Summary of Key Points
The latest wave of AI-driven films and television shows no longer merely focus on showcasing technical prowess; instead, they address real-world issues and historical topics, using heartfelt content to achieve massive viral reach across the internet. Traditional media companies have also begun to enter the arena (for example, the release of an AI version of "Soul Ferry" and the airing of "The Post-Journey to the West"), marking a turning point as AI-generated content moves from being considered "esoteric" (for its technological gimmicks) to becoming "canonical" (for its serious and meaningful content). However, such works also come with challenges, such as the potential for over-simplification of viewpoints and the risk of emotional manipulation, which require caution.
I. AI in Film and Television: From Gimmicks to Heartfelt Content
Previously, AI-generated content was often associated with stunning visuals but lack of substance, such as AI-created virtual models dancing or funny sketches. But recent AI productions have completely changed—none of them are just for show; they all delve into serious themes related to reality, human nature, and history. For instance, "Family Portrait" touches on the heart-wrenching moment of parents aging, "Not a Demon" uses the story of mythical creatures to discuss the issue of false rumors and manipulated public opinion, and "The Land of Reflection" uses the metaphor of escaping from a "dream house" to illustrate the importance of not being confined by fixed patterns in life. These works have garnered hundreds of millions of views, with viewers crying and finding resonance, indicating that AI has finally started to speak in a language that resonates with people. More importantly, traditional media companies are also getting involved: the AI version of "Soul Ferry" has been released, and the first long AI series, "The Post-Journey to the West," has pioneered a new model of being produced, reviewed, and aired simultaneously. This suggests that the era of serious AI-generated content is upon us, with both amateur and professional creators coming together to shape this new genre.
II. AI's Immediate Response to Real-World Issues: Precisely Targeting Pain Points That Traditional Media Avoids
One of the strongest aspects of AI in film and television is its ability to respond to current events much faster than traditional media and to tackle topics that they are hesitant to address or too slow to address. For example, the first episode of "Not a Demon" uses the story of a mute girl falsely accused of being a demon to criticize the problem of false rumors and the influence of public opinion, with comments directly reflecting the current state of online discourse in China. "The Office" is akin to the Chinese version of "Taxi Driver," where the protagonist uses unconventional methods to combat child trafficking and online violence—these plots almost simultaneously reflect real-life events like the arrest of "Aunt Mei" and the suicide of a Japanese fan during a live stream. Traditional media may take months to develop, shoot, and review a project by the time such issues become hot topics, but AI creators can quickly turn public anger and anxiety into compelling stories, making viewers feel that someone has finally expressed their feelings. Additionally, AI is even daring to tackle commercially sensitive, unresolved issues, such as the time anxiety of office workers in "There's No Time to Live at All"—even though people have a lifespan of 50 years, they only have a few days of actual time for themselves, which they have to sell to aliens for money. Such stories resonate with many workers.
III. The Surge in Historical Themes: Evoking Emotional Resonance with Extreme Historical Perspectives
Historical dramas have always been costly to produce, with large-scale battles and elaborate costumes. While AI technology could reduce costs, the recent success of historical AI works does not lie in accurate recreations but in the use of extreme and passionate historical perspectives. For example, "Asking the People" portrays Zhang Jiao, the leader of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, as a hero who saves the oppressed, avoiding the more complex issues of warlord strife. "Prince Constantine of the Ming Dynasty" sympathizes with the Southern Ming prince, who willingly sacrifices himself to protect the people, leaving viewers moved to tears. Other works, like "Chaos," vividly depict the brutality of the Hou Jing Rebellion (city massacres and cannibalism). These historical works may not be entirely objective or comprehensive, but their strong emotional impact makes them successful. These mid-to-long-form videos (over 20 minutes) show that audiences do not seek perfect special effects but stories that can touch their hearts.
IV. The Joy and Concerns of the Approaching Singularity: Opportunities and Risks
On the positive side, AI in film and television is finally gaining recognition, with creators beginning to think deeply about society and life, rather than just playing with technology for the sake of it. In the future, a collaboration between professional and amateur AI creators will lead to a new generation of serious content producers, similar to the "serious runners" in the running community—those who are most valuable. However, there are also risks: extreme interpretations of real-world issues can reinforce stereotypes (for example, portraying all nobles as villains), and extreme historical perspectives may either enhance drama or simply stir emotions. For instance, portraying Zhang Jiao as a hero in "Asking the People" could lead viewers to overlook the negative consequences of the rebellion. Therefore, as we approach this technological singularity, we should celebrate the opportunities AI offers for deeper storytelling but also be wary of its potential to create emotional manipulations rather than thought-provoking content.
Conclusion
AI in film and television is shifting from a focus on technical displays to more meaningful content, with serious expression becoming the mainstream. This is a positive development. However, we must be cautious to ensure that the ability to accurately target pain points does not lead to the deliberate amplification of anxiety, and that passionate historical interpretations do not become mere emotional manipulations. Only by balancing technology, content, and values can AI-generated content truly enter an era of serious and impactful storytelling.