Cameron: AI is horrifying for filmmaking

Filmmaker James Cameron has strongly voiced his opposition to generative artificial intelligence in filmmaking, calling the idea of creating characters with AI "horrifying." Cameron clarified that his "Avatar" films utilize performance capture, a technique that celebrates actors' contributions by capturing their movements and facial expressions in detail. This process, he explained, is a collaboration between actor and director, deeply rooted in the performance itself.

Cameron shared that he actually penned the initial script for "Avatar" prior to writing "Titanic." However, the technological capabilities required for "Avatar" were not yet developed. He contrasted his methods with AI, which can generate entire characters and performances from simple text prompts, a direction he finds deeply unsettling and contrary to his artistic vision.

While Cameron has embraced CGI, beginning with "The Abyss" and later using practical effects in films like "The Terminator" and "Alien," his current stance firmly rejects generative AI. He believes his extensive use of performance capture in "Avatar" is a testament to the enduring importance of human actors and the creative process, a sentiment he fears AI threatens.