Joel Kim Booster is sharing his thoughts on the future of artificial intelligence as a creator in Hollywood.
Ahead of the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards Sunday afternoon, the writer-actor-comedian spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the controversial technology that had sparked fears across the entertainment industry (and beyond) about AI displacing people from their jobs.
“I think if anyone’s job should be replaced by AI, it should be the execs, you know, in terms of the skill sets,” the Fire Island star explained. “I think it aligns a little bit more with what AI is able to do in terms of just sort of distilling algorithms and what can be bought and sold and things like that.”
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Booster, who has worked in all facets of the industry, including writing, producing and acting, said that he is “absolutely” scared about what’s to come with AI.
“I think it’s nerve-wracking, and I think the advances that we’re seeing, it’s happening quicker than I think we’re able to adjust to it,” the Loot actor added. “But I think at the end of the day … listen, our jobs, what we bring to it, what human beings, what artists bring to the work, I think is undeniable and I think people can see through it and sense like the real heart. And I think especially awards like the Indie Spirits really demonstrate that, like what the power of human storytelling can bring to art.”
Artificial intelligence has been a hot-button topic in the entertainment industry in recent years, as well as a sticking point during the writers and actors strikes last year. While both the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA were able to secure protections against the technology in their contracts with studios, there are still many unknowns about what the future of AI looks like.
A recent study surveying 300 leaders across the industry also estimates that nearly 204,000 positions will be adversely impacted by AI over the next three years.
The 39th Spirit Awards, hosted by Saturday Night Live alum Aidy Bryant, are taking place on Sunday. Check out the star-studded red carpet arrivals here.
