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Another Crazy Day in AI: Filmmakers test Meta’s Movie Gen

Oct 17, 2024
4 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Thursday night is here, and with the weekend approaching, there's plenty of exciting news in the AI world! 🚀

Meta is taking its generative AI video tool, Movie Gen, for a test drive in Hollywood. In collaboration with Blumhouse Productions and well-known filmmakers like Casey Affleck, Meta hopes to discover how AI can complement the creative process. 🎬

We’ve also featured other interesting reads, including a look at how AI is revolutionizing the legal landscape by removing common obstacles that slow down business operations. And on a larger scale, the Treasury Department is implementing AI solutions to save taxpayers billions.

Enjoy the read tonight! 🌙

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Hollywood filmmakers experiment with Meta’s AI Tool
AI is breaking down legal barriers that hinder business progress
How the Treasury is using AI for taxpayer to save billions
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Filmmakers Meet Meta's Movie Gen

Image Credit: Wowza (edited with Canva; Meta and Blumhouse logos)

What if AI could help filmmakers bring their wildest dreams to life?

Meta is pushing the boundaries of filmmaking by teaming up with renowned creators like Casey Affleck and Blumhouse Productions to test a new AI tool, Movie Gen. This tool allows filmmakers to generate short, realistic video clips using just a few lines of text. In Variety, Todd Spangler explores how this collaboration is reshaping how filmmakers approach creativity, with AI acting as a potential new partner in storytelling.

Here's what's happening:

Meta launched a pilot program to test its Movie Gen AI tool with filmmakers, including horror studio Blumhouse and select directors like Casey Affleck.
Meta’s Movie Gen AI tool generates video clips up to 16 seconds long in 1080p, complete with sound, allowing creators to explore new ideas more quickly.
Filmmakers like Casey Affleck, Aneesh Chaganty, and the Spurlock Sisters are using the tool to enhance their stories and provide feedback on its development.
Chaganty’s short film, “i h8 ai,” highlights the conflict many filmmakers feel about AI, but also showcases its ability to add new creative layers to projects.
Meta aims to refine the tool through this pilot program before a wider release in 2025, starting with Instagram.
The program emphasizes that AI can be a supportive tool, offering unexpected visual and audio elements that inspire new creative directions.

The idea of using AI in filmmaking is still in its early stages, but Meta’s approach shows a commitment to making it a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. By inviting filmmakers into the development process, Meta is positioning Movie Gen as something that can support and elevate storytelling, rather than disrupt it. Directors like Affleck and Chaganty have already started using the tool to experiment with how it can add depth and texture to their work, from enhancing short films to creating entirely new visual elements.

But there’s also caution in the air. For many filmmakers, the introduction of AI raises important questions about the future of creativity. Could these tools eventually replace traditional film techniques, or will they simply offer new ways for directors to express their visions?

For now, Meta seems to be leaning toward the latter. Their pilot program aims to fine-tune the technology by listening to the needs and concerns of the creative community, ensuring that AI remains a helpful, not harmful, addition to the filmmaking toolkit. It’s clear that while AI might help filmmakers dream bigger, the heart of the industry will always be human.

Read the full article here.

Watch Chaganty’s short film here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

AI is breaking down legal barriers that hinder business progress

/Tom Saunders, Financial Times

AI is transforming legal processes by eliminating the common bottlenecks in contracts, procurement, and legal research. Businesses are experiencing significant time and cost savings, with tasks that once took days now completed in minutes. Solutions like ContractPodAi and LexisNexis are leading the charge, streamlining legal workflows, while the standardization of legal data is facilitating smoother AI integration across firms. As a result, companies are operating more efficiently, accelerating their decision-making and reducing delays.

Read more here.

How the Treasury is using AI for taxpayer to save billions

/Rob Wile, NBC News

The Treasury Department is leveraging AI technologies to achieve substantial savings for taxpayers, potentially amounting to billions. By automating repetitive tasks and utilizing advanced data analysis, the department is enhancing its ability to detect fraud and ensure compliance. This strategic adoption of AI not only streamlines operations but also allows for a more effective allocation of resources. As a result, taxpayers are seeing significant cost reductions, positioning the Treasury as a model for efficiency and innovation within government agencies.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Pitchleague - Get feedback on your pitch deck.
FAQWidget - AI-powered FAQ generator to enhance engagement and sales.
Wandpen - Chrome extension for grammar fixes and rewriting suggestions on selected text.

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.

Another Crazy Day in AI: The transparency imperative

Oct 15, 2024
4 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

It's Tuesday night, and while the day might be winding down, the world of AI is anything but slowing.

The rapid pace of advancements has left many wondering what’s really happening behind the scenes. Dean W. Ball and Daniel Kokotajlo, coming from different perspectives in the AI policy landscape, find common ground on a critical issue: the need for greater transparency in AI development.

Plus, Google is collaborating with a startup to explore using small nuclear reactors to power their AI data centers, and Amazon Ads just launched two new AI tools to simplify ad creation for advertisers.

Let’s get into the details! 💡

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Four steps to make AI development more transparent
Google partners with Kairos for nuclear power initiative
Amazon Ads launches AI creative studio and audio generator
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: 4 Key Measures for Transparent AI Progress

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)

What will it take to make AI development more transparent?

The conversation about AI policy has intensified, especially after California’s AI regulation bill, SB 1047, was vetoed. Dean W. Ball, a research fellow at the Mercatus Center, and Daniel Kokotajlo, the Executive Director of the AI Futures Project, explore how to make AI development more open to the public without compromising innovation. The piece, published in TIME, takes a nuanced look at the balance between keeping some proprietary information confidential while ensuring that the public, policymakers, and experts can understand the direction of AI progress.

They both argued that greater transparency is essential if we are to trust the organizations leading AI research. They propose a framework to improve visibility into AI capabilities, making sure we know what’s being developed and how it could impact society.

It outlines four key measures:

Public disclosure of major new capabilities: Inform the public when a new AI capability has been achieved, without revealing proprietary details.
Releasing training goals and model specifications: Share documents outlining how AI systems are trained, making their objectives clear to users and the public.
Publishing safety case studies: Provide public reports on the safety precautions and potential risks of new AI models, with sensitive information redacted if necessary.
Strengthening whistleblower protections: Ensure that employees who expose legal violations or high-risk practices in AI development are protected.

These measures are designed to help the public understand what AI systems are capable of, allowing for more informed discussions about regulation, safety, and the ethical implications of these technologies.

At the heart of this discussion is the question of trust. If AI development continues to unfold behind closed doors, there’s a real risk that public confidence in these technologies will erode. More transparency would not only build trust but also provide an opportunity for the public to have a voice in shaping how AI is integrated into society. Ball and Kokotajlo make the case that transparency can foster a more democratic approach to AI, where everyone—scientists, policymakers, and the public—has a clearer understanding of the risks and rewards at stake.

However, this transparency must be handled carefully. Too much disclosure could stifle competition or lead to misuse of the information by bad actors. The authors suggest a balanced path forward, where the focus is on making key information available without compromising innovation or security. By opening up aspects of AI development in a thoughtful way, we can steer the technology toward outcomes that benefit society as a whole.

Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Google Partners with Kairos for Nuclear Power Initiative

/João da Silva, BBC News

Google has partnered with Kairos Power to explore using small nuclear reactors to fuel its energy-hungry AI data centers. The plan, expected to roll out this decade, aims to provide a clean, reliable energy source as demand for AI computing grows. The move follows a broader tech trend of tapping nuclear energy to meet carbon-reduction goals. While it signals progress, the initiative faces regulatory hurdles and public concerns over nuclear safety.

Read more here.

Amazon Ads launches AI Creative Studio and Audio Generator

/Amazon News

Amazon Ads introduced AI creative studio and Audio generator, designed to simplify ad creation across multiple formats. These tools, available in beta, allow advertisers to easily generate and update ads for a more dynamic customer experience. The AI creative studio enables the quick creation of high-quality image, video, and audio ads, while the Audio generator delivers ready-to-use audio ads in minutes. This innovation aims to break down creative barriers, offering brands new ways to engage audiences.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Quizzio - AI-generated quizzes with AI feedback, adaptive learning, and progress tracking.
Audeus - Text-to-speech Chrome extension for PDFs, Google Docs, and emails.
Sendsheets - Send custom emails straight from Google Sheets.

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!

Another Crazy Day in AI: Keeping up with the workplace

Oct 4, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Oct 7, 2024

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Welcome to Friday night! As you unwind, how did your week go? ☕

Before diving into the weekend, have you thought about how prepared you are for an AI-driven workplace? Pearson and AI training platform Mindstone are launching a new certification program focused on practical AI skills to help you stay ahead!

PLUS, don’t miss these two exciting updates from the tech giants: OpenAI's new canvas interface for ChatGPT enhances collaborative writing and coding, while Meta reveals Movie Gen, an AI video generator that creates videos from text prompts and edits existing footage with AI-generated sound.

Have a restful weekend! 🌙

Here's another crazy day in AI:

New AI certification for real-world use
OpenAI unveils ChatGPT's editable canvas
Meta reveals an AI-powered video generator called Movie Gen
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Pearson's certification: making AI work at work

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)

How prepared are you for an AI-driven workplace?

Pearson and Mindstone have joined forces to launch a new certification that could be your next step toward mastering AI in the workplace. The “Generative AI Foundations Certification” is designed for professionals, college students, and even high school students, making it a versatile option for anyone looking to get ahead. Radhika Rajkumar from ZDNET takes a closer look at why this certification matters.

What’s this about? This certification is designed to provide more than just a basic understanding of AI. It dives into how AI works and covers important topics like ethics, risk management, and privacy, giving learners the knowledge they need to confidently use AI in their careers. Whether you're looking to enhance your current role or prepare for the future, this certification focuses on the real-world application of AI across various sectors.

What this certification offers:

Tailored for professionals, college, and high school students from various fields.
Focuses on both AI fundamentals and practical applications in the workplace.
Addresses ethical AI use, bias, privacy concerns, and risk management.
Updated every six months to ensure learners are always on top of the latest developments.
Available through platforms like Mindhub, Certiport, and Pearson VUE at accessible prices.
Multiple testing options are available, with practice tests at $40 and certification exams at $85.
Additional coursework is offered at $95, with bulk pricing available for organizations.

This certification is part of Pearson’s Critical Career Skills portfolio, offering learners an opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in a world where AI proficiency is quickly becoming essential. The focus on practical skills sets it apart from other programs, which often stop at theoretical knowledge. Pearson and Mindstone have made sure this certification stays relevant by committing to updates every six months, so learners are always equipped with the latest insights.

For those wondering about the return on investment, consider this: as AI tools become more integrated into everyday work processes, having a structured, recognized way to demonstrate your proficiency could become increasingly valuable. This isn't just about adding another line to your resume—it's about developing skills that could fundamentally change how you approach your work.

But let's keep things in perspective. A certification alone doesn't guarantee mastery of AI tools, just as having a driver's license doesn't automatically make someone a great driver. Real proficiency often comes from hands-on experience and learning on the job. For some, this type of structured learning might be exactly what they need; for others, learning through daily work experience might be more valuable. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to developing AI skills.

In light of these changes, the question remains: What actions will you take to strengthen your skills and remain competitive in an AI-driven workplace?

Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT's Editable Canvas

/Reece Rogers on WIRED

OpenAI has unveiled a new canvas interface for ChatGPT, marking a significant shift in user interaction. This beta feature allows users to edit writing and coding collaboratively with the AI, fostering a more natural workflow. Users can initiate the canvas simply by including specific phrases in their prompts, enhancing the editing experience. The tool saves various iterations, enabling users to revert to previous versions as needed. While some experts remain skeptical of AI's editing capabilities compared to human editors, it holds promise for those lacking professional writing partners.

Read more here.

Watch a demo on X here.

Meta Reveals An AI-Powered Video Generator Called "Movie Gen"

/Mia Sato on The Verge

Meta has introduced Movie Gen, an innovative AI tool designed to generate high-definition videos from text prompts. This generator not only creates new video content but also modifies existing footage, adding AI-generated sound to enhance the viewing experience. While the technology showcases remarkable potential, Meta has stated that public access will not be available immediately as they continue refining the tool. Concerns about copyright and ethical use loom large, especially following controversies surrounding AI in creative fields. The industry is watching closely as AI continues to shape filmmaking and video content creation.

Read more here.

Watch it on X here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

CostGPT - Estimates software development costs, features, and timelines.
Buzzabout - Provides AI-driven insights from billions of social media discussions.
Lenish - Tracks your dog's daily routine, including feeding, exercise, and bathroom breaks.

WOWZA ANNOUNCEMENTS: Starting on Monday, Another Crazy Day in AI will be sent from our Wowza email address: mail.wowza@gmail.com. Please check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox by next week!

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!