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Reel AI: Erik Barmack’s biweekly article for The Ankler
When Pitt Fought Cruise — and Why Hollywood Could Barely Punch Back
Erik Barmack’s Reel AI Column from The Ankler
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Quick Explainers on Basic AI Terms and Tools
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Matthew Lawrence Proposes AI Revival of Robin Williams’ Voice—Daughter Objects
Matthew Lawrence, who starred alongside Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire, suggests resurrecting Williams’ iconic voice via AI for assistance technology, sparking heated debate over consent and posthumous portrayal.
The AI Making Indie Sci-Fi Budgets Possible (James Cameron’s Team Agrees)
Actor Tye Sheridan and Nikola Todorovic’s Wonder Dynamics streamlines VFX, cuts costs and is backed by the software giant that helped power ‘Avatar’
Creative Artists Agency Invests in Moonvalley to Build Hollywood‑Friendly AI Video Tools
CAA joins a $84 million funding round for Moonvalley’s Marey platform, aligning with a growing push for licensed, ethical AI tools in filmmaking and Hollywood’s fight against unauthorized generative content.
Natasha Lyonne Leads Hollywood’s Fight Over AI Copyright as Creators Demand Protections
Natasha Lyonne rallied over 400 industry figures to pressure the White House on AI copyright reform, pushing Hollywood to assert control over generative models and protect creator value.
The $2K Ad That Shook the NBA Finals — and Put Hollywood Production on Notice
JOB KILLER? Google’s Veo 3 update raises the gen-AI video threat level for Hollywood. (The Ankler illustration; Gorodenkoff Productions/Getty Images, Mutlu Kurtbas/Getty Images)
Steven Spielberg Draws Clear Line: No AI in Front of the Camera
Academy Award‑winning director Steven Spielberg voices caution over artificial intelligence taking on creative or acting roles, while acknowledging AI’s utility behind the scenes in Hollywood operations.
Calum Worthy and Producer Russell Geyser Launch 2wai, Letting Celebrities Control Their AI Doppelgängers
Disney Channel alum Calum Worthy and veteran producer Russell Geyser unveil 2wai, a platform for users—including entertainers—to own AI chat avatars that mimic their likeness and voice across 40+ languages, aiming to beat deepfake risks.
VFX Legend Ed Ulbrich Joins AI Firm Moonvalley to Bridge Tech and Hollywood
Oscar-winning visual effects veteran Ed Ulbrich leaves traditional studios for Moonvalley, aiming to integrate AI ethically into entertainment visual workflows and support creator-friendly tools.
Blackpink’s Jennie Triumphs Over AI-Generated Imposter Scam
Singer Jennie secures a legal win against a fraudster who impersonated her, exposing how AI-generated content can be weaponized to spread false celebrity claims and sell fabricated narratives.
A $5M Film? AI Studios Bet on a Cheap Future Hollywood Won't Buy (Yet)
Don't bet against Burbank yet. As Disney & Universal sue Midjourney, the real block for AI movies is expertise: marketing, distribution & legal
Runway CEO Cris Valenzuela Champions AI as Hollywood-Friendly, Not Hollywood-Hostile
Runway’s founder Cris Valenzuela, endorsed by major studios, argues generative video tools can democratize filmmaking—aiming to reassure Hollywood wary of unlicensed AI use.
Monica Barbaro to Co-Star in Netflix’s AI-Centered Film ‘Artificial’ with Andrew Garfield
Actress Monica Barbaro collaborates with partner Andrew Garfield and director Luca Guadagnino on a feature film exploring AI’s real-world drama at OpenAI, blending personal chemistry with emerging tech narratives.
Disney and Universal Take a Hard Line Against AI Image Generation Firms
Disney and Universal claim Midjourney’s AI has reproduced iconic characters without permission, marking a turning point in entertainment’s legal strategy against unsanctioned AI use.
Video Game Voice Actors Union Reach Major AI Protection Deal
SAG-AFTRA secures new AI safeguards for video game voice and motion-capture actors, signaling broader entertainment industry protections—and a blueprint for unions working alongside technology.
Emma Stone Collaborates with AI Startup to Reimagine Animation Voice Work
Emma Stone joins forces with AI-driven animation studio to pioneer hybrid voice performances, combining human nuance with machine precision for next-gen animated storytelling.
Peak Bono: AI, VR and a Dad Sermon May Save Apple's Vision Pro
'Stories of Surrender' finally gives the hardware dud a reason to exist and shows a way to innovate in immersive storytelling
Melania Trump Embraces AI to Narrate Her Memoir, Sparking Discussions on Technology in Publishing
First Lady Melania Trump releases a seven-hour audiobook of her memoir, narrated entirely by an AI-generated version of her voice, highlighting the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and celebrity branding.
Google's AI on Screen Initiative Aims to Shift Hollywood's AI Narrative
Google partners with Range Media Partners to fund short films portraying AI in a more optimistic light, enlisting talents like Michael Keaton to reshape public perception.
'Grand Theft Auto VI': AI Characters Are a Hollywood Wake-Up Call
The next version of the video game charts a path for truly interactive entertainment if the industry opens its eyes