Influencers and content creators seem largely unfazed by criticism regarding their use of AI technology, at least judging by the atmosphere at a recent conference dedicated to AI creators that I attended in Los Angeles this week.
On Tuesday, a gathering of creators, marketers, brands, and AI advocates took part in "AI Creator Day," an event organized by TheWrap and What's Trending at UCLA. The one-day symposium was filled with discussions ranging from “What It Actually Takes to Make an AI Series” to “Who Decides What's Human?”
DeStorm Power, a popular YouTuber with over 3 million subscribers, addressed the negative comments that some content receives, referring to them as "slop" and indicating that creators are able to remain focused on their supportive audiences, rather than the detractors.
Before attending, I anticipated extensive dialogue about managing the backlash against AI usage in content creation, particularly after influencers faced backlash for partaking in a brand trip hosted by OpenAI, or following long-time YouTuber Hank Green's recent apology for his heavy reliance on AI tools.
However, the event leaned more towards enthusiasm and practical advice on AI filmmaking, with creators showcasing their AI projects instead of offering apologies. Highlights included comedic sketches featuring mythical roommates and classic-style short films, with creators detailing the extent of human input versus AI involvement.
Most participants seemed to have moved past the debate regarding whether to incorporate AI into storytelling, showing more interest in the ways to effectively utilize the technology.
Chris Capel, a filmmaker, noted that AI assisted him in bringing his long-conceived short about living with a merman to life, a project he had envisioned two decades prior but previously lacked the resources to execute.
Many attendees expressed gratitude for “AI Creator Day” as a “safe space” where they felt comfortable discussing their AI applications. The overarching sentiment was one of excitement about the possibilities AI opens up for content creation.
Creators behind the sci-fi action series “The Arc” shared that they were able to produce their first episode in a remarkable three and a half weeks, thanks to AI tools. Capel reiterated that while the idea was old, it was only now that technology allowed him to realize it.
It was occasionally unclear how much of the showcased works was generated by AI—whether it was solely AI-driven ideas or a blend with human creativity. Yet, creators consistently emphasized that human talent underpinned the projects, using AI purely as a support tool.
Popular AI tools discussed included Seedance and Kling for video generation, Midjourney and Nano Banana Pro for image creation, along with ChatGPT and Claude for writing and brainstorming ideas.
David Bianchi, an actor and filmmaker who has experience in both traditional and AI-driven productions, highlighted that crafting AI cinema requires significant skill. “The tools are accessible, but you can’t make taste,” he stated during a panel discussion.
Although the showcased works often surpassed the more mediocre AI content available online, some still exhibited hints of the uncanny valley effect.
The pervasive enthusiasm surrounding AI at the event contrasted sharply with the criticism faced by some influencers and filmmakers using the technology.
Panel discussions addressed some pressing inquiries related to AI. James Douglas from the Interactive Advertising Bureau commented on the need for transparency, ensuring that content consumers are not misled regarding the nature of AI-generated material.
Less attention was given to prevalent concerns about AI, such as the potential for derivative works or the balancing act between AI opportunities and the risk of job displacement in the industry.
Vincent Marcus, an influencer with over 1.3 million Instagram followers, expressed his anticipation of a future where his voice acting job may no longer exist, prompting him to adapt to AI advancements.
A recurring theme throughout the day asserted the inevitability of AI, with creators encouraged to embrace the technology or risk being left behind. Bernie Su, who leads creative efforts at an AI entertainment firm, summed it up: “The game is changing. We’ll do our thing, audiences will react, and we’ll see what unfolds.”
