AI vs. Hollywood - The Battle is Just Beginning

Many of the Hollywood glitterati are harping about the urgency to enact laws curtailing the use of artificial intelligence. Congress however is doing a very slow walk on the issue and there is no legislation in sight let alone pending.

On the flip side, the AI industry argues laws and restrictive regulations will only stifle innovation and creativity. 

House Democrats say Republicans are to blame for the holdup, but that tactic doesn't compute because the issue is extremely complex. How and in what form should AI take? How do you control it? If there are only regulations in the U.S., AI developers will just move to another jurisdiction. 

We all know that AI can and will deliver breakthroughs in science, medicine, education, industry, and in our daily lives. AI can be a great and good force that can help people the world over and the bigger picture must be addressed - not just the few who want protection for their image or voice.

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

The Cannes 'Palm Dog' Award

 

This year's Palm Dog Award, where the film fest presents an award for the best on-screen canine performance, was won by Kodi.

Kodi, a mutt, played the lead role in the film 'Dog on Trial', a comedy in which he plays, Cosmos, an aggressive pet whose taken in as a client by a defense lawyer in a story that explores the status of dogs in society. 

First launched in 2001, the Palm Dog award has become a highlight of the Cannes festival. It's said, every dog has its day and Kodi will have his, this Saturday at Cannes. By the way, it's said that the dogs have much better behavior on the red carpet then many of the two-legged celebrates. 

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp. 

Leftists Go 'Nutty' on George Lucas

 

Lucas at Cannes fielding questions

In Cannes this week to receive the Palme d'Or honorary award for his contributions to the cinema, leftist protestors shouted out negative comments regarding George Lucas' gender preferences in the 'Star Wars' films. 

Lucas shot back at the critics, "Most of the characters are aliens. The idea is you're supposed to accept people for what they are, whether they're big and furry or whether they're green or whatever. The idea is all people are equal." Lucas went on the say, "in the Star Wars universe who were discriminated against were the robots"

Lucas during filming of 'Star Wars' the movie

Leftist critics also complained about his depiction of women. Lucas responded by saying, "You can't put a woman in pants and say she's a hero. It's their brains and their ability to think and plan and be logical. That's what a hero is."

Lucas is the visionary behind the 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' franchises, founder of LucasFilm, LucasArts, Industrial Light and Magic, and THX audio.

I believe Lucas fully deserves the Cannes accolades. He is a pioneering force in the history of cinema and the woke leaning critics are really off-base in accusing him of sexism and discrimination.

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

"Movie industry No Longer About Creativity" say Jessica Lange

 The previous post about the views of Jerry Seinfeld dovetail to what Jessica Lange has been saying about the movie industry. "We're living in a corporate world, and it certainly has moved into the film industry. So much is now not about creativity. Look at the best films of the past year - they are not from Hollywood."

Lange is currently starring in the Broadway production 'Mother Play'. She has a long career in film, TV, and the stage. "There used to be a synergy between the actors and the filmmakers. It was a beautiful way to work, and it's gone."

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.

Seinfeld Battles Against Wokeism - "It's Killing Comedy"

 "Political correctness and extreme left policies are making television comedy extinct" says Jerry Seinfeld. "Nothing really affects comedy. People always need it. It used to be you could go home and watch 'Cheers', or 'MASH', or 'All in the Family'. There would be some funny stuff to watch. It's gone. This is the result of the extreme left and PC crap and people worrying so much about offending other people."

"There was an episode of 'Seinfeld' where Kramer decides to start a business of having homeless people pull rickshaws because, 'They're outside anyway', could that episode be aired on TV today?" Seinfeld says.

In culture, the acceptance gates are always moving, Comedy however should move the gates. Seinfeld went on to say that "standups have the freedom to cross the line because TV networks and movies do not want to ruffle feathers."  Regarding the movie industry, he says, "film does not have social, cultural significance it once did." 

He is right on all counts. PC and extreme left policies have permeated our culture in an exclusionary way to its detriment. We need to get back to complete freedom in all of the arts.  

Seinfeld is currently promoting his upcoming Netflix film, 'Unfrosted', which will stream beginning on May 3rd.

By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.