AI-generated version of the late actor will appear in a new film
Jake Coyle
New York: A year after Val Kilmer’s death, a prolific AI version of the actor will star in an independent film; This will be one of the boldest uses of AI in filmmaking to date.
First Line Films announced on Wednesday (US time) that Kilmer has posthumously joined the cast of: Deep as the Grave. Producers said Kilmer signed on to star in the film before his death, but was unable to do so due to his health condition.
Kilmer’s estate has authorized its digital copying and is being compensated for it. The actor’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, said the role resonated with her father.
“He always looked with optimism at emerging technologies as a tool to expand the possibilities of storytelling,” he said in a statement. “That spirit is something we all honor in this special film of which he was an integral part.”
Kilmer died of pneumonia last April at the age of 65. In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer. Having lost his natural speaking voice, Kilmer turned to an artificial intelligence software company to digitally recreate his voice. In his last screen performance in 2022 Best Weapon: MaverickKilmer’s voice was digitally altered.
The use of artificial intelligence in film production has been one of the most controversial issues in Hollywood in recent years. Recently, some have attempted to make greater advances in AI-generated performance. Xicoia company launched the AI-crafted character “Tilly Norwood” last year; released a music video earlier this month.
Actors union SAG-AFTRA, Condemns Xicoia’s “AI Actor”however, there are regulations regarding other uses of the technology. Its rules stipulate that permission must be given to artists for the use of digital copies. The directive states that “Consent not obtained before death must be obtained from the authorized representative or the union.”
SAG-AFTRA representatives did not immediately respond to questions on Wednesday (US time).
SAG rules were followed, writer-director Coerte Voorhees and producer John Voorhees said in an email.
“We believe we serve as a showcase for how to do this ethically and properly, especially in the case of working with the estate and family of a deceased actor,” they said.
Deep as the Gravepreviously titled Canyon of the DeadIt was shot several years ago but remains in post-production. It is based on a true story about Ann and Earl Morris, archaeologists who uncovered Native American history during their Arizona excavations. The AI version of Kilmer plays Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist. The cast includes Abigail Lawrie, Tom Felton, Wes Studi and Abigail Breslin.
Kilmer, who identifies as Native American, became interested in the project five years ago, Voorhees said. The producers are seeking distribution with the hope of releasing the film this year.
“It was very unfortunate that his health at the time prevented him from playing this role that spoke to him spiritually and culturally,” Voorhees said. “We are honored to collaborate with daughter Mercedes, who brings her own filmmaking experience to bring this character to life the way we all originally envisioned it.”
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