Google-Backed “sweetwater” Film Explores AI’s Potential to Enhance, Not Replace, Human Creativity
A new short film, “Sweetwater,” backed by Google, is aiming to shift the public conversation around artificial intelligence, presenting a more nuanced view of its role in the creative process.The film, which premiered in September in New York, centers on the concept of a “digital afterlife” and features an actor portraying an AI entity. distribution plans are still being finalized, and filmmakers are considering expanding the film’s length.
“It’s meant to empower human creativity,” said executive producer Parris. “It will evolve and shape the jobs that people have in the creative process as any technology has over the course of the history of filmmaking.”
The film’s exploration of AI sparked discussion at a recent panel, especially regarding the dynamic between humans and machines.Actress Kyra Sedgwick remarked to audience applause,”I was excited about the prospect of an actor playing AI instead of AI playing an actor. I thought that was a good thing.”
This approach contrasts with recent anxieties within Hollywood regarding AI’s potential to displace human actors. Earlier this year, the declaration that the AI-generated character Tilly Norwood would be signed to a talent agency drew outrage, raising concerns about competition for roles.
Despite collaborating with Google on the project, the filmmakers intentionally avoided using AI to create digital actors.”We didn’t want to make it murky where, oh, we’re using AI, and we’re talking about it,” explained Douglas.
The partnership with Google did,however,provide access to researchers and tech workers,allowing the team to delve deeper into the possibilities of “generative ghosts” – digital representations of individuals. Jed brubaker, an associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder who researches AI afterlives with Google DeepMind, consulted on the film’s design, specifically the projection of the mother’s hologram from an orb. Brubaker emphasized the importance of intentional design choices, noting that interacting with a “generative ghost” is distinct from experiencing traditional forms of remembrance, ”In the same way that reading your grandfather’s journal is different than looking through a photo album of photos of your grandfather.”
Director and star Michael Keaton, while admitting he isn’t “the most tech savvy,” was drawn to the project by curiosity and the possibility to work with his son. He stressed his commitment to protecting jobs and employment, stating, “You don’t replace anybody in the industry…And at the same time, I find this stuff really interesting and curious.”
The film’s release comes as other google platforms,like YouTube,introduce AI tools that train on creator content,prompting some creators to express fears about potential copyright infringement and the replication of creative styles.
Following the screening, Google reported interest from entertainment industry professionals in collaborating on future projects. Stephen Galloway, dean of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, observed that Hollywood frequently enough reflects and amplifies societal anxieties, stating, “Our fear of machines has been massively fanned by Hollywood over many decades. You could say Hollywood is picking up societal fears.”
