The Creators of The New Marvel Series Used a Neural Network — and Annoyed Everyone
In Brief
The Marvel Cinematic Universe show ‘Secret Invasion’ has faced backlash for its use of artificial intelligence in its opening credits.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) show ‘Secret Invasion‘ has recently come under fire for using AI in creating the opening credits. The show, which follows the story of Nick Fury as he defends Earth against an alien invasion, boasts an impressive cast and has garnered much attention. However, the implementation of AI in the opening credits has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from fans and industry professionals alike.
The opening credits of ‘Secret Invasion’ were designed by Method Studios, a company that uses AI technology in its creative process. The result is a sequence that showcases AI-generated artwork, featuring shifting green-hued images of cities, people, aliens, and even a poorly rendered depiction of Samuel L. Jackson himself. While Method Studios has not specified which neural network was used, it has stated that AI was just one of several tools employed and did not replace the work of real artists.
The use of AI in the production of the opening credits has struck a nerve, particularly amidst the ongoing strike by screenwriters demanding better protection for their work against the influence of algorithms. The accusations against Method Studios have primarily come from fans on social media platforms, who express concern over the increasing reliance on AI and its potential impact on the creative industry.
This controversy exposes a deeper issue within the entertainment industry, where financial considerations often take precedence over artistic integrity. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is currently in its second month of striking against the industry’s shift towards streaming platforms, which has negatively affected writers’ livelihoods and led to the reduction of writing teams and budgets. The WGA’s concerns extend to the need for regulations to prevent AI from displacing human writers in the future.
The use of AI in art raises questions about the devaluation of creativity as a fundamentally human pursuit. While AI technology holds immense potential for advancing various fields, its increasing utilization in artistic endeavors raises concerns about the diminishing role of human creativity. The ‘Secret Invasion’ opening credits controversy is a reflection of this troubling trend.
Marvel has yet to issue an official statement regarding the scandal surrounding the show’s opening credits. However, the backlash serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate about the balance between technological advancements and preserving the unique contributions of human artists.
In February, Netflix released a short anime film called “Dog and Boy,” which has stirred up a storm among anime fans. The controversy revolves around the use of neural networks to create the background visuals in the film. Netflix took to Twitter to announce the decision, referring to it as an “experimental” approach driven by a reported “shortage” of artists in the industry.
This move by Netflix has not been well-received by anime fans. Many see it as a simple cost-saving measure, even though Japanese animators already earn an average of less than $2 per frame. The use of AI-generated backgrounds in “Dog and Boy” has further fueled their frustrations. Critics argue that the film’s end credits fail to acknowledge the individual artists responsible for the backgrounds and instead credit “AI (+human).”
In defense of the streaming service, it should be noted that the production of the short anime film was overseen by Netflix’s Anime Creators Base. This initiative was established with the aim of increasing anime content production “through new tools and methods.” While Netflix’s intent may have been to explore innovative approaches, the utilization of AI-generated backgrounds in “Dog and Boy” has raised concerns about the devaluation of human artists and their contributions.
The clash of opinions surrounding the use of AI in anime highlights a larger conversation about the intersection of technology and creativity. While AI can offer efficiencies and novel possibilities, it is essential to consider its impact on the artistic community. Striking a balance between leveraging technological advancements and preserving the unique talents of human artists remains a crucial challenge.
Read more about AI:
- MIT and Google Brain Propose Novel Way to Improve LLMs with Multi-Agent Debates
- GPT-4 Solves MIT Exam Questions with 100% Accuracy? Not True, Researchers Say
- ChatGPT Pitch Decks Are Twice as Convincing as Those Created by Humans, According to an Experiment
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.
About The Author
Damir is the team leader, product manager, and editor at Metaverse Post, covering topics such as AI/ML, AGI, LLMs, Metaverse, and Web3-related fields. His articles attract a massive audience of over a million users every month. He appears to be an expert with 10 years of experience in SEO and digital marketing. Damir has been mentioned in Mashable, Wired, Cointelegraph, The New Yorker, Inside.com, Entrepreneur, BeInCrypto, and other publications. He travels between the UAE, Turkey, Russia, and the CIS as a digital nomad. Damir earned a bachelor's degree in physics, which he believes has given him the critical thinking skills needed to be successful in the ever-changing landscape of the internet.
More articles
Damir is the team leader, product manager, and editor at Metaverse Post, covering topics such as AI/ML, AGI, LLMs, Metaverse, and Web3-related fields. His articles attract a massive audience of over a million users every month. He appears to be an expert with 10 years of experience in SEO and digital marketing. Damir has been mentioned in Mashable, Wired, Cointelegraph, The New Yorker, Inside.com, Entrepreneur, BeInCrypto, and other publications. He travels between the UAE, Turkey, Russia, and the CIS as a digital nomad. Damir earned a bachelor's degree in physics, which he believes has given him the critical thinking skills needed to be successful in the ever-changing landscape of the internet.
