AI Integration Announced for Bitcoin Biopic "Killing Satoshi"

The upcoming Bitcoin biopic, "Killing Satoshi," directed by Doug Liman and produced by Ryan Kavanaugh, has announced plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) in its production.

AI Application Details Emerge

A U.K. casting notice indicated that the independent film might use AI to "adjust" actor performances. Actors will perform on a "markerless performative capture stage" rather than on physical locations, leveraging new AI technologies.

The notice specifies that producers retain the right to alter, enhance, remove, translate, reformat, or reprocess performances using generative artificial intelligence (GAI) and/or machine learning. This includes adjusting lip, facial, and body movements. However, it clarifies that AI will not be used to create recognizable digital replicas of an actor's voice or likeness without prior written consent.

Producer Ryan Kavanaugh stated that AI is being utilized as a tool to enhance filmmaking efficiency while preserving jobs across all departments, including acting. He emphasized the use of "performance capture AI," meaning no AI-generated actors that do not exist will be featured.

Clarifications and Confirmed Uses

A source close to the film later stated that references to AI-generated performers in the casting notice were included in error and that no fully AI-created actors would be used. The source confirmed that every actor in the movie would be a human performer.

The production source confirmed that AI would be exclusively used to create backgrounds and scenery, eliminating the need for location shooting. Additionally, AI would be employed to refine actors' performances, such as synchronizing movements with dialogue, to potentially avoid reshoots.

Industry Context

The disclosures regarding AI use in "Killing Satoshi" align with ongoing discussions concerning compensation and consent within the creative industries. These issues are currently being addressed in copyright claims and labor union contract negotiations, particularly by organizations like SAG-AFTRA, which is actively negotiating protections for actors' name, image, and likeness against synthetic performances.

Production Information

"Killing Satoshi" is scheduled to commence production in the U.K. from late February through March. The film, starring Pete Davidson and Casey Affleck, focuses on the pursuit of the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin.