Spain Navigates AI-Driven Cinema as Hollywood Contends with Its Inner Conflicts
In the vibrant world of Spanish cinema, artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually making its mark, ushering in a new era of innovation and creativity.
One of the most intriguing examples of this can be found at the Museo Élder in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where the short video "Telediario" offers visitors a glimpse into a virtual reality experience. Elsewhere, the film "Here," directed by Robert Zemeckis, has pushed boundaries with its extensive use of face-swapping technology, resulting in 53 minutes of complete face replacement.
The creative team behind "Here," led by Torrado, has meticulously supervised the script, artistic direction, and narrative. Real actors served as references for interpretation and dubbing in key scenes, ensuring a human touch amidst the technological advancements.
The current status of AI in the Spanish film and television industries reflects a period of emerging experimentation and cautious integration. While specific details about Spain are limited in global search results, AI is being explored and showcased in film festivals and high-profile projects, some of which involve Spanish-language regions or creators.
Regarding regulation, no explicit Spanish government or industry regulations on AI use in film and TV production have been identified. However, there is a global awareness about the legal and ethical challenges of AI, such as intellectual property issues, union negotiations, and ethical considerations about creative control and labor. Major studios like Disney are adopting a cautious approach, a trend that is likely being echoed in Spain.
Notable projects include Netflix's Argentinian TV series "The Eternaut," produced in Spanish-speaking markets, where AI was reportedly used in production. Chilean director Pablo Larraín is also involved in a new Netflix horror miniseries “My Sad Dead,” although the use of AI in this project remains unspecified.
In the realm of AI tools, Magnific has been instrumental in enhancing over 20 scenes in films like "Here." However, specific information about its application in the Spanish film and television industries is scarce. It is possible that Magnific is an emerging or niche tool not yet widely covered in current sources.
Spain's television sector is also exploring the use of generative AI and AI tools for cataloging historical archives. The global art industry is experiencing heated debates about AI's role in filmmaking, with concerns about authenticity, transparency, and ethical use at the forefront.
Controversy has arisen around AI-generated content being mistaken for human work, as seen in the film "The Brutalist," where AI was used to enhance actors' accents, causing significant backlash. To address these concerns, Spain has approved a draft law to regulate AI, aligning with the European Union's AI Act, focusing on ethical, inclusive, and beneficial use.
The law includes strict labeling requirements for AI-generated content and significant fines for non-compliance, up to €35 million (US$39.3 million). The new legislation underscores Spain's commitment to maintaining the integrity of artistic vision and human creativity, while leveraging AI to enhance storytelling capabilities.
One of the most anticipated AI-driven projects is "The Great Reset," a sci-fi thriller directed by Daniel H. Torrado and set to debut at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival. The film uses AI for image synthesis, animation, and post-production, eliminating the need for on-screen actors or physical locations.
As the world of film and television continues to evolve, Spain stands poised at the forefront of this technological revolution. AI is not replacing artistic vision or human creativity; rather, it is providing filmmakers with new tools to tell stories in ways never before imagined.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been utilized in the production of the Chilean director Pablo Larraín's upcoming Netflix horror miniseries, “My Sad Dead,” further highlighting its growing influence in Spanish-speaking film industries.
- In the immediate future, Spain's cinema landscape promises an AI-driven sci-fi thriller, "The Great Reset," set to premiere at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival, demonstrating how technology like Magnific can enhance storytelling by eliminating the need for on-screen actors or physical locations.
- Amidst the progress of AI in the Spanish film and entertainment industry, a draft law has been approved within Spain to regulate AI, reflecting the European Union's AI Act, focusing on ethical, inclusive, and beneficial uses—demonstrating a commitment to maintaining artistic vision and human creativity while embracing technological advancements.
