AI Ethics in Cinema: Enhancing Artistry Without Replacing Human Creativity

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly progressed over the past couple of years, sparking worldwide concerns about whether these new technologies will take human jobs, especially in the film industry. This thesis delves deeper into the ethical implications of AI in filmmaking and its potential to change the film industry as we know it. AI technologies have found ways to streamline production processes, creating benefits such as cost efficiency for small-budget filmmakers. Although these developments can optimize pre-production, production, and post-production processes, it causes distress with factors such as ethical use of information, job security, and creative integrity. A qualitative methodology incorporating literature reviews and case studies of visual media, is used to explore the dual-sided sword AI can be: democratizing the filmmaking process while also making people question the authenticity of the new age of cinema. This study explores whether AI can maintain a human element in art without ruining authorship in AI-generated scripts, or the use of deep fakes. Recommendations are made to ensure transparency and consent are always prioritized when innovating, to maintain ethical integrity. This thesis argues that while AI can support filmmakers through creative inspiration, and streamlining certain processes, it should never completely replace human authorship. AI is there to complement, not supersede the authentic storytelling that defines film. By highlighting these obstacles, this thesis can add to the ongoing conversation about whether AI should be involved in cinema's future and our obligation to establish equitable and progressive regulations.