AI "Anime" - An Insult to Life Itself (re: Corridor & Netflix)
Film & Animation
Introduction
It’s become a frustrating trend in recent times: the idea that you can film yourself, hit a button, and instantaneously transform into whatever animated character your heart desires. While it sounds intriguing on the surface, it betrays a deeper concern for the artistry of animation itself. This week, Corridor Digital—renowned for their visual effects prowess—dropped a couple of videos that sparked considerable ire among animation enthusiasts.
Respect from a Distance
Firstly, let me clarify: Corridor Digital has been respected in the realm of visual effects and YouTube innovation for quite some time. When I was younger, their content was revolutionary—a beautiful blend of video games and reality, akin to what RocketJump was producing. Their anime parodies, while not as comedic as those from Mega 64, RDC World, or Anime Crimes Division, were visually compelling; often surpassing many Hollywood attempts at anime adaptation. However, nothing prepared me for the disappointment I’d feel watching their latest offerings.
Anime “Rock Paper Scissors”
The first video that caught my attention, “Anime Rock Paper Scissors,” piqued my interest with its thumbnail. However, upon actually watching it, I quickly realized it was yet another uninspired display of AI-generated visuals. This wasn’t a lovingly crafted tribute; it was just a recycled collection of poor-quality animation, replete with glitches and distorted images. The infamous "hands" issue was ever-present, leading to bizarre character representations.
Ambitious Claims and Stolen Artistry
Even more absurd was the second offering released on the same day, asking if they had “changed animation forever.” This proclamation was so preposterous it demanded a full-blown critique. Traditional animation has always required a skilled team drawing frame by frame, and the notion of “democratizing” this process through technology feels downright offensive. While traditional artists craft their work with painstaking attention, Corridor, despite their tech savvy, can't replicate that craftsmanship.
To further compound the issue, the behind-the-scenes explanation for their look revealed a more sinister truth: they trained their AI model on a mishmash of existing art, notably images from iconic work like Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. This blatant appropriation raises serious questions about originality and respect within the artistic community.
The Glorification of Plagiarism
Arguments defending this use of AI often center on the idea that AI simply mimics human artists, using the time it takes as a differentiating factor. Yet this logic falls apart on close inspection. Human artists embody their views in everything they create—unique experiences, techniques, and emotions permeate their work. In contrast, AI produces outputs through data analysis, resulting in mere remixes of existing art. This makes AI-generated art akin to an advanced form of collage—lacking unique perspective or interpretation.
A Shifty Future for Animation
While the corridor crew proclaims its intentions to revolutionize animation, this shift actually poses a significant challenge to the industry. AI-generated content might satisfy aimless audiences willing to accept lower standards. As these tools develop, the pressures they create will lead to reduced job opportunities for aspiring artists. The once-thriving field of animation risks becoming a hollow echo of its former self—filled with cookie-cutter visuals lacking any emotional depth or resonance.
This doesn’t merely impact current animators but could discourage future generations from pursuing a career in animation. The narrative of AI content is eerily reminiscent of challenges faced by writers today, where quality human narratives are drowned by the influx of AI-generated drivel.
Conclusion: The Need for a Counterculture
As AI technology continues its ascendancy in art, we must remain vigilant and protective of what makes creativity meaningful—human input, emotions, and interpretations that no AI can replicate. We need to develop a robust counterculture that rallies against these trends, emphasizing the value of originality and artistic integrity.
For those who are intrigued by the conversation around the intersection of AI and art, consider watching Carole & Tuesday, a thought-provoking anime by Shinichiro Watanabe. Released back in 2019, it offers a critical glance at these issues and presents a future worth striving for.
Keyword
Keywords: Corridor Digital, animation, AI-generated art, Vampire Hunter D, artistic integrity, human creativity, visual effects, technology in art, animation industry impact, Carole & Tuesday.
FAQ
Q: Why is AI-generated animation controversial?
A: AI-generated animation raises concerns about originality and respect for traditional artistry, as it relies on plagiarizing existing images rather than creating something new.
Q: What impact do AI tools have on the animation industry?
A: AI tools may reduce job opportunities for animators by automating processes and leading some studios to prefer cost-effective AI solutions over hiring skilled artists.
Q: How does AI art differ from human-created art?
A: AI art is based on data and patterns without personal interpretation, whereas human art reflects unique experiences and emotions conveyed through individual techniques and perspectives.
Q: What should we do in response to the rise of AI art?
A: We should actively support and promote traditional artistry, ensuring that the value of human-created content is recognized and appreciated, while pushing back against the normalization of AI-generated work.
Q: Are there any shows that critique the impact of AI on art?
A: Carole & Tuesday is highly recommended as it addresses themes related to AI's impact on music and creativity, offering insights into the implications of technology on artistic expression.
