Travis Knight Rejects AI at 'Wildwood' AFI Fest Premiere
The director said technology helps artists but harms them when it replaces them, speaking as his Laika stop-motion film opened AFI Fest.
"Wildwood" had its U.S. premiere as the opening night film of AFI Fest, where director Travis Knight told the audience he is not embracing AI in his work, according to Variety.
Knight said he sees technology as a tool that is useful in the hands of artists but harmful when it replaces them. He added that the idea of AI speeding up the filmmaking process fills him with rage.
The director also said "Wildwood" took 16 years to complete.
The Laika film is a stop-motion fantasy about a young girl who enters a forbidden forest after her baby brother is kidnapped by crows. Its cast includes Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Angela Bassett and Mahershala Ali, among others.
In earlier remarks reported around the production, Knight noted that Bassett recorded her work during COVID.
Quick answers
What did Travis Knight say about AI?
He said he is not embracing AI in his work and sees technology as useful in the hands of artists but harmful when it replaces them.
How long did 'Wildwood' take to make?
Knight said the film took 16 years to complete.
Where did 'Wildwood' premiere?
It had its U.S. premiere as the opening night film of AFI Fest.