The revival of The Wiz is allegedly using AI to generate its “backdrop” projections. (Disney received criticism some months ago over the alleged use of AI in the credit sequence and posters for Loki.)
A TikTok user alleges that The Wiz, which is currently on its pre-Broadway tour, is using AI-generated “backdrops”, pointing out telltale signs of AI-generated art such as blurry spots or different styles in the same scene.
When BroadwayWorld contributor Cara Joyo David asked the production spokesperson whether AI was used, the production issued a categorical denial: “AI was not used in the creation of the projections.”
In the case of Loki, it was a licensed stock art piece that turned out to be AI generated. They weren’t specifically looking for AI art or generating it themselves — they were just looking for a clock photo to use in a background. I wouldn’t doubt if The Wiz ended up with something similar.
I think it’s inevitable that AI in some form or another will play a part in all creative industries (as, indeed, it will in all other industries). The question is whether it will be an existential threat, in the way that the car put carriage drivers and horseshoe makers out of business, or a tool, like Photoshop or Shutterstock.