AI is a Potential ‘Goldmine’ and a ‘Ticking Time Bomb,’ Says SMPTE Chief at HPA Tech Retreat

variety.com:

Carolyn Giardina AI is both a potential “goldmine” and a “ticking time bomb,” in the words of Rich Welsh, Deluxe senior VP of innovation, who also serves as president of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.

Speaking Wednesday at the HPA Tech Retreat, an annual engineering conference taking place this week in Palm Springs, Welsh reviewed some of the recent steps and decisions toward AI legislation, a subject that remains murky. “Creative work in particular belongs to the person who created it.

But can you protect it realistically, if you don’t have any recourse to defend the ownership of that work?,” he asked. “That is my ticking time bomb.” He then turned the subject to the potential opportunity afforded by the huge archives of content owned by media & entertainment companies. “We generate so much information when we shoot a TV show, shoot a movie, shoot a commercial,” he said. “The substantial part of that information is thrown away afterwards, or it’s kept somewhere where no one can see it.

The ‘keeping it somewhere no one can see it’ is our advantage.” That edge, he continued, is that it is unavailable on social media or anywhere online. “Your script notes, concept art, orchestration for soundtrack – these things don’t really see the light of day,” he reminded the estimated 500 delegates.