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Scorsese sparks outrage over AI use in filmmaking
🇸🇮 Slovenia /Culture & Society

Scorsese sparks outrage over AI use in filmmaking

From Delo · () Slovenian

Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Director Martin Scorsese is facing backlash for using AI in creating storyboards, with some colleagues accusing him of betraying artists.
  • Scorsese defends his investment in AI company Black Forest Labs, stating the technology helps him communicate his vision more clearly to his creative team.
  • Critics, including concept artists and animators, argue that AI tools are built on stolen work and lack respect for fellow artists.

Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese has ignited controversy within the film industry over his use of artificial intelligence in the creation of storyboards. The move has drawn sharp criticism from fellow artists who accuse him of betraying creative professionals.

Some things you have to see and feel. Now you can share what I imagine more clearly and effectively with my creative team

— Martin ScorseseScorsese explains how AI tools help him communicate his vision to his collaborators.

Scorsese, who became a partner and advisor to the German generative AI company Black Forest Labs in 2025, defends his involvement, stating his interest lies at the intersection of technology and storytelling. He believes AI can help push the boundaries of creativity to produce deeper, richer audience experiences. "Some things you have to see and feel. Now you can share what I imagine more clearly and effectively with my creative team," Scorsese told The New York Times, explaining how the technology aids in conveying his vision.

However, conceptual artists and animators have voiced strong opposition. Karla Ortiz, a concept artist who has worked on numerous Marvel films, called Scorsese's actions a betrayal of every writer she has ever worked with. Samuel Deats, director of the animated series "Castlevania," argued that there is no justification for using AI built on the "stolen work of millions of artists" to visualize one's ideas, especially if one has pride and respect for colleagues.

this is a kind of betrayal for every writer I have ever worked with

— Karla OrtizA concept artist criticizes Scorsese's use of AI, calling it a betrayal of fellow writers.

Scorsese's embrace of AI aligns him with a growing number of filmmakers exploring the technology. Steven Soderbergh, for instance, utilized AI-generated sequences in his recent documentary "John Lennon: The Last Interview." While reports suggest Scorsese may be using AI primarily for the preparatory process rather than final film output, the debate over AI's role in creative industries intensifies.

there is no reason to use artificial intelligence, built on 'stolen work of millions of artists,' to create a story of his vision, if he had any pride and respect for his colleagues

— Samuel DeatsAn animation director expresses his disapproval of AI tools trained on artists' work.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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