There have been many concerns about the potential for AI to replace artists and human creativity, but in his keynote address at the AI On The Lot event held May 16 in downtown Los Angeles, Leonard Jenkins said: , politely reminded attendees that AI has the potential to impact most jobs. From CFO to CEO.
“My simple suggestion is that if you could give us your financial performance over a 10-year period, [and additional data] I can design a CFO,” said Jenkins, president and CEO of software development and consulting firm I2A2. “We can build algorithms that make Wall Street happier than CEOs.” [could]”
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But the executive, who is also president of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and a Warner Bros. alumnus, isn't saying humans aren't essential. He said he hopes AI education will “remove fear” and present the possibilities that technology offers, stressing that he sees AI as a tool. “It’s just math, probability and statistics,” he said. “Don't think of this as a replacement. Think of it as an enhancement.
“Humans must remain part of the process,” he insisted. “The actions you put into these systems, that's what really matters.”
In his keynote, Jenkins said he intended to proclaim the use of AI not as a way to save money, but as a way to save time. He noted that time often yields better results.
In its second year, AI On The Lot reported 850 registered participants. Attendees ranged from Hollywood studio representatives to technology developers and filmmakers, including both celebrities and those looking to make their mark as part of the next generation of storytellers.
In related AI news, Thursday was also the final scheduled date for negotiations between the International Union of Theatrical and Stage Employees and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which ended without agreement on a new basic agreement. Artificial intelligence guardrails have been a key issue in these negotiations, as have topics such as funding for IATSE's benefits plan.
Negotiations on the Area Standards Agreement are scheduled to begin on Monday, and IATSE said basic agreement negotiations are expected to resume in June. The three-year contract is scheduled to end on July 31st.
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