Andy Serkis's next project will have AI characters!
Andy Serkis, the actor best known for his role as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings franchise, has revealed that his production company, Imaginarium, is working on a new project featuring "AI characters." Speaking at a panel at the UK's Labour Party conference, Serkis explained that the project will be a "narrative-driven story" starting with 2D characters created by voice actors. But these characters would have a unique journey.
AI characters: A new form of magic
Serkis elaborated that these 2D characters will eventually "come out into the AR [augmented reality] world." "At that point they become 'AI characters' authored by artists and directors," he added. "They are in a world where you can have direct relationships with these CGI characters." Serkis described this innovative use of technology as "another form of magic that is frightening people."
'UK has best system of copyright in the world'
Stan McCoy, who heads the EMEA division of the Motion Picture Association, also spoke at the panel. He praised the UK's copyright system, saying it is the "best system of copyright in the world" and emphasized its importance in keeping the UK at the forefront.
Serkis addresses concerns over AI copyright and remuneration
Serkis acknowledged the concerns over AI copyright and fair remuneration for actors, drawing parallels with the introduction of performance capture technology years ago. "It's taken a long time for actors to even understand what it is to put on a costume or make-up but stand in a [special] suit and do essentially what you do [normally], which is act," he said.
Serkis highlights challenges faced by UK's VFX industry
Despite the UK's strengths in film and television production, Serkis pointed out that it is losing VFX work to cheaper competitors overseas. He attributed this to a lack of tax incentives for the post-production phase of projects. Serkis also called for better utilization of the UK's expertise in video games, suggesting that there is "a bit of snobbery about the video game world from the film world."
