Reality TV producer Valerie Penso-Cuculich is sounding the alarm on the increasing use of AI by applicants to alter their appearance in hopes of landing a spot on popular reality TV shows. As a casting director for shows like Love Island USA and The Real Housewives of Dubai, Penso-Cuculich is noticing a trend of over-filtered images and unrealistic portrayals of contestants.
In a recent interview, Penso-Cuculich expressed her frustration with the use of AI in the casting process, stating that it makes it difficult to find real people for the shows she works on. She emphasized the importance of casting authentic individuals and how the prevalence of AI-altered images is hindering that process.
On the positive side, Penso-Cuculich acknowledged that AI has streamlined certain aspects of the production process, such as transcribing raw footage and searching for specific soundbites. However, she also highlighted the legal and regulatory issues that arise from the use of AI in reality TV, including concerns about unauthorized AI-generated content and deepfakes.
The story also touches on the experiences of reality TV stars like Kyland Young, who are grappling with the unauthorized use of their likeness in AI-generated content. Legal experts like John Delaney are weighing in on the implications of AI in the industry and the need for clearer regulations to protect the rights of individuals.
As the debate around AI in reality TV continues to evolve, some industry insiders, like producer Alex Baskin, are skeptical of the trend. Baskin believes that the essence of reality TV lies in capturing the human experience authentically, and he is wary of reducing entertainment to algorithms.
Overall, the story sheds light on the complex relationship between AI and reality TV, highlighting both the benefits and challenges that come with the increasing use of technology in the industry.
