James Cameron says he’s now exploring ways to integrate generative AI into filmmaking workflows, a change from his previous skepticism about the technology.
“The goal was to understand the space,” Cameron said on the Boz To The Future podcast, where he discussed his recent move to join the board of Stability AI. “My goal was to try to integrate [AI] into a VFX workflow.”
The filmmaker believes generative AI can help speed up visual effects work and reduce costs on CGI-heavy films like Dune, without cutting jobs. “Artists get to move on and do other cool things,” he said, explaining how AI could double the speed of completing shots.
Asked about using copyrighted material for AI training, Cameron said the focus should be on AI output, not input. “You can’t control my input,” he said. “Every script I write should be judged on whether it’s too close, too plagiaristic, whatever.”
Still, Cameron’s next film Avatar: Fire and Ash will reportedly feature a disclaimer noting that no generative AI was used in its creation.
