The Future of Film Extras: Kevin O’leary Sparks Debate on AI’s Role in “Marty Supreme” and Beyond
The film industry is no stranger to disruption, but a recent conversation sparked by “Shark Tank” host Kevin O’Leary is igniting a especially heated debate: could Artificial Intelligence (AI) replace human extras on film sets? O’Leary’s comments, made during an appearance on The hill’s World of Travel: The Podcast, centered around his small acting role in James Mangold’s upcoming “Marty supreme,” starring timothée Chalamet, and the potential for significant cost savings through AI implementation. But is this a pragmatic solution for a budget-conscious industry, or a threat to the livelihoods of background performers? Let’s dive into the details, the implications, and what this means for the future of filmmaking.
“Marty supreme” and the High Cost of Crowd Scenes
“Marty Supreme,” a 1950s-set ping pong drama from A24, is already making waves as the studio’s moast expensive feature to date, costing upwards of $60 million. O’Leary, making his acting debut alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, highlighted the financial burden of large crowd scenes. He pointed to scenes requiring as many as 150 extras, each demanding a full day’s pay and logistical support.
“Those people have to stay awake for 18 hours, be entirely dressed in the background…[They’re] not necessarily in the movie, but they’re necessary to be there, moving around,” O’Leary explained. He estimates these scenes can cost millions, money that could be reinvested into other aspects of production – potentially even allowing directors to create more films.
The AI Solution: A Cost-Effective Choice?
O’Leary proposes a compelling alternative: replacing human extras with AI-generated agents.He argues that for background characters who aren’t central to the narrative, the visual difference is negligible.
“Why couldn’t you simply put AI agents in their place?” he asked. “You could save millions of dollars, so more movies could be made.” He believes this isn’t about replacing actors, but about strategically utilizing technology to optimize budgets and foster creativity.
This isn’t a new idea. The use of AI in filmmaking is rapidly expanding, from scriptwriting assistance to visual effects. However, the suggestion of replacing people with AI, even in a supporting role, is proving controversial.
Industry Pushback: Concerns and Counterarguments
Unsurprisingly, O’Leary’s comments have been met with strong resistance from within the industry. Concerns center around job displacement, the ethical implications of using AI to replicate human presence, and the potential for a homogenized, less authentic aesthetic.
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and performers, has been a vocal opponent of unregulated AI use in filmmaking.Their recent negotiations with the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) focused heavily on protecting performers from unauthorized digital replication and ensuring fair compensation for the use of their likenesses. https://www.sagaftra.org/
Many argue that extras aren’t simply “visual filler.” They contribute to the atmosphere and realism of a scene, and their presence can subtly influence the performances of lead actors. Furthermore, for many aspiring actors, extra work provides valuable on-set experience and networking opportunities.
The Current state of AI in Film: Beyond extras
While the debate over AI extras is gaining traction, AI is already being utilized in numerous other facets of filmmaking:
* Visual Effects (VFX): AI-powered tools are streamlining VFX workflows, automating tasks like rotoscoping and compositing.
* Script Analysis: AI can analyze scripts for pacing, character development, and potential audience engagement.
* Previsualization: AI assists in creating preliminary visualizations of scenes,helping directors plan shots and sequences.
* dubbing and Localization: AI-driven translation and voice cloning technologies are making it easier to dub films into multiple languages.
* Deepfakes & Digital Doubles: While ethically complex, AI is used to create digital doubles for perilous stunts or to de-age actors.
Recent research from Deloitte indicates that the global market for AI in media and entertainment is projected to reach $14.6 billion by 2028, demonstrating
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