Danny Boyle Uses AI to Recreate Thatcher in 'Ink'
The director used AI to recreate Margaret Thatcher's face in his film 'Ink' without asking her estate for permission, and discussed the rise of AI in filmmaking at the BFI London Film Festival
Director Danny Boyle has revealed that he used AI to recreate the face of former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in his film 'Ink', without seeking permission from her estate. The film, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival, tells the story of Rupert Murdoch's takeover of The Sun newspaper in 1969.
The film stars Jack O'Connell as Larry Lamb, the editor of The Sun, and Guy Pearce as Rupert Murdoch. Boyle discussed the film and its use of AI at the festival, explaining that he wanted to recreate Thatcher's face for a scene in which she visits Lamb's office. Rather than using an impersonator, Boyle used AI to superimpose Thatcher's face onto an actress.
Boyle met Rupert Murdoch at a lunch party after the success of his film 'Slumdog Millionaire', but said that the meeting was uneventful. He also discussed the challenges of making 'Ink', which was based on a stage play by James Graham. The film was partnered on by Studiocanal and Netflix, after initial difficulties in securing funding.
## Why it matters The use of AI in filmmaking is a growing trend, and Boyle's decision to use it to recreate Thatcher's face raises questions about the ethics of using AI to depict real people without their permission. The film's portrayal of the rise of Murdoch's media empire also has implications for the journalism industry, and the ways in which media moguls shape public opinion.
The film 'Ink' is set in 1969, and follows the story of how Murdoch acquired The Sun and turned it into a influential and controversial tabloid. Boyle's use of AI to recreate Thatcher's face is just one example of the innovative techniques used in the film, which also explores the complex relationships between Murdoch, Lamb, and other key figures in the story.
## Background The film 'Ink' is based on a Tony-nominated play by James Graham, and stars a talented cast including Jack O'Connell, Guy Pearce, and Claire Foy. The film's release was partnered on by Studiocanal and Netflix, after initial difficulties in securing funding. Boyle's discussion of the film and its use of AI at the BFI London Film Festival has sparked interest and debate about the role of AI in filmmaking, and the ethics of depicting real people on screen.
