THB #373: The First True Victims Of A.I.

Journalists.

A.I. is coming for us first.

Particularly, I would expect, entertainment journalists.

This profession is the one that the rest of the journalists don’t take seriously.

But it’s worse than the normal paranoia. Because our good billionaire friend, Jay Penske, has already reset the standard for entertainment journalism. He took the already often-squishy set of standards for trade journalism and, in spite of having some very talented journalists on his payroll, reset expectations… lower.

I just asked ChatGPT to ”rewrite this press release in the style of Variety” And this is what I got from ChatGPT.

Variety Exclusive: Roger Corman Documentary Unleashed via Porter Craig Film and Media, Now Streaming on Vudu

LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2023 – Prepare to embark on an enthralling cinematic journey as the highly anticipated Roger Corman documentary, a passion project by Porter Craig Film and Media, sets the streaming world ablaze exclusively on Vudu. In an unprecedented move that is set to redefine the documentary genre, this groundbreaking film offers an intimate glimpse into the indomitable spirit of the legendary filmmaker, Roger Corman.

Renowned for his revolutionary contributions to American cinema, Corman's influential career has been an inspiration to filmmakers and fans alike. Porter Craig Film and Media, a trailblazing production company committed to bringing captivating stories to the silver screen, joined forces with Vudu, the cutting-edge streaming platform, to deliver this remarkable documentary to audiences hungry for an inside look at Corman's extraordinary life and artistic prowess.

"This mesmerizing documentary truly encapsulates the essence of Roger Corman's unparalleled legacy," said Ava Porter, the visionary producer behind the project. "We are thrilled to have partnered with Vudu to bring this cinematic masterpiece to a wider audience, as it serves as a testament to Corman's unparalleled contributions to the world of filmmaking."

Directed by a team of accomplished filmmakers, the documentary delves deep into Corman's illustrious career, offering a never-before-seen glimpse into his creative process, while exploring the impact he has had on the industry. Audiences will be treated to an array of exclusive interviews with industry icons, seasoned collaborators, and emerging talents who have been profoundly influenced by Corman's visionary approach.

"Roger Corman's influence on the filmmaking landscape cannot be overstated," said Vudu's Head of Content Acquisition, Mark Thompson. "We are delighted to offer this groundbreaking documentary exclusively on Vudu, further solidifying our commitment to delivering top-tier content to our discerning viewers."

Available now on Vudu, this mesmerizing documentary promises to be an unforgettable visual feast, showcasing Corman's unparalleled genius and his ability to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the birth of a legend, as Porter Craig Film and Media, in partnership with Vudu, brings Roger Corman's story to life, capturing the essence of his remarkable journey in a way that will leave audiences inspired and in awe.

About Porter Craig Film and Media: Porter Craig Film and Media is a forward-thinking production company committed to creating groundbreaking and compelling films that resonate with audiences worldwide. With an unwavering passion for storytelling, the company aims to push the boundaries of the cinematic experience, providing a platform for emerging voices and celebrating the visionary pioneers of the industry.

About Vudu: Vudu is a cutting-edge streaming platform that offers a vast library of movies and TV shows, catering to the discerning tastes of cinephiles and entertainment enthusiasts. With a commitment to delivering premium content and an unrivaled viewing experience, Vudu continues to redefine the digital entertainment landscape, ensuring viewers have access to the best in film and television.

Now… even a trade-basher like myself would not expect Variety to run something quite this over the top. But the only real difference would be removing some too-much adjectives. Still… AI seems to have a clear opinion of “the style of Variety.”

Point is… rewriting incoming information is now most of what the trades do… and most other top-level entertainment media.

Even in film criticism… a couple of days ago, Deadline ran a series of brief reviews of Cannes movies without crediting any of their critics specifically. Why pay all those critics if no one cares who thinks what?

Here is what ChatGPT thinks of the new Indiana Jones movies based on the brief pull-quote comments published by Rotten Tomatoes…

Based on these reviews, it seems that the movie has its enjoyable aspects, with positive feedback highlighting its fun and satisfying conclusion. However, some reviewers express disappointment with the film, citing issues with craftsmanship and unmet expectations. Ultimately, opinions on the movie may vary, and viewers may have different reactions depending on their personal preferences and attachment to the Indiana Jones franchise.

And Variety:

The film’s elaborate action scenes and witty one-liners delivered by Waller-Bridge received a less-than-rapturous response inside the theater. During parts of the 142-minute film, audience members could be heard whispering out of boredom in French.

So are we better off with the AI or the click-bait opinion-driven comments on this by-lined by Zack Sharf and Ramin Setoodeh?

And if we prefer the attitude, will Variety need 2 bylines to have it in the future?

Here is what ChatGPT did with the Variety take:

At the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" premiered, bringing tears to the eyes of Harrison Ford and a star-studded event courtesy of Disney. However, when the credits rolled, the audience mustered a polite, albeit muted, standing ovation for the latest installment in the beloved franchise. While the applause lasted for five minutes, by Cannes standards, it fell short of exuberance.

When it came to the film itself, the response inside the theater was not as enthusiastic. The elaborate action sequences and witty one-liners, delivered by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, failed to ignite the audience. Whispers of boredom could be heard in French during parts of the 142-minute movie, indicating a lack of engagement.

AI only knows what you feed it.

It isn’t hard to imagine it writing in the style of a columnist…

“At the Cannes Film Festival, the premiere of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" brought Harrison Ford to tears and Disney spared no expense in showcasing their summer action film directed by James Mangold and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge. However, despite the grandeur of the event, the audience's reaction was somewhat subdued, with a polite, rather than exuberant, standing ovation when the credits rolled. Matt Belloni, former editor of The Hollywood Reporter, would likely highlight this underwhelming response.”

ChatGPT’s access to the world of the internet stops at 2021, so it’s not thinking about what Belloni heard… but that will change.

I am not a big believer in the fears around AI making TV shows and movies anytime in the next couple decades. But entertainment journalism is made up of publicity, access, content, and opinion. AI is already built to merge those elements and to give it a style that it can access online.

“Give an opinion on the movie Caligula in the style of Manohla Dargis”

"Caligula" is an audacious and controversial film that delves into the dark depths of power, decadence, and debauchery. Directed by Tinto Brass and produced by Bob Guccione, it's a film that doesn't shy away from exploring the extremes of human behavior and the depravity that can accompany absolute power. However, despite its provocative subject matter, "Caligula" fails to transcend its shock value and deliver a compelling and meaningful cinematic experience.

Visually, the film is an extravagant spectacle, with opulent production design and sumptuous costumes that transport viewers to ancient Rome. The attention to detail is impressive, capturing the grandeur and excesses of the era. But while the aesthetics are stunning, they serve as a mere veneer that masks the film's fundamental flaws.

The narrative of "Caligula" is disjointed and lacks coherence, jumping from one graphic and explicit scene to another without offering much in terms of character development or thematic depth. It seems more interested in titillating and shocking the audience than in providing a thought-provoking exploration of power dynamics or psychological complexities. The explicit portrayal of sex, violence, and sadism overwhelms any potential for deeper meaning, reducing the film to a voyeuristic and exploitative experience.

Despite the presence of talented actors like Malcolm McDowell, Helen Mirren, and Peter O'Toole, their performances are largely overshadowed by the film's excessive and gratuitous content. They strive to bring depth and nuance to their characters, but the weak script and direction fail to provide them with substantial material to work with. As a result, their efforts feel wasted, and the performances can't compensate for the film's narrative shortcomings.

"Caligula" may be remembered for its audacity and notoriety, but as a work of cinema, it falls short of leaving a lasting impact. Its explicit content and shock value overshadow any attempt at meaningful storytelling or insightful exploration of its themes. While it may hold a certain fascination for those interested in the extremes of human behavior, it ultimately fails to offer a satisfying and intellectually engaging cinematic experience.

In the end, "Caligula" is a film that thrives on sensationalism and shock, but it lacks the substance and artistry necessary to elevate it beyond mere provocation. Its explicit content may garner attention, but it fails to leave a lasting impression or offer any profound insights. Ultimately, it remains a curious but ultimately disappointing entry in the realm of controversial cinema.

Way too repetitive and not nearly funny/tough enough to be written by Manohla. But how many people would really recognize the difference?

Here is the last paragraph when I asked for an opinion in the style of Roger Ebert… not very different…

In the end, "Caligula" is a misguided and ultimately unsatisfying film. Its ambition to shock and provoke outweighs any genuine artistic or narrative merit. While it may hold a certain curiosity for those interested in controversial cinema, it lacks the substance and coherence necessary to leave a lasting impression. "Caligula" is a film that wallows in its own excesses, but ultimately fails to offer anything of lasting value or impact.

So differentiating a clear style is still not a gimme for AI. Okay.

Anne Thompson wrote a 900-word piece for indiewire today. ChatGPT delivered a synopsis in 191 words.

The article discusses the demand for reform in the process of selecting Oscar submissions for the Best International Feature Film category. Currently, the decision often rests with decision-makers rather than filmmakers, leading to frustrating choices. Different countries have varying methods of selecting their submissions, ranging from small committees to national academies. This year, the Academy introduced a new rule stating that each selection committee must be comprised of 50% "artists and craftspeople from the field of motion pictures." While this brings more transparency to the process, it doesn't address issues such as exiled or banned filmmakers and orphaned films. The article suggests that more reforms, such as term limits for selection committees, may be considered in the future. The Academy is gradually working towards improving the selection process but has no immediate plans to change the one film per country entry model.

I put in yesterday’s Hot Button newsletter with the request to simplify it…

The article discusses the current state of the streaming industry and the potential for re-bundling to recreate a cable-like experience for consumers. It highlights the financial performance of leading streaming services such as Netflix and Disney, as well as the need for stability and customer loyalty in the highly competitive market. The article suggests that pooling sports rights into a single streaming offering could be a lucrative venture, potentially generating significant revenue through subscriptions and advertising. It also explores the idea of creating customized bundles that combine different streaming services to meet consumers' preferences. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of partnerships and collaboration among streaming companies in shaping the future of the industry.

I find this, like the take on Anne’s column, overly simple. But at the same time, I am aware that many of my newsletters are so thick with detail, like numbers, that many of the readers would like the synopsis to be available.

Still, it seems to me that at least 50% of entertainment journalism is light on personality and details. And as in the early examples, details are easily added and personality, while more challenging, is viable.

The ever-increasing lack of complexity in entertainment journalism and the constant repetition from one outlet doing the reporting that feeds hundreds of others… we are kinda signing our own death warrant.

ChatGRP says:

AI can complement entertainment journalism by assisting journalists in research, data analysis, and content curation. It can help identify patterns, generate insights from large datasets, and provide data-driven information. However, the human element of storytelling, analysis, and interpretation is likely to remain essential in entertainment journalism for the foreseeable future.

I guess we can trust AI… right?

Until tomorrow…