Lights, camera, AI!
As technology continues to advance, the film industry is following suit in the ever-evolving digital landscape. One of the latest innovations in filmmaking is the use of deepfake, a technology that holds incredible potential to transform the way movies are made.
Deep fakes have been used in movies for different purposes, such as bringing deceased actors back on screen, creating hyper-realistic special effects, and even replacing actors with digital doubles.
While deepfakes have become infamous for their use in spreading disinformation and propaganda, they also hold significant potential in revolutionizing the filmmaking industry. In this article, we will explore how deepfakes are changing the face of cinema and shaping the future of filmmaking. Let’s jump right in!
Why Do Movies Use Deepfake Technology?
Movies have always been a place where the impossible becomes possible, and bizarre fantasies come to life. From superheroes who can fly to love stories between vampires and werewolves. But when it comes to deepfake technology, the possibilities are even more mind-blowing.
With deepfakes, even the dead can return to the spotlight, much to the delight of fans. One of the most notable uses of deepfake technology in movies is to create a continuation of a show after the loss of an actor or their inability to perform due to injury.
In such cases, deepfakes can be used to recreate the missing actor’s likeness and voice, allowing the show to go on without major disruptions.
Deepfake technology also helps disabled actors supplement their talents. With the ability to create digital doubles of performances, actors who would otherwise be unable to perform physically-demanding stunts can now take part in action-packed scenes.
There’s more! Deepfakes are perfect for de-aging senior actors as they can digitally transform actors to look decades younger and give them a second shot at youthful roles.
If you’re new to the technology and want to know how it works under the hood, check out our how deep fake works article.
Movie Scenes With Deepfake
As we have established how thrilling the power of deepfake is, let’s take a closer look at some of the most memorable movie scenes that have used deepfake technology to create stunning visual effects.
Younger Robert De Niro in “The Irishman”
In the movie “The Irishman” directed by Martin Scorsese, deepfake technology was used to de-age some of the actors in flashback scenes. The film, which follows the story of a hitman named Frank Sheeran played by Robert De Niro, required the actors to appear younger in certain scenes, which posed a unique challenge for the production team.
To achieve this effect, the filmmakers used deepfake technology to digitally alter the actors’ appearances, giving them a more youthful look. This allowed De Niro, who was about 72-73 yrs. old during the time of filming.
The use of deepfakes not only saved the production team from having to hire younger actors but also helped to maintain the continuity of the storyline, which spans several decades back.
Digital Version of Paul Walker in Fast & Furious 7
When Paul Walker tragically passed away during the filming of “Fast & Furious 7,” it left fans of the franchise devastated and wondering how the movie would ever be completed.
Luckily deepfake technology came to the rescue. By using digital replicas and advanced face-swapping tech, Paul Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner, was brought back on screen again to finish the movie as planned.
It was a bittersweet moment that showcased the incredible potential of deepfakes in the film industry even in the wake of such a shocking loss.
Younger Double of Sean Young in “Blade Runner 2049”
The movie “Blade Runner 2049” is a prime example of how deepfake technology can be used to seamlessly integrate old and new footage. In the movie, producers created a young cloned digital double of actress Sean Young’s character, Rachael.
The original movie was released in 1982 and the actress is now much older. With deepfake technology, the editors were able to create a near-perfect replica of Rachael, bringing her character back to life in a way that was both believable and visually stunning.
This technology allowed the filmmakers to pay tribute to the original movie while also adding their own unique spin to the story.
How Deepfake Could Affect The Film Industry
Deepfake technology has the potential to revolutionize the film industry in many ways. In fact, many believe that AI in general is the future of filmmaking. By using digital replicas of real actors, movies could be made without the need for stars to be physically present on set, reducing the enormous costs associated with filming.
This could also open up new opportunities for actors to work on multiple projects simultaneously, without worrying about scheduling conflicts. As digital replicas become more prevalent, the need for A-list actors may decrease, leading to a new generation of stars who are not defined by their physical appearance.
A more diverse range of actors and stories would be represented on screen, as well as new opportunities for emerging talent to break into the industry. Deepfake technology could also change the way movies are made by allowing filmmakers to create entirely new stories or bring historical figures back to life.
On the flip side, however, there are challenges that come with this technology, such as the cost of investing in high-quality deepfake software and hiring skilled professionals to use them effectively. Additionally, there is a risk of potential copyright infringement and ethical concerns surrounding the use of deepfakes without the full consent of the original actor.
This is partly the reason why deepfake needs proper regulation.
Furthermore, deepfake is not the sole disruptive force that is about to eat up Hollywood. AI Video Generators, though still in their infancy, are rapidly advancing tools that enable users to generate videos with just a few typed sentences. The exponential improvement of these tools suggests it’s only a matter of time before your average joe could create a full-feature film in his bedroom.
Who Needs Time Machines When You Have Deepfakes?
While deepfake technology has certainly opened up new possibilities for the film industry, let’s not get too carried away. Audiences still appreciate authentic creativity, and deepfakes cannot replace the real deal entirely.
Furthermore, deepfakes may not be suitable for all types of motion pictures such as live shows filmed in front of an audience. As for the major impacts of deep fakes in the movie industry, only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure, with the rapid advancements in technology, we’re in for a wild ride, and it’s going to be interesting to see where this all takes us.
You’ll also find that deepfake has multiple positive use cases as well.
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