Cinema cancels AI film AI writes script - movie theater kicks out film

A film about a filmmaker who realizes that artificial intelligence is better than he is - a Swiss screenwriter wants to spark a debate. The controversy comes sooner than expected.

Can AI write a screenplay? Swiss filmmaker Peter Luisi tried and turned it into a film project with real actors. He wanted to spark debate about the use of AI in the film industry, but was kicked out of the selected cinema in London before a screening planned for this weekend. The Prince Charles Cinema in Soho got cold feet because there were negative comments on the announcement on the short message portal X. "It's a shame", Luisi told the German Press Agency on Thursday. "I don't think bowing to such comments is the right way to go. But I respect that."

What the movie is about

The film "The Last Screenwriter" is about screenwriter Jack, who is shocked to discover that AI writes better scripts than he does. "Hello Jack, I'm your new screenwriting assistant," says a nice female voice in the movie to Jack, who then takes over his work. She appears to be talking to the author. Viewers don't actually notice the AI because the film was shot with real actors on real locations. Luisi wanted to use the film to spark a debate on the subject. "I'm a screenwriter myself and I see the problem," he said. "Closing your eyes and pretending AI isn't there is not an option. The status quo no longer exists, we have to come to terms with it. Let's talk about it." He also doesn't know where AI is going in the film business. He is personally rather old-fashioned and likes classic storytelling.

Why the cinema has backed down

The cinema wrote on X that in the comments on the announcement of the film, many had expressed great concerns about the use of AI instead of a screenwriter. The cinema therefore decided not to show the film. "Our decision is based on our passion for movies and listening to those who support what we are doing." Luisi says the commentators were unaware that it was a non-profit film intended to spark debate.

The use of AI in the movie business was already an issue during the months-long strike in Hollywood last year. The agreement that ended the strike offers protection against the unregulated use of AI for the first time. Actors and actresses were able to agree that they must expressly consent to digital imitation via AI.

Where the film will be shown

Luisi now wants to show the film only for employees and guests in another cinema in London. It was shot in English. "The AI script is amazingly good," he says. After the premiere was canceled, "the film's festival and cinema career died", he says. He wants to make the film available for free on the associated website soon. He doesn't need to earn any money with it. Luisi has just had great success with the comedy "Bon Schuur Ticino" about the Swiss people's struggle with their linguistic diversity in Switzerland. As a result, he received funding that would have been enough to produce the screenwriter's film.

dpa