Tech Titans Seek Copyright Immunity, Plus More Cinematic AI
TOPSHOT - Guests including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk, arrive before ... [+] the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tech Giants Push for AI Copyright Exemptions, Citing China's Threat. The Trump administration asked them to comment on a new AI policy, having overturned the weak one Biden had put in place by executive order. Tech companies say training AI models on copyrighted content constitutes fair use, arguing that restrictive laws would hand China an insurmountable advantage. OpenAI, Meta, and Google have all cited the rapid rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese open-source AI model, to justify their position. 'If the PRC's developers have unfettered access to data and American companies are left without fair use access, the race for AI is effectively over,' OpenAI wrote in its submission to the White House. Critics, including Hollywood unions and over 400 high-profile creators, argue that this would allow AI firms to profit from unlicensed material without compensating those who created it. Big tech wants nothing less than a preemptive pardon for copyright infringement. With the administration's open contempt for the media, in particular the NY Times (who is suing Open AI), the influence of Elon Musk, who owns Xai, and Trump's personal vendetta against Hollywood, it's not hard to predict how this movie is going to end.
Roblox generates 3D objects from 2D pictures.
Roblox has unveiled an early version of its Mesh Generator API, a 3D object generator powered by CUBE 3D, a 1.8 billion-parameter model. This tool lets users create 3D objects from text prompts, with future plans to support generation from images. Roblox wants to simplify content creation, expanding beyond traditional game design to capture a larger share of the $180 billion gaming market. The company also plans AI models for speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and real-time translation. While free, the tool has usage caps. Roblox's long-term vision includes generating entire interactive scenes on demand.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Directors Joe Russo and Anthony Russo attend the UK Film Premiere of ... [+] "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" at Westfield London on March 20, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by)
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo defend use of AI in The Electric State for voice modulation. Joe Russo remarked that AI's role in Hollywood is often misunderstood, stating, "There's a lot of finger-pointing and hyperbole because people are afraid. They don't understand." He further noted that while AI isn't yet suitable for "mission-critical work" due to its potential for inaccuracies, it's well-suited for creative applications. The Russo brothers are also developing AI tools within their studio, Agbo, aiming to empower artists and streamline the creative process in filmmaking.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: Tony Gilroy attends the Emmy FYC screening for Andor at the DGA ... [+] Theater in Los Angeles, California on April 30, 2023. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
On the other side of the lot, Tony Gilroy, creator of the acclaimed series Andor, has chosen not to release the show's 1,500-page script collection due to concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) misuse. He fears that making the scripts publicly available could enable AI systems to absorb and replicate his work without authorization. Gilroy expressed his reluctance, stating, "Why help the f**king robots anymore than you can?" This decision reflects a growing unease among creators regarding the potential exploitation of their intellectual property by AI technologies. The situation underscores the ongoing debate over AI's impact on creative industries and the need for protective measures for original content.
James Cameron joined the board of Stablility AI last year.
Stability AI has introduced Stable Virtual Camera, an AI model that transforms 2D images into immersive 3D video scenes. The tool can synthesize novel viewpoints and simulate camera movements like panning and zooming without traditional 3D modeling. Supporting up to 32 input images, it generates sequences up to 1,000 frames. While promising for film, gaming, and VR, it struggles with human figures and complex textures. Released under a research license via Hugging Face, the model signals Stability's pivot amid financial challenges. Competing with OpenAI's Sora and Google's Lumiere, it reflects the AI industry's push into generative 3D content.
Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, has acquired Hotshot, a San Francisco-based startup specializing in AI-powered video generation tools. Founded by Aakash Sastry and John Mullan, Hotshot developed models like Hotshot-XL to transform text prompts into dynamic videos. This acquisition aligns with xAI's strategy to enhance its generative AI capabilities and compete with platforms like OpenAI's Sora and Google's Veo 2. Sastry expressed enthusiasm about scaling their efforts using xAI's extensive computing resources. Before the acquisition, Hotshot attracted investments from notable figures, including Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Existing Hotshot users have until March 30 to download their content before services are discontinued.
Batbridge
XR At SXSW 2025: Expanding The Boundaries Of Immersion. SXSW 2025's XR showcase pushed the limits of immersive storytelling, featuring award-winning VR, AR, and MR experiences, from haptic empathy-driven VR to large-scale dome projections. The XR Experience Competition featured 15 world premieres, with the top Jury Award won by Chloé Lee's Reflections of a Little Red Dot, an open-world documentary exploring Singapore, a country in transition. Judges praised its subtle yet deeply resonant storytelling, calling it 'a universal sense of place.' Also honored with a Special Jury Award Special was Proof As If Proof Were Needed created by Ting Tong Chang, Matt Adams.
Virtuix has unveiled the Omni Mission Trainer (OMT), a mixed reality system featuring omni-directional treadmills that enable soldiers to physically navigate immersive 360-degree virtual environments by walking, running, jumping, and kneeling. Supporting up to 15 participants, OMT facilitates team-based training scenarios such as mission rehearsals and active shooter responses. The system integrates soldiers' authentic equipment into the virtual space, enhancing operational realism. An After-Action Review tool enables real-time performance analysis.
Singapore-based Vidu, the generative video platform from ShengShu Technology, is teaming up with Los ... [+] Angeles animation studio Aura Productions to co-produce a sci-fi anime series made entirely with AI tools.
Singapore-based Vidu, the generative video platform from ShengShu Technology, is teaming up with Los Angeles animation studio Aura Productions to co-produce a sci-fi anime series made entirely with AI tools. The series of 50 short episodes, will debut across social platforms in 2025 and showcase Vidu's new 'Multiple-Entity Consistency' feature, designed to maintain visual coherence across characters and environments. Aura Productions, led by Luo Yan and showrunner D.T. Carpenter, who specializes in teen-targeted anime content.
The inaugural Austin AI Film Festival (AAIFF), adjacent but not part of SXSW, concluded last week in Austin, Texas. Organized to recognize creators using AI tools, the festival showcased narrative films across genres. The top honor, a $5,000 cash prize for Best AI Narrative, was awarded to One Last Wish, directed by Edmond Yang, recognized for its compelling integration of AI in narrative cinema.
The AI x Entertainment report is free at FBRC.ai.
FBRC.ai has published its first quarterly AI Industry Report, offering a snapshot of the rapidly evolving AI studio landscape. Focused on 98 AI-native studios, the report includes interviews with nine leading players: Promise, Asteria, Secret Level, shy kids, Fable, Argil, Move.ai, Scenario, and Frore. The report highlights how these studios are reshaping production pipelines, redefining creative roles, and building new infrastructure for AI-driven storytelling. Future reports will cover creators, startups, and emerging workflows. FBRC.ai was co-founded by Rachel Joy Victor and Todd Terrazas to accelerate AI integration into storytelling and content creation. They help early-stage AI startups find product-market fit while guiding corporations through AI adoption as strategic advisors.
Nem Perez is following up its hilarious, delightful, and unwatchable T2 fan film with an adaptation of 'Alice in Wonderland.' This is a natural for blending AI-generated imagery, 3D animation, and live action through an "Exquisite Corpse" technique, allowing over 25 of the best AI studios and artists to contribute their unique visions while maintaining narrative cohesion. Reza Sixo Safai and Jagger Waters lead the story team. Perez's creative team includes prominent AI filmmakers Fred Grinstein and Minh Do of Machine Cinema, Reza Sixo Safai of Massive Studios and Max Einhorn of Gennie Studios. The roster of A.I. Filmmakers features Junie Lau, who won silver at last year's Runway Film Festival, MetaPuppet, the 1st prize winner of the Culver Cup, and Maddie Hong, a finalist in Culver Cup & Runway's 48hr competition.
The submission deadline for the Runway's AI film festival has been extended to April 6, 2025. This year's jury includes Joel Kuwahara (Co-founder and President of Production, Bento Box Entertainment), Jane Rosenthal (Founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises), Bruce Markoe (Head of IMAX Post and SVP, IMAX Corporation) and Kia Brooks (Deputy Director, The Gotham Film and Media Institute), among others.
This column is the script for the news portion of the author's weekly podcast co-hosted by former Paramount futurist and co-founder of Red Camera, and Rony Abovitz, founder of Magic Leap, Mako Robotics, and Synthbee AI. This week our guest is Bob Cooney, the most prominent thought leader in immersive technologies and location-based entertainment. We can be found on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.
What We're Reading
Something is Rotten Cupertino - Apple AI (DaringFireball blog)
Demand for VR headsets remains low (Computer World)
Meta: 'We're Still Investing Massively In VR Gaming And Don't Plan To Stop' (Upload VR)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bloomberg
34 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Traders Scour for ‘Elusive' Catalyst to Push S&P 500 to Record
For stock traders there's little to fear at the moment. Corporate America keeps churning out solid earnings. The chances of a recession aren't blaring. And President Donald Trump's tariff policy is expected to become more clear before long. So what's there to worry about?
Black America Web
35 minutes ago
- Black America Web
20 Famous Black Talk Show Hosts
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Talk shows have long been a staple of American television, offering a platform for entertainment, discussion, and cultural exchange. Over the years, numerous Black hosts have made indelible marks on the industry, bringing unique perspectives and voices to the forefront. From groundbreaking daytime programs to late-night innovations, these hosts have not only entertained but also educated and inspired audiences worldwide with their groundbreaking talent, opening doors for future generations. Meet Hazel Scott, the first Black woman to host a TV show. Hazel Scott, a trailblazing jazz pianist and vocalist, is widely recognized by historians as the first Black woman to host her own national television program in the United States. According to Women's History, more than just a performer, Scott was a fearless advocate for civil rights, standing up against the Hollywood studio system and testifying before the House Un-American Activities Committee during a time when doing so posed grave personal and professional risks. Her signature fusion of classical music with jazz rhythms captivated audiences across America and around the world. Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in 1920, Scott moved to New York City in 1924 with her mother and grandmother following her parents' separation. She was the only child of R. Thomas Scott, a West African scholar, and Alma Long Scott, a classically trained pianist and accomplished saxophonist. Hazel's musical aptitude emerged early—by age three, she could play piano by ear, and she was known to vocally protest when her mother's students hit incorrect notes. Thanks to her mother's deep ties to the music world, Hazel was given a rare opportunity to audition for the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. She was accepted on a special waiver at the age of eight—a testament to her extraordinary talent. By her teenage years, Scott was already a fixture in New York's music scene. At 13, she joined her mother's band, Alma Long Scott's American Creolians. Two years later, she made her solo debut performing alongside Count Basie's orchestra at the Roseland Ballroom. Around the same time, she won a contest that earned her a spot on local radio and soon after made her Broadway debut in the 1938 revue ' Sing Out the News .' Despite her growing fame, Scott graduated from high school with honors. Her breakthrough came in 1939 during a residency at Café Society, a groundbreaking integrated nightclub in Greenwich Village known for showcasing progressive talent. When Billie Holiday abruptly ended her engagement there, she personally recommended Scott as her successor. Scott quickly became the club's star attraction and was affectionately dubbed the 'Darling of Café Society.' In 1950, Scott broke new ground once again with ' The Hazel Scott Show,' a 15-minute television program aired three times a week. It initially broadcast in New York and later expanded nationally. On the show, Scott performed her unique blend of jazz, blues, and classical music, earning critical acclaim and strong viewership. However, her rising stardom was cut short when she was named in ' Red Channels ,' a publication that accused entertainers of Communist affiliations. The show was swiftly canceled, despite her refusal to back down under pressure. Scott's legacy is not only defined by her musical genius but also by her incredible commitment to justice and artistic integrity in the face of adversity. She walked so many of our favorite Black talk and TV show hosts could run and thrive. Here's a look at 20 influential Black talk show hosts who have shaped the landscape of television. 20 Famous Black Talk Show Hosts was originally published on Source:Getty Tyra Banks revolutionized the modeling industry with 'America's Next Top Model' from 2003 to 2015, and later hosted 'The Tyra Banks Show' (2006-2010), where she delved into personal stories and social issues with guests. Her candid approach and charisma made her a household name. Source:Getty Queen Latifah brought her multifaceted talents to 'The Queen Latifah Show,' from 1999 to 2001, blending music, comedy, and interviews with a focus on positivity and empowerment. Her warmth and authenticity resonated with audiences. Source:Getty Former NFL star Michael Strahan transitioned to television, co-hosting 'Live with Kelly and Michael' from 2012 to 2013 and later hosting 'The $100,000 Pyramid ,' and 'GMA3,' showcasing his versatility and charm. His engaging personality made him a favorite among viewers. Source:Getty Oprah Winfrey's 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered in 1986, touching on topics from self-help to politics, and making her one of the most influential media figures in history. Her empathetic interviewing style set a new standard for talk shows and made her a beloved figure around the world until the show's end in 2011. Source:Getty Known for her candid and often controversial opinions, Wendy Williams hosted 'The Wendy Williams Show,' from 2008 to 2022, where she discussed celebrity gossip and current events with unapologetic flair. Her bold approach garnered a dedicated following. Williams took a step back from the spotlight in 2022 to tend to several health issues including her ongoing battle with lymphedema, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Source:Getty RuPaul had a brief stint with his talk show, 'The RuPaul Show,' between 1997 and 1998. However, his big break would come in 2009, when 'RuPaul's Drag Race' premiered. It brought drag culture into the mainstream, celebrating self-expression and diversity. RuPaul's charisma and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights made him a trailblazer. Source:Getty Sherri Shepherd co-hosted 'The View' from 2007 to 2014 and later launched her own daytime talk show, 'Sherri,' in 2022, where she now combines humor with heartfelt discussions on various topics. Fans love her funny and authentic delivery on air. Source:Getty Steve Harvey parlayed his funny humor as a comic into his full-time hosting role with 'Family Feud' in 2010. He showcases his comedic timing and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Source:Getty Star Jones gained prominence as a co-host on 'The View,' between 1997 and 2006, known for her legal expertise and candid opinions. Jones is the current host of 'Divorce Court,' a show that revolves around settling the disputes of couples going through messy divorces. Source:Getty An EGOT winner, Whoopi Goldberg has been a co-host of 'The View,' since 2006, bringing her sharp wit and diverse perspectives to discussions on politics, culture, and current events. Her contributions have been pivotal in shaping the show's strong dynamic. Source:Getty Comedian Wanda Sykes hosted 'The Wanda Sykes Show,' offering a unique blend of humor and political commentary. Her fearless approach to addressing social issues resonated with many viewers. The show aired on Fox and ran for one season between 2009 and 2010. Source:Getty Ananda Lewis hosted 'The Ananda Lewis Show,' from 2001 to 2022, a place where she engaged with young audiences on topics ranging from relationships to social issues, providing a relatable voice for her generation. Her approachable demeanor made her a trusted figure thanks to her early days as an MTV veejay. Source:Getty Oscar-winning actress Mo'Nique hosted 'The Mo'Nique Show,' where she combined celebrity interviews with discussions on real-life issues, all while showcasing her comedic talents. Her authenticity and boldness set her apart. The show ran for 7 seasons between 2009 and 2012. Source:Getty From 1989 to 1994, Arsenio Hall's late-night talk show, 'The Arsenio Hall Show,' brought a fresh perspective to the genre, featuring musical performances and interviews with a diverse range of guests. His show became a platform for emerging artists and cultural discussions. Source:Getty Tavis Smiley began his broadcasting career as a radio commentator in 1991. In 1996, he became the host of 'BET Talk'—a show that was later rebranded as 'BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley'—on Black Entertainment Television (BET). His tenure at BET came to an end in 2001 after he sold an exclusive interview with Sara Jane Olson to ABC News, prompting the network not to renew his contract. Following his departure from BET, Smiley transitioned to public radio and launched 'The Tavis Smiley Show' on National Public Radio (NPR), which he hosted from 2002 to 2004. He then expanded his platform with the launch of 'Tavis Smiley' on PBS, a weekday television talk show, and a revived version of 'The Tavis Smiley Show' on Public Radio International (PRI), both of which he hosted from 2004 until 2017. Source:Getty Montel Williams hosted 'The Montel Williams Show,' from 1991 to 2009, addressing a wide array of topics, including health, relationships, and social issues, often featuring emotional and inspiring stories. His military background and advocacy for veterans added depth to his platform. Source:Getty Comedian Chris Rock hosted 'The Chris Rock Show,' blending stand-up comedy with satirical commentary on politics and culture, offering a sharp and insightful perspective on societal issues. His fearless approach to comedy made the show a standout. The show ran for 5 seasons between 1997 and 2000. Source:Getty Lasting for two seasons (2002-2004), Wayne Brady hosted 'The Wayne Brady Show,' where he showcased his improvisational skills and musical talents, providing a blend of entertainment and humor. His versatility as a performer made him a beloved figure in television. Source:Getty TV and radio personality Bevy Smith has been the host of 'Bevelations,' since 2015, on SiriusXM. The show combines celebrity interviews with discussions on fashion, culture, and lifestyle, offering a chic and insightful perspective on the entertainment industry. Her vibrant personality and style make her a standout host. Source:Getty Comedian Sheryl Underwood was a regular contributor on the nationally syndicated ' Tom Joyner Morning Show' until June 2010. She also briefly hosted her own radio program, 'Sheryl Underwood and Company,' which aired on Radio One's Syndication One News/Talk network and on XM Satellite Radio's Channel 169, known as The Power. Additionally, Underwood hosts 'The Sheryl Underwood Show' on Tuesday nights on Jamie Foxx's SiriusXM channel, The Foxxhole (Sirius 106). In 2011, she joined the CBS daytime talk show 'The Talk' as a co-host during its second season, stepping in as a replacement for Leah Remini. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
35 minutes ago
- Black America Web
Elon Musk Claims Trump's Name Is On The Epstein List, Taco Trump Threatens To End Phony Stark's Government Contracts
Source: The Washington Post / Getty / Elon Musk / Donald Trump It should come as no surprise that the bromance between these two ego maniacs would have come to a fiery end. We knew this day would come, but no one had Musk and Trump beefing with each other so soon on their bingo cards. The alleged ketamine abuser couldn't keep his disdain for Trump's 'one big beautiful bill,' calling it a 'disgusting abomination.' 'I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore,' Musk began. 'This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.' Trump was uncharacteristically quiet following Musk's initial comments about his legislative centerpiece of his second presidency, the 'one big beautiful bill.' That all changed when Trump finally 'clapped back' at Musk while taking questions during his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Trump said he was 'very surprised' and 'disappointed' by his former financier's comments about his stupid bill, claiming the Tesla chief saw the bill and understood its inner workings better than anybody, while suggesting that Musk was mad because of the removal of subsidies and mandates for electric vehicles. Elon Musk Had Time For Donald Trump Musk responded in real time via his 'former platform,' X, formerly Twitter, with a flurry of posts on X accusing Trump of 'ingratitude' and 'Without me, Trump would have lost the election,' while refuting the orange menace's claims. 'Keep the EV/solar incentive cuts in the bill, even though no oil & gas subsidies are touched (very unfair!!), but ditch the MOUNTAIN of DISGUSTING PORK in the bill,' Musk wrote. Oh, and he wasn't done. Musk then hit the president with a low blow, writing, 'Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!' Donald Trump Claps Back Trump finally fired back on his platform, Truth Social, by threatening to cut Musk's government contracts. 'The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it.' Felon 47 wrote. Musk replied by threatening to decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which could be detrimental to the International Space Station and NASA, as it is described as 'the only spacecraft currently flying that is capable of returning significant amounts of cargo to Earth' and can seat seven passengers. Musk also agreed with a post stating that Trump should be impeached and replaced by JD Vance. Oh, this is getting spicy. While all of this was going on, CNN reports that Tesla stocks took a hit and Musk's net worth shrank. Per CNN : Tesla shares plummeted 15% this afternoon as Elon Musk's battle with President Donald Trump intensified. Trump threatened in a social media post to target Musk's business empire. 'The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. The Tesla selloff has wiped off more than $150 billion off the market value of Telsa, which started the day worth nearly $1.1 trillion. It has also erased a chunk off the net worth of Musk, the world's richest person. Social media has pulled up all the seats, grabbed some popcorn and are currently watching Musk go at with Trump and his supporters, you can see those reactions in the gallery below. Elon Musk Claims Trump's Name Is On The Epstein List, Taco Trump Threatens To End Phony Stark's Government Contracts was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
