The best picture contender, The Brutalist, has sparked headlines and controversy for its recent use of AI. However, it isn’t the only Oscar-nominated film to leverage this advancing technology. For instance, high-profile movies like A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part 2, and Emilia Pérez have also incorporated the tool in various capacities, whether for minor enhancements or significant applications. Despite its role in filmmaking, the Motion Picture Academy is actively considering updates to its submission rules. But will these rules address the risks that this technology brings to the industry?
Expected Rule Change Regarding AI Use
Reports have hinted that the Academy may soon require films to disclose their use of AI. Ultimately, this rumor reflects the technology’s increasing influence on the industry. Given this potential shift, the ongoing debate involving this tool in creative processes and its impact on the future of filmmaking will heighten. Currently, the Academy provides an optional disclosure form for using the technology.
However, its governors and Branch executive committees are now examining how it’s utilized across different branches with their goal to make AI disclosure mandatory for the 2026 Oscars. In April, the Academy’s updated rules regarding the technology’s usage are expected to be published. According to Variety, the Academy’s SciTech Council is developing recommended language to address this problem.
Rising Sun Pictures’ Revize Toolset
The production of visual effects tools and processes leveraging the tool, including its subset, machine learning (ML), isn’t new. Indeed, this year’s Visual Effects Society Awards feature numerous AI-driven nominees in their emerging technology category. Rising Sun Pictures,’ which is based in Australia, Revize machine learning toolset is among these contenders.
Furthermore, the company’s website states that Revize is used for various digital ML applications, such as face replacement, facial performance modification, de-aging, body replacements, and other likeness applications. Interestingly, the growing sophistication and versatility of AI not only transform visual effects but also push the boundaries of creative possibilities.
Applications of Revize Toolset
While the VES entry highlights the application of Rising Sun Pictures’ Revize toolset in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, it also notes its use in other films, including:
- A Complete Unknown
- Deadpool & Wolverine
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3
- Apples Never Fall
The president of Rising Sun, Jennie Zeiher, confirmed that the best picture-nominated Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, and Marvel Studios film Deadpool & Wolverine, employed Revize. However, she didn’t provide further specifics on the subject. According to a spokesperson for Searchlight Pictures, the studio behind A Complete Unknown, AI was used in three brief wide shots involving a motorcycle. Although these shots didn’t involve creative enhancements but were used to make stunt performers resemble the actors. The spokesperson also emphasized that this type of VFX stunt face replacement has been an industry standard practice for decades.
De-aging AI-Tool Application
Rising Sun Pictures utilized its Revize toolset for Furiosa across nearly 150 shots to seamlessly transition the character Furiosa from her younger to adult self. While Alyla Browne portrayed the younger version of the character, Anya Taylor-Joy played the adult version. Furthermore, Robert Beveridge, Rising Sun’s machine learning 2D supervisor, explained that they developed controls to aid artists. Specifically, these controls allow artists to fine-tune the character’s appearance and quickly iterate on the visuals. The president also spoke on the challenges of balancing Taylor-Joy’s sharper adult features with Browne’s youthful portrayal to ensure a natural progression.
Jennie Zeiher revealed that the toolset was first used in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. Primarily, it was used to insert Austin Butler into archival footage of Elvis Presley for specific shots. Using these tools to enhance efficiency enables the VFX teams to allocate resources effectively and bring high-quality visuals to the screen. Notably, AI startup Metaphysic’s toolset earned a nomination in the VES emerging technology category, used in Robert Zemeckis’ Here. The technology was employed to age and de-age Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in the film.
Metaphysic’s AI Toolset
Likewise, Metaphysic’s toolset was used in 2015’s Max Max: Fury Road to recreate the likeness of the late actor Richard Carter, who portrayed the bullet farmer. Comparatively, the technology was also utilized for actor Lee Perry in Furiosa. With both films shortlisted in the VFX category, the growing impact of AI-driven tools in achieving groundbreaking visual effects is apparent.
Similarly, the VFX-nominated Alien: Romulus utilized the toolset to recreate the likeness of the late Ian Holm, who appeared in the original 1979 Alien. This application demonstrates the technology’s ability to resurrect iconic characters who’ve died, further solidifying its impact on visual effects. Remarkably, filmmakers can leverage AI to seamlessly integrate legacy performances into modern storytelling honorably.
Benefits and Risks of AI in Filmmaking
The prevalence of AI-driven tools has expanded their applications in filmmaking. As a result, the ability to discern how and where the technology has been used becomes increasingly challenging. Requesting anonymity, a veteran member of the VFX branch emphasized the importance of transparency regarding the topic. According to them, a clear understanding of the human artist’s contributions should be reflected in awards decisions. Although the innovative use of new tools paves the way for future advancements, they also represent a significant contribution to the industry.
The source also noted that AI should always serve the narrative, stressing the importance of prioritizing storytelling. Even in cases involving digital performances, they pointed out that the foundations remain a human actor’s work. In conclusion, they underscored the collaborative nature of filmmaking, emphasizing that the awards season celebrates and honors the collective efforts of all crafts. Instead of relying on a single tool or technology, this perspective reinforces the idea that collaboration remains at the heart of cinematic achievement.
