Panelists speaking on the second day of the 21st Arab Media
Forum explored the new possibilities offered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in
the film industry.
A session titled 'AI: The New Frontier for Cinema,'
discussed AI's potential as a tool that can revolutionise filmmaking. Moderated
by TV Presenter Younes Saif, the session featured Barbaros Citmaci, Founder and
Managing Partner, BC Productions; Karina Miller, President and Founder of
Sparkhouse; and renowned Turkish actor Nesrin Cavadzade.
Miller highlighted that while AI offers exceptional
opportunities in production, it will likely be a substantial amount of time
before actors and creatives are replaced by AI in the industry. “It is an
incredibly dangerous path to go down, and actors will fight unless you tell
them AI can make them look younger and prettier, then they might be okay with
that.”
She further noted that there is significant resistance to AI
in various industries. AI-generated characters often lack realistic expressions
in their eyes, and even though background actors may have concerns about being
replaced, the cost of implementing AI for such roles is significantly high, she
said.
Barbaros Citmaci emphasised that the willingness of the
audience to accept AI-generated actors and characters is a crucial factor. He
also noted that the readiness of the entire system plays a role in determining
whether AI will fully automate the industry. “The decision on whether to
replace people with AI actors or not depends on the tolerance and acceptance of
the people involved in the industry.”
Citmaci also delved into the complex issue of intellectual
property (IP) rights and stressed the need for thorough consideration of legal
and ethical dimensions when integrating AI into the film industry.
Turkish actress Nesrin Cavadzade discussed the global
influence of Turkish TV dramas in breaking stereotypes, bridging cultures and
shaping perceptions. “Turkish TV shows are vibrant, real, raw and incredibly
relatable. We share stories about love, drama, historical tragedies, and what
fascinates me is how these stories, deeply rooted in Turkish culture, transcend
borders and resonate with audiences worldwide,” she said.
“Being part of this enormous industry feels like
contributing to a cultural phenomenon and forming genuine human connections
with audiences.”
She highlighted the universal appeal of Turkish shows, which
air in 150 countries. Cavadzade attributed their popularity to their common
storytelling language that unites people worldwide.