Auschwitz Memorial Unveils Digital Replica Project for Virtual Film Location at Cannes Market, the World’s First AI Film Company, Factors Driving Growth in the AI Film Market, and Writing Lessons from an AI-Resurrected Agatha Christie
Auschwitz Memorial Unveils Digital Replica Project for Virtual Film Location at Cannes Market
“Picture from Auschwitz” is being developed by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial, the digital replica of the former concentration and extermination camp, is intended for use as a film location. The digital replica project was shown at the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film as part of the Cannes Next technology and innovation program. Fiction feature films are not allowed to be shot at the memorial itself, located in southern Poland, where about 1.1 million people died during World War II. Using advanced 3D scanning technology, the project aims to preserve the site’s historical integrity by capturing every detail, from the “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate to fence posts and individual bricks. The digital archive will be maintained and updated as technology advances.
Largo.ai, Backed by Sylvester Stallone, Partners with Brilliant Pictures to Launch World’s First Fully AI-Automated Film Company
Largo.ai, an AI-powered analytics platform for the film, television, and advertising sectors, has partnered with London and Rome-based Brilliant Pictures to launch what both companies describe as the world’s first fully AI-automated film sales, production, and finance company. The partnership, unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival, will merge Largo.ai’s proprietary data-driven technology with Brilliant Pictures’ slate and industry expertise. Largo.ai, which recently closed a $7.5 million Series A funding round with actor Sylvester Stallone among its latest investors, was founded in 2020 in collaboration with the Swiss technical university EPFL. The company now works with more than 600 partners, including major Hollywood studios and agencies. Brilliant Pictures’ current lineup features a post-World War II drama directed by Oscar-winner Bille August, a feature documentary on Guillermo del Toro, and a new film by Roland Joffé.
Europe’s Film and TV Dubbers Fight with AI
Top German dubbing artists, including the voices behind Ben Affleck and Angelina Jolie, released a viral video warning that AI-generated “robot” voices, trained on their work without consent, threaten their jobs. Dubbers across Europe have raised similar concerns. More than 215,000 people have signed a #TouchePasMaVF petition, launched by French and European dubbing associations, demanding protections. New contracts in Italy and Spain now include AI clauses requiring explicit consent and compensation for voice use. The European Union’s AI Act, passed in August 2024, mandates clear labeling of AI-generated media and enforces copyright protections, including opt-out rights and fair pay. Public backlash has already led to the cancellation of AI-dubbed projects, such as MagentaTV’s Murderesses and Amazon France’s planned use of an AI clone for a Stallone film.
Writing Lessons from an AI-Resurrected Agatha Christie
BBC Maestro announced the launch of a digital class featuring an AI-resurrected Agatha Christie offering lessons in writing. BBC Maestro Chief Executive Michael Levine and James Prichard, Agatha Christie’s great-grandson and chairman of Agatha Christie Ltd., detail the meticulous approach taken to be faithful to the author’s legacy. The script is said to be closely based on Christie’s own words, the lead actor Vivien Keene was selected after an 18-month search, and the production team recreated Agatha Christie’s library, typewriter, and even her jewelry and signature tweed suit to ensure authenticity. Agatha Christie is the biggest-selling fiction author of all time, with many of her books developed into films like Murder on the Orient Express.
Factors Driving Growth in the AI Film Market
The global AI in film market is projected to reach $14.1 billion by 2033, up from $1.4 billion in 2023, according to Market.us, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 25.7%. North America led the market in 2023, accounting for more than 40% of global revenue, or $500 million, driven by early adoption of AI in scriptwriting, visual effects, and content personalization by major studios and streaming platforms. World Metrics reports that about 70% of films now use some form of AI during production. AI tools, including script analysis and box office prediction models with up to 90% accuracy, are increasingly central to filmmaking decisions. In 2023, the production segment accounted for over 58% of the market share, while machine learning technologies held more than 35%. The market’s growth is fueled by the need for cost savings, efficiency, and enhanced visual effects, as AI automates tasks and optimizes resources.
Soundcloud Faces Backlash But Denies Training AI Using Artists’ Work
SoundCloud faced backlash after a clause was quietly added to its Terms of Use, stating that user content could be used to train AI. The change, made in February 2024 without notifying users, was flagged by tech ethicist Ed Newton-Rex. In response, SoundCloud said it has “never used artist content to train AI models” and remains “artist-first.” A spokesperson told TechCrunch the update was intended only to clarify how content may interact with AI within SoundCloud’s platform and that the company does not develop AI tools or allow third parties to use artist content for AI training. SoundCloud also introduced a “no AI” tag for artists to block unauthorized use.
Meta Removes Fake AI Ads Featuring Jamie Lee Curtis After She Appeals Directly to Zuckerberg
Jamie Lee Curtis appealed directly to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to remove an AI-generated ad using her likeness without her consent.
Hi. We have never met. My name is Jamie Lee Curtis and I have gone through every proper channel to ask you and your team to take down this totally AI fake commercial for some bullshit that I didn’t authorize, agree to or endorse.”
After Curtis posted her complaint on Instagram, a Meta spokesperson confirmed the company took down the fake ads.
Ginger Liu is the founder of Hollywood’s Ginger Media & Entertainment, a researcher in artificial intelligence and visual arts media, and an entrepreneur, author, writer, artist, photographer, and filmmaker. Listen to the Podcast — The Digital Afterlife of Grief.
