How will AI effect the job of the operator and should I be worried??
What do you think the effect of AI will be on operators and operating? What advice would you give to an up and comer regarding this new technology?
The future impact of AI in our industry (and the world writ large) is very difficult to predict. We all know that AI will affect many facets of our existence, but specifics are a bit murky, especially as we try to project further into the future. Ironically, I approach this question the same way I approach my job security as an operator now (and for the last three decades). Panning and tilting the camera is the MOST technical, LEAST interesting, and HARDEST to DIFFERENTIATE myself from the rest of the herd - part of the job. The more I can make myself indispensable as a fellow collaborator, story-teller, problem solver and co-conspirator, the more likely I’ll be hired by that DP, Director, Producer or Actor who yearns for a partner to jump into the foxhole with. And those very same qualities that make me indispensable and allow me to edge out my competition currently, also happen to be the same qualities that AI will struggle the most with providing to humanity. As long as I maintain this approach to my career, I’m not too concerned about AI nipping at my heels. That said - the future is unknown and it’s probably healthy to pack a bug-out bag in case our silicon overlords come knocking at the door.
The simple answer? No one knows. It’s a weird time. That said, we have seen things come and go that were absolutely going to do away with virtual production, locations, actors, technicians, you name it, and yet we are all still here. But, there has probably never before been a technology like this. Will it affect us? You bet. How will it affect us? We don’t know.
Having said all that (which really said nothing) I’ll say this. AI can’t do what I do as an operator because AI has no soul. An AI camera will be able to replicate a shot better than I ever can, but it will never be able to stand two feet away from an actress and feel, literally feel the emotion coming off of her that lets me know that a moment is happening that I, as a human, will react to. Now will anyone care? Maybe not? But I am an optimist and I believe there will always be a place for art. 90% of what I do is made better by happy accidents. AI does not allow for that. Life is messy. Filming is messy. We are messy. I think things will change but I also think there will always be a need for technicians and storytellers. I might be wrong but I hope I am not.
And having said all of that, if I was in school right now, I’d be hedging my bets and learning how to use this new tool, and make no mistake, it is just that, to my advantage as a storyteller. Just like knowing the wheels, cranes, steadicam, underwater, etc, every toll in your kit makes you that much more valuable.
Wouldn’t we like a time machine for this question?
I heard this week of an AI model (a fake person) who was making $11k a month doing commercials in virtual environments that look so real that you can’t tell the difference.
So my advice, go into AI virtual production.
Just joking……….. but am I?
