Exploring the impact of AI in documentaries introduces a host of ethical issues. While AI tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney offer efficiency in tasks like transcription and editing, their capabilities also raise concerns about authenticity and transparency.
The emergence of AI-generated scenes, coupled with the specter of deepfakes and Frankenbiting, has ignited debates among filmmakers about the preservation of truthfulness in storytelling. While some view AI as a catalyst for creativity and innovation, others fear its potential to erode the integrity of documentary filmmaking.
In this article, we will explore the ethical implications of AI in documentaries, exploring the blurred lines between reality and fabrication, as well as the ethical applications of AI in upholding the principles of honesty and integrity in storytelling.
Table of contents
Introduction to AI in Documentation
In the winter of 1986, a groundbreaking book by the Parallel Distributed Processing Research Group marked the dawn of artificial intelligence (AI). AI represents the achievements of this field, allowing machines to perform various tasks. AI systems can be classified into four categories: those that think like humans, act like humans, think rationally, or act rationally. By putting together machine and human intelligence, AI is widely used. As technology advances, AI is set to transform film making, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and shaping the future of the industry.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming various stages of the film making process:
Script Preparation
The creation of a documentary script, or screenplay, traditionally involves significant time and effort from scriptwriters. However, the introduction of AI-automated script software has revolutionized this process. AI allows for swift and efficient scriptwriting, reducing the time required to create a script and providing tools for deeper plot development. Despite its benefits, AI scriptwriting also raises concerns about the lack of human touch and challenges in showing complex emotions and character dynamics.
Preliminary Preparation (Pre-production)
Pre-production, the planning phase before the documentary begins, is essential for ensuring a smooth production process. AI plays a crucial role in various pre-production tasks, including script breakdown, budget management, and casting assistance. AI technology automates script analysis, streamlines the breakdown process and improves accuracy. Moreover, AI offers solutions for optimizing film budgets, identifying potential overspending, and guiding teams to avoid financial risks. In casting, AI assists film makers in selecting the right actors and actresses based on specific criteria, enhancing the efficiency of the casting process.
Post-Production
Post-production marks the final stage of production, where a team of film makers collaborates to shape the finished product. This crucial phase involves tasks such as sound design, visual effects, and editing, all aimed at refining the film before its release.
Editing with AI
Traditionally, film editors face the daunting task of sifting through extensive footage to select the best shots and create a cohesive narrative. However, AI technology is revolutionizing this process by offering automated editing solutions. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can assist editors in identifying relevant footage efficiently, streamlining the editing process, and enhancing productivity.
Special Effects and CGI
The advent of digital technology has transformed the landscape of visual effects in filmmaking. AI-powered tools enable film makers to create stunning visual effects, from lifelike CGI characters to intricate digital environments. By harnessing AI capabilities, film makers can push the boundaries of creativity and realism in their projects, enhancing the overall cinematic experience for audiences.
Ethical Considerations
As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize the world of documentary film making, the Archival Producers Alliance (APA) has taken a proactive approach in establishing ethical standards. Comprising over 300 archival researchers and producers, the APA seeks to promote responsible AI integration within the documentary film industry.
At a recent gathering during the International Documentary Association’s Getting Real Conference, the APA presented preliminary guidelines aimed at addressing key ethical considerations. Led by representatives such as Rachel Antell, Jennifer Petrucelli, and Stephanie Jenkins, discussions centered on the importance of maintaining ethical integrity while harnessing AI’s creative potential.
The intersection of AI and documentary film making has sparked debate, particularly in cases where film makers have utilized fake voices to recreate the dialogue of historical figures like Anthony Bourdain and Andy Warhol. These instances underscore the urgency of establishing clear ethical standards to protect factual accuracy.
The APA’s guidelines emphasize adherence to journalistic principles, distinguishing between permissible AI enhancements and manipulative alterations of archival content. Furthermore, the document underscores the potential risks of AI-generated materials in distorting historical narratives.
Feedback from industry professionals underscores the broad industry implications of AI use in documentary film making. With further input from stakeholders, the APA aims to refine its guidelines for a comprehensive release in summer 2024, marking a significant milestone in the ethical use of AI in storytelling.
Unethical Practices
Unethical practices involving AI in documentaries could include:
- AI could be used to generate fake or manipulated content, such as fabricated interviews, scenes, or events, leading to the dissemination of false information and misleading the audience.
- AI-generated content could misrepresent individuals by altering their appearance, voice, or actions, leading to reputational harm or distortion of their statements and viewpoints.
- AI could be employed to selectively edit or manipulate footage to fit a particular narrative or agenda, distorting the facts presented in the documentary and misleading the audience about the true nature of events or subjects.
- Film makers may fail to disclose the use of AI in the creation of documentary content, depriving the audience of the opportunity to critically assess the authenticity and credibility of the information presented.
- AI technologies used for data analysis and surveillance in documentary production could infringe on individuals’ privacy rights by collecting and analyzing personal data without consent or appropriate safeguards.
- AI algorithms may incorporate biases present in training data, resulting in discriminatory or stereotypical representations of certain groups or communities in documentaries.
- Film makers may exploit vulnerable individuals or communities by using AI to manipulate their stories or coerce them into participating in documentaries without fully informed consent.
- Unethical practices involving AI in documentaries can erode trust in the documentary genre as a whole, undermining the credibility and integrity of factual storytelling.
AI-Generated Scenes
In recent years, AI has been used for various tasks in documentary production, from transcribing interviews to assisting with editing tasks. However, advancements like the ability to create fake photos and synthesized audio have raised concerns among film makers like Dawn Porter.
The controversy surrounding Morgan Neville’s use of AI to create quotes with Anthony Bourdain’s voice in “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain” sparked discussions about ethical boundaries in the documentary community.
Beyond deepfakes, AI-generated photography, and music, there’s also the issue of “Frankenbiting,” which allows for easier editing of dialogue out of sequence.
Despite concerns, some film makers, like Andrew Rossi and Gary Hustwit, see potential in using AI creatively, emphasizing the importance of transparency in disclosing its use.
Others, like Bryn Mooser and Nikita Liamzine, view AI as a practical tool to enhance productivity in post-production, freeing up time for more creativity.
However, questions about job displacement and maintaining the integrity of documentaries remain. While AI may offer benefits, it also presents challenges in upholding the genre’s commitment to truth.
Here are some movies with AI-generated scenes in them:
The Safe Zone
Shortly after the launch of ChatGPT, Filipino entertainer Richard Juan ventured into uncharted territory by creating the world’s first AI-scripted and directed short film, “The Safe Zone.” While ChatGPT provided the script and instructions for camera movements and lighting, the results were mixed. The film’s visuals were impressive, but the dialogue felt clunky and forced, raising concerns about the future of Hollywood directors in the age of AI.
The Frost
“The Frost,” a dystopian sci-fi short film created by generative video firm Waymark, delves into the strange and mysterious. The creators used DALL-E to generate remarkable visuals, embracing the weirdness of AI-generated content. While the protagonists look convincing, the illusion shatters during movement, revealing non-existent lip-syncing and uncanny movements. However, director Josh Rubin successfully captures the glacial pace of human navigation, reminiscent of Kurosawa’s “The Blizzard.”
Check Point
“Check Point,” a documentary short film by Áron Filkey and Joss Fong, explores the collaborative relationship between humans and AI. Crediting various image generators and “GPTChat,” the film offers thoughtful insights into complex machine learning concepts. It highlights AI as a collaborative tool, leaving viewers thinking about the degree of human versus AI creativity.
Given Again
Director Jake Oleson’s “Given Again” takes a deeply personal approach, inspired by the revelation of his biological parentage. Utilizing NeRF technology to generate 3D models from 2D images, the film depicts a painter’s journey into self-discovery, tinged with echoes of iconic films and backed by a captivating electronic score.
Deepfakes
Deepfakes pose significant ethical challenges in the realm of documentaries. It raises concerns about truthfulness, transparency, and the potential manipulation of reality.
One of the primary ethical dilemmas with deepfakes in documentaries is the risk of misleading audiences. Deepfake technology allows for the creation of highly realistic yet entirely fabricated content, including videos of individuals saying or doing things they never actually did. When used in documentaries, deepfakes can distort the truth, presenting fabricated events or statements as genuine historical footage.
Moreover, deepfakes blur the line between reality and fiction, undermining the authenticity that documentaries strive to uphold. Documentaries are traditionally viewed as a medium for presenting real-life events and narratives. However, the introduction of deepfakes challenges this fundamental principle by allowing for the manipulation of reality.
Another ethical concern is the potential for deepfakes to harm the reputation and integrity of individuals portrayed in documentaries. By using deepfake technology to manipulate footage of real people, film makers risk portraying them in a false or damaging light, leading to reputational harm and legal implications.
Furthermore, deepfakes can erode trust in the documentary genre as a whole. Audiences rely on documentaries to provide accurate and unbiased portrayals of real-world events. However, the presence of deepfakes introduces doubt and skepticism. If viewers cannot trust the authenticity of documentary content, it undermines the credibility of the entire genre.
In response to these ethical challenges, documentary film makers must prioritize transparency and integrity in their work. It is essential to disclose the use of deepfake technology and clearly distinguish between authentic footage and manipulated content. Film makers should also adhere to ethical guidelines and standards to ensure that deepfakes are used responsibly and ethically.
Frankenbiting
In documentary filmmaking, there’s a new problem called Frankenbiting. It means using AI to edit conversations out of order smoothly. Normally, editors carefully put together interviews to tell a story. But now, AI makes it easy to change the order of what people say.
With AI, film makers might be tempted to rearrange conversations or edit them to fit a specific story. This raises worries about honesty in documentaries. Frankenbiting lets film makers change the original context of what people said. This could confuse viewers and make documentaries less truthful.
Plus, because AI tools for Frankenbiting are easy to use, more film makers might start using them. This could make it hard for viewers to tell what’s real and what’s not in documentaries. So, film makers need to think about the ethics of using AI. Plus, they need to think how it might affect their credibility with their audience.
As film makers deal with the challenges of Frankenbiting, it’s important to be open and stick to the truth. They should keep telling honest stories, even with new technology that makes editing easier. By thinking about these ethics carefully, film makers can make sure their documentaries stay true and relevant in the age of AI.
Advantages
Here are some advantages of using AI in documentaries:
- AI has the potential to elevate the visual aesthetics of documentaries, making them more visually captivating for audiences.
- AI-driven content creation can help reduce production expenses. It does this by eliminating the need for certain resources like physical locations, actors, or props.
- AI technology enables film makers to recreate past events or illustrate scenes that were not originally captured. Thus, it enhances accessibility to historical or inaccessible content.
Disadvantages
Here are some disadvantages of using AI in documentaries:
- The use of AI may raise concerns among viewers regarding the authenticity and reliability of the documentary content. This could potentially undermine trust in the storytelling.
- There is a possibility of unintentionally distorting reality when utilizing AI. This can result in the misinterpretation of events portrayed in the documentary.
- Employing AI to recreate sensitive aspects of individuals’ lives without their consent may present ethical dilemmas. So, this questions the ethical norms and boundaries of documentary filmmaking.
The integration of AI in documentaries offers promising better visual enhancement, cost-efficiency, and accessibility to historical content. Additionally, it raises significant ethical considerations. The balance between leveraging AI for creative storytelling and upholding the authenticity and integrity of documentary filmmaking remains a crucial challenge. As film makers continue to explore the potential of AI, it is imperative to prioritize ethical practices. This ensures the preservation of trust and credibility within the documentary genre.
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