Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the minds behind South Park, have emerged as fascinating figures in the realm of artificial intelligence in Hollywood. Their new venture, Deep Voodoo, originated from an ambitious concept for a film featuring Donald Trump. Towards the conclusion of his first presidential term, they envisioned a comedic deepfake project where Trump's likeness would be digitally manipulated onto another actor's body, showcasing a character's gradual descent into madness and disrobement. However, they found that no studio could meet their quality standards.
In response, Parker and Stone decided to create their own team of AI experts, leading to the establishment of their startup, which specializes in producing deepfakes, visual effects, and de-aging technology for performers. To date, the company has secured $20 million in funding.
Deep Voodoo operates on a scale that surpasses that of a typical independent studio. The startup utilizes a unique capture space equipped with nine cameras to film actors, generating up to 300,000 images and developing a distinct model for each project. Their portfolio includes work on a Kendrick Lamar music video, Super Bowl advertising campaigns, and notably, the deepfake of a nude Trump that found its way into an episode of South Park.
Interestingly, while they are known for their provocative humor, Parker and Stone are striving to act responsibly in the AI landscape: Deep Voodoo insists on obtaining permission to utilize actors' likenesses and rejects projects that lack clear rights.
Moreover, the duo is not dismissing the possibility of incorporating AI technology into South Park itself, aiming to enhance their production speed, expand visual choices, and ultimately improve the show. The question remains: Is AI a necessary addition to South Park? Fans seem divided, with some excited about the prospects while others firmly oppose the idea.
Informational material. 18+.
