The Prince Charles Cinema in central London has found itself at the center of controversy after cancelling a private screening of a film entirely written using artificial intelligence (AI) following a public backlash.
The film in question, titled The Last Screenwriter, was created by ChatGPT and marketed as the “first feature film written entirely by AI.” The movie follows a celebrated screenwriter named Jack who encounters a cutting-edge AI scriptwriting system that surpasses his skills in empathy and understanding of human emotions.
Initially scheduled to premiere at the Prince Charles Cinema in Soho, the screening was axed after concerns were raised about “the use of AI in place of a writer.” In a statement shared on Instagram, the cinema acknowledged the response from its customers and stated that it reflects a wider issue within the industry.
The decision to cancel the screening comes amidst ongoing debates about the role of AI in creative industries, with the use of AI in filmmaking being a contentious topic. The issue has even reached the UK government, with MPs calling for interventions to ensure artists receive fair compensation when their work is used by AI developers.
The controversy surrounding The Last Screenwriter highlights the ongoing tensions between technological advancements and traditional creative processes in the entertainment industry. As discussions about the impact of AI on the arts continue, the decision by the Prince Charles Cinema to cancel the screening serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the ethical implications of using AI in creative endeavors.
