Netflix Uses Generative AI in Original Series: My Discovery

Netflix recently revealed that they have been integrating generative AI technology into their original series, and I decided to investigate. This move makes sense given the increasing reliance on VFX in TV shows and movies, where AI can help speed up the workflow and cut costs. During an earnings call, Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos explained how AI was used in The Eternaut, a show based on an Argentinian comic book. The use of AI allowed for a complex VFX sequence to be completed ten times faster than traditional methods, marking it as the first AI-generated footage in a Netflix original series.

This revelation opens up a larger conversation about the future of AI in streaming entertainment. While Netflix is not the first to utilize AI, with Disney+ showcasing it in the Secret Invasion series, the seamless integration of AI in The Eternaut signifies a shift in the industry. The subtlety of the AI effects in the show also raises questions about the viewer’s ability to distinguish between AI-generated and human-made content.

Upon scrutinizing the show for AI-generated elements, I pinpointed a few shots that may have been created using AI, particularly scenes featuring buildings on fire in episode 4. These shots closely align with Sarandos’ description of the VFX sequence. However, without prior knowledge of the AI integration, these scenes might not immediately stand out as AI-generated.

Overall, the use of generative AI in The Eternaut hints at a future where AI seamlessly enhances the production process of streaming content. The subtle nature of the AI effects challenges viewers to discern between artificial and human creativity, posing intriguing questions about the intersection of technology and entertainment.