Source: Global Times

Article from the Los Angeles Times on June 30, titled: "Artificial Intelligence Sparks Controversy in Hollywood, But Anything Is Possible for China's Film Industry." The relationship between Hollywood and artificial intelligence (AI) is full of contradictions, as studios need to find a balance between cutting costs and the growing concerns of actors, directors, and staff. However, in China, the entertainment industry is more bold in using AI.

Organizations such as the China Film Foundation plan to use AI technology to "reinvigorate" 100 classic martial arts films, including "Police Story," "Ip Man," and "Fist of Fury." The foundation stated that it will collaborate with relevant companies, licensing movie footage to AI companies to re-release these films globally and attract younger audiences.

This project has also caught the attention of American artists, many of whom are cautious about the application of AI in creative fields. The Directors Guild of America said that AI is a creative tool and should be limited to enhancing the creative narrative process. As the two countries compete for dominance in the field of artificial intelligence, this project highlights the starkly different views between the two countries regarding the potential of AI to reshape the entertainment industry.

Nevertheless, some Hollywood studios, such as Lionsgate and Blumhouse Productions, have already partnered with AI companies.

In China, officials involved in the "reinvigoration" project of martial arts films said that AI will be used to add "amazing realism" to the movies. They are planning to create "immersive viewing experiences," such as bamboo forest duels, "experiencing the philosophy of movement and stillness."

The "reinvigoration" of kung fu movies will expand to other areas, including the creation of martial arts video games. Industry observers say that China's initiative to rediscover classic kung fu films is wise, as these works have long been a source of inspiration for American action movies.

China's film industry has made significant progress compared to decades ago, thanks to a surge in domestic cinemas, including those equipped with IMAX screens. In the past, China's box office revenue mainly relied on American films, but now local films have taken the lead in the market.

Although some Chinese films fail to attract large American audiences when released in the United States, classic kung fu films have a wide fan base and lasting influence around the world. Paul DeGrazia, senior media analyst at Comscore, said, "People like kung fu movies because action films are universal. No matter what language the movie is in, as long as it has exciting action scenes and fight sequences, it can attract audiences." (Author: Wendy Lee, translated by Bai Xiaoxiao)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7522250156754879027/

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