Major Hollywood studios have issued a stern demand for TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to "immediately cease" its new AI video tool, Seedance 2.0, from infringing on copyright. The tool, capable of generating highly realistic video clips from simple text prompts, has been criticised for its unauthorised use of existing films and shows, raising significant concerns within the entertainment industry.
Key Takeaways
- Major US studios, represented by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), are demanding Seedance 2.0 cease copyright infringement.
- The AI tool can create realistic video clips based on existing films, actors, and shows.
- ByteDance claims the content was from a pre-launch testing phase and states it respects intellectual property.
- Industry professionals express fears of job losses and the potential "decimation" of Hollywood.
Copyright Concerns Mount
The Motion Picture Association (MPA), which represents major studios including Netflix, Paramount Pictures, and Disney, has stated that Seedance 2.0 has engaged in "unauthorised use of US copyrighted works on a massive scale." The tool's ability to quickly generate lifelike scenes, such as a fight between Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt or reimagined characters from "Friends" as otters, has alarmed creators.
Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the MPA, criticised ByteDance for launching a service "without meaningful safeguards against infringement," arguing it disregards copyright law that supports American jobs. He urged ByteDance to "immediately cease its infringing activity."
ByteDance's Response
ByteDance has stated that the content in question was part of a limited pre-launch testing phase. The company asserts that it respects intellectual property rights and copyright protections, and takes potential infringements seriously. According to ByteDance, measures are being implemented to address risks, including robust policies and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with regulations. The company also noted that the product has already suspended the ability for users to upload images of real people.
Industry Fears and Future Implications
The rapid advancement and accessibility of tools like Seedance 2.0 have sparked significant anxiety within Hollywood. Rhett Reese, a writer for the "Deadpool" films, expressed his "terrified" reaction, warning that the industry could be "revolutionized/decimated." He highlighted the professional quality of AI-generated clips, such as the Pitt-Cruise video, as a primary reason for his concern, fearing for the careers of many in the industry.
Heather Anne Campbell, a writer for "Saturday Night Live" and "Rick & Morty," suggested that while the technology is powerful, the output often resembles fan fiction, implying that the core challenge of generating original ideas remains. She noted that even with advanced AI, users are frequently creating content based on existing popular franchises like "Breaking Bad" or "The Lord of the Rings."