No one would have thought in their wildest dreams that the AI in films debate would see such an unexpected turning point. The industry that is currently torn apart regarding the use of artificial intelligence in making movies has seen several big names take sides, but that did not affect either spectrum of the argument. However, one specific move by a titan of the movie business has turned the tide in favor of AI. Martin Scorsese, who has blessed the world with countless classics, seems to have opened his arms to AI.

In an unexpected move, Martin Scorsese has backed an AI startup to help cinema evolve further.

To the dismay of many creators who detest anything AI, another true great has joined the AI party just when we thought there were too many older film stars embracing the technology. The most recent Oscar-winning filmmaker to get on the AI train is Martin Scorsese in an effort to push the boundaries of creativity and provide viewers with richer, more intricate experiences.

In a video and a statement given to The New York Times, Martin Scorsese disclosed that he has utilized generative AI technologies through Black Forest Labs, an AI start-up, and that he is also supporting and advising the new company. According to The Times, Scorsese joined Black Forest Labs as an advisor as long as a year ago and used the technologies during preproduction for a new movie, but it was unclear which.

“Cinema is a young medium, only around 125 years old, so we have to be open to how it can evolve,” Scorsese told The New York Times.

The Goodfellas director utilizes the company's FLUX generative-AI model to assist in storyboarding a scene in a video shot at Scorsese's New York City office that was released alongside the collaboration announcement. He then talks about how each "vignette" in the crime film's iconic Steadicam shot, which follows mobster Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) as he moves around the Copacabana nightclub, had to be carefully constructed.

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Amidst Scorsese’s AI shift, the curiosity whets on which new film of his utilizes this technology.

The timeframe indicates that Martin Scorsese may have utilized the technologies surreptitiously on his upcoming film, What Happens at Night, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, which just finished production. The snowy, historical Eastern European backdrop that the AI prompt is able to create, which is again only for a storyboard, has a passing resemblance to the snowy first look that Apple released back in March.

Robin Rombach founded Black Forest Labs in 2024. He was formerly a member of Stability AI, which has James Cameron's backing as a board member. According to The Times, the relationship between Black Forest and Taxi Driver director was cultivated by Scorsese's talent manager, Rick Yorn, who also invests in Black Forest through his BroadLight Capital. With the legend's support, the doors for AI to enter films have opened wider than they ever were.

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What do you think of Martin Scorsese’s unexpected support for AI? Share your thoughts in the comments.