Artificial writer admits AI industry workers helped shape OpenAI film

AI industry professional Simon Rich, the writer of the upcoming film Artificial, has revealed that professionals from the AI industry were present on set during the filming of his movie, which chronicles the rise of OpenAI founder Sam Altman. The film has been described as a chilling and scary portrayal of the AI world, highlighting the warnings of leading scientists about potential dangers.

OpenAI introduced the first major AI chatbot, ChatGPT, in 2022, sparking a global AI arms race. Rich's friend, who works for OpenAI, inspired the idea for the film. During the London Film Festival screening, Rich confirmed that AI industry workers were indeed on set, adding that the film had the input of numerous experts and authorities to ensure its accuracy.

Despite ethical challenges of scrutinizing AI while inviting professionals from the field, Rich defended having some AI workers involved, noting that many are idealistic and earnest. One scene in the film depicts Rich's experience with an early version of ChatGPT at a friend's wedding, which inspired the movie. The film received a five-star review from City AM, which described it as a close look at the charismatic, terrifying men behind the AI revolution.

Andrew Garfield plays Altman, while Yura Borisov portrays the scientist Ilya. Altman, the creator of ChatGPT and a prominent AI figure, criticized the film after watching the trailer, calling it an "awful movie." Writer Simon Rich responded to Altman's criticism, stating that the film is "extremely accurate" and that all people, even those not physically present in scenes, are vividly and accurately portrayed.