The premiere of Secret Invasion was immediately met with controversy as fans realized that the opening credits were created using an artificial intelligence (AI) tool instead of hiring artists to craft the sequence themselves.
The creative decision received polarizing responses as some of them are concerned that the move cost artists their jobs while there are some who defended it as fitting to the show's themes.
Nevertheless, it's not a decision that is being received well and it also overshadowed the episode itself which featured one of the biggest twists that we've ever seen yet in the MCU involving the demise of a major character.
Now, the studio that made the AI-assisted opening credits has issued a statement and defended its creative decision.
Method Studios Clarifies How the AI Tool Was Used in the Opening Credits
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Method Studios, the company behind the opening credits, came up and explained the issue surrounding the use of AI in the sequence.
They clarified that an existing and custom AI tool was used in creating the characters’ attributes and movements in the opening. However, the entire production is still spearheaded by animators, compositors, and other artists.
"Working on Secret Invasion, a captivating show exploring the infiltration of aliens into human society, provided an exceptional opportunity to delve into the intriguing realm of AI, specifically for creating unique character attributes and movements," Method Studios said in a statement.
"Utilizing a custom AI tool for this particular element perfectly aligned with the project’s overall theme and the desired aesthetic. The production process was highly collaborative and iterative, with a dedicated focus on this specific application of an AI toolset."
"It involved a tremendous effort by talented art directors, animators (proficient in both 2D and 3D), artists, and developers, who employed conventional techniques to craft all the other aspects of the project."
They continued, "However, it is crucial to emphasize that while the AI component provided optimal results, AI is just one tool among the array of toolsets our artists used. No artists’ jobs were replaced by incorporating these new tools; instead, they complemented and assisted our creative teams."
"Method Studios’ team of designers skillfully leveraged the power of both existing and custom AI technologies to apply the otherworldly and alien look."
"The entire process, guided by expert art direction, encompassed the initial storyboard phase, illustration, AI generation, 2D/3D animation and culminated in the final compositing stage," the studio concluded.
The concern surrounding the show's usage of the tool comes as the industry grapples with the future of AI, especially the ongoing writers' strike which has it as one of the key issues during their negotiation.
This is certainly going to be a continuing issue moving forward across the industry now that a major studio has used a tool in one of its projects. It's also interesting to see whether Marvel Studios will respond to the backlash or they'll keep it as it is.
Also Read: Where Was Nick Fury Before Secret Invasion?
New episodes of Secret Invasion premiere every Wednesday on Disney+. You can check more details about it here.
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