New AI streaming service plots to change television landscape
San Francisco startup The Simulation have announced details of Showrunner, a platform that will allow viewers to create their own shows through artificial intelligence.
The Simulation are most well-known for their AI-generated episodes of South Park, but now they’re turning their attention to Showrunner originals. The concept will enable service users to essentially write and direct their own shows, tailoring the dialogue, voices and animation of the AI TV shows they are watching through short pieces of text.
During a conversation with Forbes about his new AI endeavour, Edward Saatchi, who founded and serves as CEO of The Simulation, stated, “It’s the Netflix of AI. Watch an episode, or make an episode.”
A waiting list for Showrunner has already opened, which will allow those interested early access to the platform. According to the webpage, 50,000 people have already signed up.
A number of original series posters, including Exit Valley, Pixels and Sim Francisco, tease the animation styles and worlds on offer. “Imagine producing your own TV show about any idea imaginable,” an accompanying teaser video states, “Just think it. Then watch it. Get ready for the simulated show revolution.”
The announcement follows ongoing discussions about the use of artificial intelligence in film and television, with many industry professionals sharing their skepticism.
The issue was a major talking point in the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes last year, which saw writers and actors standing together on the picket line. One of their main concerns was the use of AI tools in writers rooms and in place of real actors. Several big names in the industry have spoken out about the threat of artificial intelligence, including action star Tom Cruise and Hollywood icon Nicolas Cage.
Most recently, Scarlett Johansson spoke out about the issue after her AI-generated voice was used on OpenAI’s new ‘Voice Mode’ service. The actor was contacted to record her voice, but she turned the offer down. When the service was unveiled, she was taken aback by the voice’s similarity to her own and shared a statement on the matter, revealing that she was “shocked” and “angered”.
Despite ongoing doubt surrounding the morality of using artificial intelligence in filmmaking, from both industry professionals and viewers, it seems that there is already interest in a generative TV show.
Showrunner is yet to receive an official release date.
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