On AI imitations of his style: “It’s like a robot taking away your humanity.”
Discussions about the use of artificial intelligence in creative areas have recently appeared increasingly in the news. Now director and artist Tim Burton is joining KI’s critics after a Buzzfeed article featured a program that mimicked his distinctive style.
“They had an AI create my versions of Disney characters,” Burton tells The Independent. “I can’t even describe how it feels. It reminds me of when other cultures say ‘Don’t take a picture of me, it will take away my soul’.”
“It sucks you dry,” the director continues. “It takes something away from your soul, your psyche. This is very disturbing, especially when it has to do with yourself. It’s like a robot is taking away your humanity, your soul.”
Burton joins several directors who are casting a critical eye on the use of AI in art, with Wes Anderson, James Cameron and Charlie Kaufman previously sharing their thoughts on the evolution of creative industries. Musicians such as Nick Cave, John Lydon and Brian May also expressed concern about prospects for the future of their industry.
AI is also at the center of the ongoing Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) strikes. Screenwriters are demanding that rules be set for the use of AI programs to protect their professions. Tim Burton’s own project, a sequel to the film “Beetlejuice,” was crippled by these strikes. However, the director says it would only take a day and a half to complete the film.