The Artist director used AI in new film, says producer

French filmmaker Michael Hazanavicius, known for his work on The Artist, has been quoted as utilizing AI technology to reduce the shooting duration of a major set piece in his latest film, The Third Hand. According to producer Vincent Maraval, who attended the San Sebastian International Film Festival’s Creative Investors’ Conference, Hazanavicius managed to cut the production days from ten to just two.

This significant reduction in filming time is attributed to the use of AI, which was employed to streamline the process of filming the battle scenes set in World War I.

While the use of AI in filmmaking has sparked controversy, Maraval defended Hazanavicius' decision, stating, "It's the director's choice." This suggests that the director had the autonomy to decide on the use of AI, despite the potential cost implications for human labor. Maraval also noted that the adoption of AI in film production is not only a tool for artistic expression but also "more profitable" for investors.

Notably, Hazanavicius is among a list of prominent directors, including Paul Schrader, Steven Soderbergh, Doug Liman, and Darren Aronofsky, who have recently embraced the use of AI in their projects.

The film, The Third Hand, appears to require extensive period sets and battle sequences, making the current financial climate even more conducive to the adoption of emerging technologies. Despite Hazanavicius' utilization of AI, the film's description as a story about a wounded French soldier in WWI and a scientist who grafts a German hand onto his abdomen hints at a unique and visually compelling narrative.

Nevertheless, the film's director, David Cronenberg, managed to create a similar scene on a shoestring budget without the aid of AI, implying that traditional filmmaking methods still hold value.