Stephen King threw away the manuscript for "Carrie" after becoming frustrated. His wife rescued it from the trash and encouraged him to finish it, and it became his first published novel, launching his legendary career.

table of contents

June 21, 2024

• Superhero Fatigue is Real. The Future Focus on Story in Feature Films

• Meet Your Digital Doppelgänger: TikTok Unveils Symphony

• World Economic Forum: 3 Key Strategies for Creative Sustainability in the Age of AI

• Meta's AI Ambitions in Europe

• The AI Wire

• Tools to Consider…

Superhero Fatigue is Real. The Future Focus on Story in Feature Films

The pandemic devastated the box office for feature films in 2020 and 2021, a story we know all too well. The recovery has been slow, but signs of improvement are emerging.

Interestingly, the pace of recovery might be linked to the types of feature films being released. Animated films are performing exceptionally well, generating solid profits. Human-centric films are also enjoying a strong resurgence. However, superhero films, despite having the highest number of releases, are showing the lowest profit margins. (see graphics below)

Disney’s Bob Iger attributes this to “superhero fatigue” and plans to reduce the number of superhero movies in the company’s lineup.

As the industry navigates these changes, it’s clear that audience preferences are shifting. Understanding these trends is crucial for studios aiming to maximize profits and cater to evolving viewer tastes. The emphasis may now need to shift towards more diverse and innovative storytelling to sustain the recovery and thrive in the post-pandemic era.

Meet Your Digital Doppelgänger: TikTok Unveils Symphony Avatars

TikTok has announced Symphony Avatars, a new, native feature that uses AI to create lifelike avatars for users. This tool allows users to generate personalized avatars that can mimic their expressions and movements in real-time.

With this feature, TikTok hopes to showcase its commitment to integrating cutting-edge AI technology to enhance user interaction and creativity on the platform.

Takeaways

• Use AI tools like Symphony Avatars to create interactive and engaging content that resonates with your audience.

• Leverage AI to offer personalized experiences, enhancing user satisfaction and platform loyalty.

Here’s an in-depth look.

3 Key Strategies for Creative Sustainability in the Age of AI

In an era driven by AI and environmental sustainability, the World Economic Forum says it's crucial for creatives to adapt and innovate to stay relevant. As technology reshapes industries, creatives must harness these tools to enhance their work. Additionally, integrating sustainable practices into your creative process is vital for future success. Here are three key strategies to thrive:

1. Emotional Engagement: Use AI to create personalized, emotionally engaging experiences that connect deeply with your audience.

2. Lifelong Learning: Continuously update your skills and knowledge to stay current with AI advancements and sustainable practices, ensuring you remain innovative and adaptable.

3. Real-World Challenges: Tackle practical, real-world problems to develop relevant skills and integrate AI and sustainability effectively into your creative work.

Adapting these strategies ensures that you not only stay at the forefront of your field but also contribute positively to a sustainable future. Embracing these changes will help build a future where human creativity and ingenuity always matter.

Meta's AI Ambitions in Europe: Balancing Innovation with Privacy Concerns"

Meta Platforms is expanding its AI capabilities in Europe, focusing on generative AI models trained on public social media content from Facebook and Instagram users. This highlights the tension between innovation and privacy regulations. Meta’s President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, stated, “Our goal is to ensure AI contributes positively to our communities.” Privacy advocate Max Schrems emphasized, “Meta's practices must comply with stringent EU privacy regulations.”

Meta’s AI will create personalized ads, content recommendations, and interactive experiences.

Next time you post a photo of yourself with a coffee, expect to see AI-generated ads for caffeine pills!

Takeaways

Utilize AI to enhance marketing strategies, but ensure compliance with privacy regulations to maintain consumer trust.

Clearly communicate how user data is utilized in AI-driven marketing campaigns to build and maintain customer loyalty. No one wants to feel spied on.

The AI Wire

AI in Hollywood: Generative AI is increasingly used in Hollywood for tasks like de-aging actors and creating digital twins. While this technology offers new creative possibilities, it also raises concerns about the future roles of human actors and the originality of AI-generated content. (MIT Sloan Review)​.

AI-Generated Art Projects: Istanbul-based artist Alper Yesiltas has used AI to create a series of images imagining what deceased celebrities would look like today. This project, along with others, demonstrates how artists are leveraging AI to explore new creative avenues and bring unique ideas to life. (AI News)​.

AI in Video Game Design: Generative AI is revolutionizing video game development by enabling the creation of highly realistic game worlds and characters. AI tools can now generate entire game environments and enhance gameplay experiences, merging the boundaries between film and gaming.​ (Unite.AI)​.

Tools to Consider…

• Mojo - Create amazing logo animations with AI reveals

• Notion AI Connectors (Beta) - Connecting all your brainstorming tools with Notion