Disney+ premiered its new Marvel Studios series “Secret Invasion” on Wednesday morning, and in the wake of its release the only real discussion about the series has been about the opening credits seemingly created using artificial intelligence
On Wednesday, Polygon published statements from director and executive producer Ali Selim confirming the A.I. use, with Selim saying he didn’t “really understand” how the A.I. was implemented. Method Studios was the company behind the opening sequence.
Now Method Studios has released a statement to THR clarifying the reports surrounding just how artificial intelligence was used in the animated opening.
They explain it used existing and custom AI tools to create the characters’ attributes and movements in the opening, but the entire production of the opening involved traditional work of the art department, animators, compositors and other artists:
“It involved a tremendous effort by talented art directors, animators (proficient in both 2D and 3D), artists, and developers, who employed conventional techniques to craft all the other aspects of the project. AI is just one tool among the array of tool sets our artists used. No artist’s jobs were replaced by incorporating these new tools; instead, they complemented and assisted our creative teams.”
The potential of AI and its impact in Hollywood has been a controversial subject and word quickly spread about its use. Series star Samuel L. Jackson also spoke with the outlet about AI’s growing impact on the film industry, saying he won’t sign contracts that let projects use his likeness “in perpetuity”.
He adds that he’s been thinking about this since his “Star Wars” prequel trilogy and the “first time I got scanned” for “The Phantom Menace”. As result it has made him more careful when it comes to the language in his contracts.
