards, the organization declared that any movies with “AI generated actors” or “AI written screenplays” would be ineligible for acting or writing prizes (but otherwise still eligible). So what do you do, exactly, in a time when we can no longer be sure if AI is a tool or a threat? Hollywood is going to have to make that call soon. The Academy released its latest statement on what’s eligible for an Oscar, including how they’re going to approach AI actors […]

YouTube is expanding its AI deepfake monitoring feature to Hollywood - meaning some celebrity AI videos could soon disappear. The platform's likeness detection feature searches YouTube for AI deepfake content and flags it for public figures enrolled in the program. Public figures can use it to keep track of AI content on YouTube of themselves or request removal (takedowns are evaluated against YouTube's privacy policy, and not every request will be approved). YouTube began testing the feature with content creators last fall; in March, the company expanded the program to politicians and journalists. YouTube says the tool will cover celebriti … Read the full story at The Verge.

Runway’s CEO says AI could help studios make dozens of films for the cost of one, betting volume will boost hit-making odds.

Footage of As Deep As the Grave screened in the US, featuring an authorised visual deepfake of the actor who died in 2025 A trailer has been released for the first film to star an authorised generative AI version of a major Hollywood actor. Val Kilmer was cast in western As Deep As the Grave before his death in April 2025. Production delays meant he never shot any scenes, but the creative team worked with UK-based company Sonantic to create an AI speaking voice based on his old recordings. Continue reading...