The 21st century has ushered in a thrilling epoch of innovation in the form of AI screenwriting. Yet, as we delve into the paradoxes and potentials of this new technology, we also find ourselves entwined in the ongoing human struggles within the industry. The current Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike underscores the enduring battle for fair compensation and recognition of writers’ contributions, illuminating a dichotomy between the advance of AI and the human condition within screenwriting.
Artificial intelligence in screenwriting, or AI screenwriting, offers potential in brainstorming plot ideas, creating character arcs, and increasing efficiency. Machine learning algorithms can scan vast databases of scripts, learning the patterns, structures, and tropes that drive narratives, and then generate new content based on these patterns. It’s an approach that could potentially streamline the development process and aid in the generation of original stories. Yet, the products of AI scriptwriting are currently a far cry from a human-written script. AI’s limitations become evident in attempts such as the AI-generated trailer for a Wes Anderson-style “Lord of the Rings”, which, while amusing, hardly pass for a professionally produced piece.
The immediate future of AI film writing seems to lean towards assisting with formulaic content, such as long-running television series or straight-to-streaming sequels, rather than producing high-concept, auteur-driven cinema. However, as AI continues to evolve, it’s possible we might see more sophisticated AI-generated scripts in the future.
Paradoxically, as we entertain the future possibilities of AI in screenwriting, we find ourselves in the midst of a human struggle in the industry. The WGA strike, now in its fourth week, represents a cry for fair compensation, especially concerning residual pay for streaming programs and industry standards on the number of writers assigned to each show. Moreover, the union is calling for regulations preventing the use of artificial intelligence technology to write or rewrite any literary material, a clear sign of the tension between the advent of AI writing and the protection of writers’ work.
The strike has significantly impacted television viewing, forcing shows into reruns and halting numerous television and film productions. With the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, commencing a strike-authorization vote among its members and planning negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the repercussions of the strike could be far-reaching.
“I believe that AI has the potential to be a great partner to artists, helping us to create more meaningful and impactful work.”
Hiroshi Sugimoto
The future of screenwriting software and AI story generation is unfolding against the backdrop of these human struggles. The interaction between AI and humans in the field of storytelling is not just about technology replacing or assisting humans; it’s also about the industry’s ability to recognize and value the unique human contribution to storytelling. As we move forward, the role of AI in screenwriting will undoubtedly continue to evolve, influenced not just by technological advancements, but also by the ongoing negotiation between human creativity and artificial intelligence.
As we reflect on the current state of AI in screenwriting and the ongoing WGA strike, we are reminded that while AI holds great potential, it is not a panacea. It can aid and enhance the creative process, but it cannot replace the human element that lies at the heart of storytelling. The narrative of Hollywood and the future of storytelling is one that continues to unfold, a tale of bytes and scripts, of machine learning and human struggle, of paradoxes and potentials.
(Note: Due to the ongoing nature of the WGA strike, this article focused on the most recent developments up to May 23, 2023.)
A.I. in Screen Trade 