Will CGI replace live actors?

The potential for CGI to replace live actors is discussed extensively in the Mind Pump Podcast 1 2 3. Here's a compilation of their insights:

1. Current Uses and Predictions:

   • Currently, actors are filmed in front of green screens, and their likeness is inserted digitally into movies. This helps in logistics but is costly 1.
   • There's speculation about actors having separate fees for CGI and live performances. This means low-budget films might afford CGI versions of famous actors 1.

2. Future of CGI in Acting:

   • CGI technology is expected to improve to a point where characters could be entirely created digitally, potentially eliminating the need for human actors. Movie studios could create and own perfect CGI characters, deploying them across various films 1.
   • In China, a CGI news anchor exists, hinting at the broader application of such technology as it becomes indistinguishable from real humans 2.

3. Market Disruption and Industry Acceptance:

   • Some actors, like Bruce Willis, have started selling their likeness for future CGI use. This could allow for multiple movies to be made using an actor's likeness without their physical presence, disrupting traditional acting roles and schedules 3.
   • However, there's a debate on whether people will connect with CGI characters as they do with real human actors. Some argue that the connection to real people might still hold importance 2.

4. Creative Processes and AI:

   • The advent of AI-generated scripts and characters could also mean a shift towards computer-generated content, although current AI-generated scripts are not yet up to par 3.

Overall, while CGI continues to advance and might take over some roles traditionally held by human actors, there is still a significant aspect of human connection and authenticity that might slow down or limit this transition.