Artificial intelligence (AI) has quietly become an indispensable part of daily filmmaking workflows in Hollywood. According to Matthew Belloni, co-founder of Puck, the current battle in the film industry is no longer about whether to use AI, but has shifted to who will control the future of this technology. This marks a critical turning point as major studios and creatives must confront the reality of new technology.
Detailed Developments
According to Wired, in a recent interview, Matthew Belloni shed light on how AI is being widely but quietly adopted in filmmaking. Contrary to the fierce public debates in the media, many filmmakers, screenwriters, and VFX artists in Hollywood have long begun integrating AI tools into their actual workflows. This transition is happening quietly but powerfully, weaving from brainstorming and drafting screenplays to visual effects (VFX) post-production. This process is no longer just experimental but has become a new operating standard at many major and minor studios in the entertainment capital.
Context & Causes
The driving force behind this quiet wave of adoption stems from pressures to cut costs and optimize production timelines amid global financial struggles in the entertainment industry. Following the massive strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) last year, labor protection clauses against AI threats were established. However, the boundary between using AI as a supportive tool and completely replacing human labor remains highly blurred. Studios realize they cannot afford to stay out of the tech race if they want to maintain a competitive edge in the global market.
Technical & Technological Analysis
Technically, AI tools are being used across Hollywood for everything from large language models (LLMs) assisting with script analysis and predicting audience preferences, to generative video algorithms that minimize physical set construction costs. According to analytical reports, the application of machine learning in post-production, voice editing, and facial expression adjustment has shortened processing times from weeks to hours. Although these tools offer exceptional efficiency, experts warn of data security and image copyright risks when feeding creative assets into third-party training systems.
Expert Opinions & Insights
Commenting on this trend, Matthew Belloni emphasized that "everyone is doing it," indicating an adoption rate far higher than the public realizes. Industry experts suggest that trying to deny AI's presence is merely a temporary measure to appease public opinion. In reality, the true confrontation is currently raging between artistic labor unions, film and television producer alliances (AMPTP), and tech giants holding generative AI copyrights to redistribute profit shares and master data control.
Impact & Future
Looking ahead, the battle for ownership and control of AI in Hollywood will reshape the entire business model of the global entertainment industry, offering valuable lessons for emerging markets like Vietnam. Local audiences and filmmakers should closely monitor these new regulatory and technical standards to prepare proactively. This shift will not only change how films are made but also redefine the concept of authorship and human creative value in the digital era.