Jon M. Chu slams Silicon Valley for AI excesses — and studios for forgiving it

Los Angeles Times - Apr 28th, 2025

Filmmaker Jon M. Chu expressed concerns over the entertainment industry's response to the rise of generative AI, during a panel at the L.A. Times Festival of Books. He criticized tech companies for their ethically questionable methods of training AI, which involved using Hollywood's copyrighted materials without authorization, referring to this as an 'original sin.' Chu believes that the studios failed to adequately protect their creations and feels that the industry has been too quick to move past these issues. Despite finding AI 'freaking scary' for the industry, Chu remains optimistic that human creativity and the power to define art will not be replaced by technology.

Chu also discussed his upcoming projects, including the film 'Wicked: For Good,' set for release in November, and adaptations of Britney Spears' memoir and a video game titled 'Split Fiction.' The latter project, reportedly starring Sydney Sweeney, involves a complex narrative about two writers trapped in a high-tech simulation. Chu is excited by the challenge of bringing this to life, as he continues to explore the intersection of technology and creativity in his work. His insights highlight the ongoing tension and potential collaboration between human creativity and AI in the entertainment sector.

Hollywood Generative Ai Artificial Intelligence Entertainment Industry Copyright Issues Jon M. Chu Wicked Crazy Rich Asians

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively presents Jon M. Chu's views on the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. It accurately reflects his statements and provides a clear narrative that is easy for readers to follow. The story is timely and addresses issues of public interest, particularly concerning creativity and intellectual property. However, the article could benefit from greater balance by including perspectives from AI companies or industry experts, which would provide a more comprehensive view of the debate. The lack of diverse viewpoints limits the potential impact and engagement of the story. Despite these limitations, the article remains a valuable contribution to discussions on AI and creativity, offering insights from a prominent filmmaker's perspective.

Accuracy

The news story about Jon M. Chu's views on artificial intelligence and his career accurately reflects the claims made by Chu, as verified by public records and his statements at a public event. The story correctly attributes Chu's suspicion that AI may have been 'born wicked' and his criticism of the entertainment industry's handling of AI's ethical issues. The article's details about his upbringing, memoir, and film credits are factual and align with available information. However, the claim about the unauthorized use of Hollywood scripts by AI companies, while plausible, is a complex legal and ethical issue that might require further substantiation through industry or legal sources.

Balance

The article primarily presents Jon M. Chu's perspective on AI and its impact on the entertainment industry, which is strongly critical. While it accurately conveys his views, the story could have been more balanced by including perspectives from AI companies or studios to provide a fuller picture of the debate. The lack of opposing viewpoints or a broader industry context limits the story's balance, focusing mainly on Chu's criticisms without exploring counterarguments or the industry's responses.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that outlines Jon M. Chu's background, his views on AI, and his current projects. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the story easy to follow. The quotes from Chu are well-integrated into the narrative, providing clarity and emphasis on his key points. The structure effectively separates different aspects of the story, such as Chu's criticisms of AI and his confidence in human creativity, enhancing the reader's understanding.

Source quality

The primary source of the article is Jon M. Chu's statements made during a public panel, which are direct and credible. The article relies on Chu's own words, providing a reliable account of his views. However, the story could have been strengthened by including additional sources such as industry experts, AI ethicists, or representatives from tech companies to corroborate or contrast Chu's claims, thereby enhancing the depth and authority of the reporting.

Transparency

The article is transparent in attributing its information to Jon M. Chu's public statements, providing clear context for his views on AI and the entertainment industry. It effectively communicates the basis for Chu's claims and his personal connection to the topic through his Silicon Valley upbringing and memoir. However, the article does not delve into the methodology behind AI's data collection practices, which are central to Chu's criticisms, leaving some aspects of the story's transparency unexplored.