At the 25th Newport Beach Film Festival, Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage took the stage to warn young actors about the dangers of artificial intelligence in the acting industry. During the festival’s honor dinner at Balboa Bay Resort, where he received the Icon Award, Cage claimed that AI poses a serious threat to both the art of acting and emerging talents. Here are the details…
Nicolas Cage Sees Technology as a Threat!
For the first time in his 42-year career, Cage expressed that he is facing such a significant threat. He specifically pointed to EBDR (Employment-Based Digital Replica) technology, one of two digital copy types permitted under the agreement reached between SAG-AFTRA and studios in the fall of 2023.
“For me, a film performance is a completely handmade, organic process, created from scratch,” said the veteran actor. He added: “A performance comes from the heart, the imagination, the thoughts, and the details. But now, there’s a new technology in town, and young actors will undoubtedly have to face it. Studios can use this technology to change your face, voice, lines, and even body language after filming. They can completely alter your performance.”
Cage advised young actors to think carefully before signing contracts that involve EBDR technology and proposed the formula ‘MVMFMBMI’ (My Voice, My Face, My Body, My Imagination – My Performance) as a guideline. He also revealed that his appearance in the movie The Flash was created using this technology, urging actors to unite against the rise of AI in the industry.
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This isn’t the first time Cage has spoken out on the issue of AI. In an interview with The New Yorker last July, he voiced similar concerns, stating: “God, I hope AI doesn’t happen. It really frightens me. Where will artists’ truth end? Will it be replaced by something else? Where will the heartbeat be? When I die, what will you do with my body and face? I don’t want you to do anything!”
What do you think about Cage’s remarks? Do you believe the famous actor is exaggerating the situation, or is he right? Share your thoughts in the comments!
