Renowned filmmaker Steven Soderbergh has voiced his deep apprehensions about the lack of data transparency within the streaming platforms, considering it a more pressing issue than using artificial intelligence (AI). Soderbergh, currently promoting his self-funded web series Command Z, conveyed his concerns in an interview with Defector.
While acknowledging the significance of AI in the creative process, Soderbergh emphasized that his major worry lies in the obscured transparency practiced by media companies, whether the underlying reality is positive or negative. Drawing from his experience with projects for Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform Max, including the recent release Full Circle, Soderbergh revealed that he received mere “adjectives” instead of concrete data from the company. Statements like “We feel good about these numbers” left him unsatisfied and wary.
Soderbergh postulated two possible explanations for this lack of information sharing. First, these streaming giants might generate substantial profits beyond public knowledge, which they choose not to disclose. The second and more concerning possibility is that these platforms generate significantly less revenue than perceived, and they are reluctant to expose this vulnerability to financial scrutiny.
Addressing this concern, Soderbergh commented, “There are two potential reasons we’re not getting all the information… It’s one of those two.” Regardless of the outcome, he preferred clarity, advocating for transparency as the foundation of a more sustainable industry.
Regarding the role of AI, Soderbergh indicated that he had utilized it for generating conceptual imagery for an upcoming project. However, he remains skeptical about the capacity of AI to replicate human creativity in writing and directing. He doubts AI-generated content can match the nuanced touch and imagination that human professionals bring to these fields. He cited the immense workload of industry executives, implying that AI-generated material would necessitate significant human intervention for refinement, making it an impractical endeavor.
Soderbergh, a Directors Guild of America member, ratified a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers in June. While not affiliated with the Writers Guild of America, his status as a “financial core” non-member since 1995 allows him to benefit from writer protections while abstaining from participating in WGA elections and leadership positions.
In conclusion, Steven Soderbergh’s concerns about data transparency within streaming platforms highlight a critical issue the industry must address. He stresses the need for clarity and honesty, believing that understanding the actual state of affairs is essential for the industry’s growth and evolution. While AI remains a tool in the creative toolbox, Soderbergh doubts its capacity to replace the unique ingenuity of human creators in writing and directing.
More Project Casting Entertainment News:
SAG-AFTRA’s Compromises: An Overview of Movie and Series Granted Boycott Exemptions
In response to the strike against Hollywood studios on July 14, SAG-AFTRA has implemented its interim agreements program. This program allows independent produc…
SAG-AFTRA Calls on Studios to Resume Negotiations as WGA Prepares for AMPTP Meeting on Friday
Following yesterday’s positive news about the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) planning to res…
New Netflix Titles to Watch in August 2023
Summer is ending, and August brings the last month of exciting shows and movies on Netflix. From beloved animated films like “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs…
