Danny Boyle said he would utilize generative AI again despite the criticism he has received for using it in Ink. “For animals, it’s a no-brainer
Danny Boyle said he would utilize generative AI again despite the criticism he has received for using it in Ink.
“For animals, it’s a no-brainer. I’ve used real animals in films before and it’s very distressing for them, no matter what their handler tells you,” explained Boyle, who came under fire for using real chimpanzees in 2002’s 28 Days Later. “[GenAI] is good for that.”
The director was talking to Screen on the red carpet for Ink, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival (LFF) on October 12.
Boyle said AI is used in “very small amounts” in the film, including brief appearances of mice and to replace a real actor’s face with Margaret Thatcher’s face. This has sparked some backlash online and several people have questioned Boyle about it at several festival Q&As.
“Whether people admit it or not, it’s sort of built into the VFX,” the director continued. “I wouldn’t replace actors with it unless I had a very specific utilize.
“It’s a tool that can be used if there’s a proper and decent way to use it that doesn’t put anybody out of work and is respectful to its power.”
Boyle emphasised he was “aware” of the dangers of AI and the importance of being “mindful” of its changing nature.
“It’s moving so fast,” Boyle said. “I’m not sure our legislative or advisory bodies can keep up with it. I don’t think the guys making it really know what they’re doing. So, we have to be very careful.”
Ink centres on the true story of UK journalist Larry Lamb, who reinvents tabloid journalism as editor of The Sun newspaper in the delayed 1960s, under the watchful eye of owner Rupert Murdoch. Jack O’Connell, Guy Pearce and Claire Foy star.
The film is screening in Manchester on Friday as part of the LFF, with Boyle delivering a Screen Talk in the city as well – the first to be held outside of London.
Boyle, who grew up in Lancashire, said: “It’s lovely for the BFI to open it up to not just the London-centric experience. People from Manchester can get a full dose of it early on before it’s released in January.”
LFF continues until October 18.
