Hugh Grant Stars in 'Heretic': A24's Bold Stand Against AI in Film
November 5, 2024
Co-director Scott Beck emphasized A24's commitment to artistic integrity, highlighting their support for the decision to include the no-AI disclaimer.
Beck and co-director Bryan Woods expressed concerns about generative AI's potential to replace jobs in the arts, emphasizing the need for discussions about its implications in filmmaking.
The film industry is currently grappling with the impact of AI, with studios like Blumhouse and Disney exploring its potential while facing backlash for its use.
A24 has faced scrutiny for its use of generative AI in promotional materials for other films, prompting discussions on the importance of traditional filmmaking techniques.
'Heretic', a religious horror film set to open in theaters on November 8, 2024, features Hugh Grant as a theological scholar confronting two Mormon teen missionaries.
The film stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East as the missionaries, who face a sinister character played by Grant.
The independent studio A24, which produced 'Heretic', has included a disclaimer stating, 'No generative AI was used in the making of this film,' to clarify its production methods.
While acknowledging the impressive capabilities of generative AI, Woods warned that it could undermine foundational aspects of the filmmaking process and equated its use to theft of human creativity.
Concerns about AI stem from its reliance on scraping existing content without creator consent, leading to numerous legal disputes and ethical dilemmas in the industry.
The filmmakers fear that without proactive measures, the unchecked use of AI could lead to a dangerous future for the arts within the next five to ten years.
Beck and Woods have expressed strong support for A24, particularly regarding their stance on the use of AI in filmmaking.
Woods humorously suggested that generative AI should be buried underground with nuclear warheads to prevent potential harm, highlighting the urgency of the conversation.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources

Forbes • Nov 5, 2024
An Unusual Reason ‘Heretic’ May Be The Best Movie Of 2024
IndieWire • Nov 5, 2024
'Heretic' Directors Credit A24 for Being 'Artist-Friendly' Amid AI Rise
Decrypt • Nov 5, 2024
A24 Film ‘Heretic’ Features ‘No Generative AI’ Disclaimer
MovieWeb • Nov 4, 2024
Why A24's Heretic Includes an AI Disclaimer in the Credits