Earlier this week, Shanghai-based production company Youhug Media introduced two new actors set to star in an upcoming series of shorts named “The Qinling Bronze Occult Chronicles.” What sets Qin Lingyue and Lin Xiyan apart from other actors is that they are digital models powered by artificial intelligence.
The AI actors already have their own social media accounts and regularly post updates for their followers. They promised to read and respond to all comments, asking people to interact with them. However, their presentation has been met with skepticism by the general public and sparked outrage among human talent worried that they may soon lose their jobs.
“Behind the unemployment of a single celebrity lies a whole group of ordinary workers who could lose their jobs — extras, cinematographers, lighting crew, catering staff, post-production teams, makeup artists, stagehands, and so on,” one person commented on Weibo.
Some social media users also addressed the shocking resemblance of the two AI actors with real Chinese film stars. For example, Qin Lingyue is said to have borrowed the look of actor Zhai Zhilu, while Lin Xiyan bears a striking resemblance to several actresses, like Zhao Jinmai, Zhang Zifeng, and Liang Jie.
Not everyone in the Chinese film industry feels threatened by AI actors. Studios are said to plan a gradual replacement of supporting actos, extras and stunt doubles with AI, in order to reduce costs, while still relying on human stars to promote their creations.
“Actors with real skill, talented writers, capable directors, you don’t need to worry. Humans will prevail. We should adapt to the times, but also have confidence in ourselves,” film producer Yu Zheng said.
AI actors have been sparking controversy in the Western world as well. Last year, we wrote about Tilly Norwood, an AI-powered actress that could one day match Scarlett Johanson’s fame and success.
