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The $50 Million Movie 'Here' De-Aged Tom Hanks With Generative AI

Nov 06, 2024 - wired.com
TriStar Pictures has released a film called "Here", directed by Robert Zemeckis, which uses real-time generative AI face transformation techniques to portray actors Tom Hanks and Robin Wright across a 60-year span. The film, which is based on a 2014 graphic novel, used AI to modify the actors' appearances rather than casting different actors for various ages. The de-aging technology was developed by Metaphysic, a visual effects company that trained custom machine-learning models on frames of Hanks' and Wright's previous films to generate instant face transformations.

The film's release comes as major studios explore AI applications beyond just visual effects, with companies developing text-to-video generation tools and AI systems for script analysis and pre-production planning. However, AI's role in filmmaking is a contentious issue, with guild contracts placing strict limits on AI's use in creative processes and unions debating its role in the industry. Despite this, Metaphysic's technology has already been used in two other 2024 releases, "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" and "Alien: Romulus", both requiring estate approval under new California legislation governing AI recreations of performers.

Key takeaways:

  • TriStar Pictures released a film called _Here_ that used AI face transformation techniques to portray actors Tom Hanks and Robin Wright across a 60-year span, marking one of Hollywood's first full-length features built around AI-powered visual effects.
  • The AI technology used for the film was developed by Metaphysic, a visual effects company that creates real time face swapping and aging effects. The technology can generate instant face transformations without the months of manual post-production work traditional CGI requires.
  • Major studios are exploring AI applications beyond just visual effects, with companies developing text-to-video generation tools and AI systems for script analysis and pre-production planning. However, guild contracts place strict limits on AI's use in creative processes like scriptwriting.
  • Metaphysic's technology has already been used in two other 2024 releases, _Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga_ and _Alien: Romulus_. However, the use of AI recreations of performers, often called deepfakes, requires estate approval under new California legislation.
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