Bougie On A Budget: 34 Cheap Versions Of ~Luxe~ Things You Won't Feel Bad About Buying
A three-pack of retro-inspired polarized sunglasses that'll diversify your accessory portfolio with some vintage flair without overspending a single pair of Ray-Bans. It never hurts to have ✨options✨ and you won't find a better bang for your buck.
E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen if you, like me, are wondering when sunscreen became one of the most expensive skincare items ever? Enter this affordable find, which offers SPF 35 *and* goes on smooth and clear without any white cast. It works well as a blurring primer to create the perf setup before applying makeup too! TL:DR; it's the more affordable version of Supergoop!
A layered necklace set — you deserve nice things that don't completely devastate your wallet. If you live for a statement piece that also delivers shock value with the price tag, the search is over!!
And! A set of golden bracelets because yes, you can be as lavish (or bougie) as you want without spending a fortune. Whether you wanna wear a single bracelet for a cute lil' dainty look or you're looking to make a statement with all SEVEN, the choice is yours.
An ultra-soft faux-fur rug when you want your feet to live the fancy life too! And what's worse than waking up in the morning and being met with the ice-cold floor? This will give your bedroom a *much* more expensive feel.
A houndstooth sweater-vest, which can level up your go-to collared button-down with a touch of sophisticated charm. You're about to make "library chic" a thing with this oversized, knitted cutie. Don't be surprised when your bestie asks which boutique you found it at!
Cremo's super rich moisturizing body wash inspired by the beloved Baccarat Rouge 540 scent you know and love. This fabulous formula contains white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber, aka the ultimate treat for your senses. Bet you won't live without this body wash again!
A very snazzy coffee syrup dispenser set that includes 28 premade flavor labels — it's basically a dream come true for caffeine connoisseurs who appreciate a tasty latte with a spritz of pristine organization.
Tree Hut Desert Haze Shea Sugar Scrub if you wanna get a dreamy exfoliation routine going without forking over LOTS of dollars on a more expensive version. Plus, it's infused with shea butter to hydrate, nourish, and soften the skin without stripping moisture. This delightful smoky floral scent features notes of raspberry, jasmine, and musk.
Buttery soft high-waisted leggings when you've had your eye on the Lululemon Align version but can't bear to shell out an entire Benjamin for one piece of activewear. These are made of a super soft material *and* they're squat-proof. They're called ~Dreamlux~ leggings for a reason, people.
Some hypoallergenic gold-plated earrings, which comes with three (!!!) pairs so you'll never run out of options when deciding how to glam up your 'fit for the night. Chic but make it cheap? Yup, I'm sold.
A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment with collagen ingredients and protein extracts if your goal is to restore over-processed hair. Dull, dry strands are about to go POOF — and you won't even have to spend quadruple the cost on Olaplex.
A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets that'll make it hard to get outta bed in the best way. You'll also do a double-take when you see the price because they don't cost hundreds of dollars, which is what you'd spend on Cozy Earth or Egyptian cotton sheets. These are made with wonderfully soft moisture-wicking microfiber fabric that actually lasts.
And a pair of silky satin pillowcases for anyone who wants a bedroom that looks and feels more luxurious, not to mention you'll sleep more comfortably too! These have a cooling effect that's sooo soft on the skin. It also creates less friction for your hair.
A cult-fave luxury-scented candle — it'll upgrade your space with an upscale feel at a reasonable price. The intriguing scent is similar to Le Labo's Santal 33, which features a blend of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood that'll carry you away to a paradise where everything is this amazing *and* affordable.
Etude's multipurpose Dear Darling Water Tint you'll find endless uses for, so it'll basically pay for itself several times over. Many reviewers liken it to Benefit's version and love that it can be used both as a lip stain *and* as a cheek blush! It's super lightweight and contains a rich vitamin and berry fruit complex to keep your lips super hydrated.
A plush, fast-drying bath pillow so you can get your zen on while feeling extra fancy and comfy. It has four non-slip suction cups to keep it secure and it contours to your body for the most relaxing bath of your life. Considering some luxury bath pillows out there go for $200 a pop, this is a steal.
A 17-ounce cut crystal–style cocktail shaker for at-home cocktails that seem wayyy fancier than they are — even if you're just about to change into PJs and couch rot for an undetermined amount of hours. Every sip will taste expensive and sometimes that's all your bougie heart needs.
L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion to give you a natural glow with minimal effort *and* spending. This liquid highlighter adds a lightweight color tint to your complexion for a dewy glow-up that can be worn alone or with foundation.
A faux-leather belt that'll add the perfect finishing touch to just about any outfit you come up with — for a lot less $$$ than the Gucci version! Even the most casual looks (think distressed denim and crop tops) can be taken up a notch with this trendy accessory.
A roll of marble contact paper so you can achieve the ~luxe~ surfaces of your dreams without going broke. It's also perfectly fine to change your mind later because it peels off without leaving any damage behind. Use it in the bathroom, on your vanity, or even to glam up the desk in your home office!
A pair of comfy *and* pretty wireless over-the-ear headphones — they may *look* like AirPods Max, but when you see the price tag, you'll have to pick your jaw up off the floor. Instead of splurging on the name brand, try these instead! They look identical, they're soft on the ears, and you get 10 hours of playtime per charge plus a built-in microphone for taking calls. Oh, and they're actually pretty good at blocking out external noise!
A gorgeous laptop tote bag with such a luxurious feel, you'll probably wanna carry it everywhere, even when you don't need your computer. It can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches and other essentials, like your phone, makeup bag, iPad, and more! You'll also breathe a sigh of relief knowing you didn't blow over $100 on the pricey Béis Work Tote.
A trendy Kitsch claw clip, aka a lovely piece of jewelry but for your hair. The durable metal design has a super strong hold that reviewers say *actually* holds locks in place, and the rounded teeth help prevent hair damage!
A paraben-free Jergens Natural Glow self-tanner if you're feeling woefully pale and need to get your glow back immediately. It's designed to be used as a daily body lotion that may gradually enhance and deepen your natural skin tone over several days. Bonus: It's infused with collagen, elastin, and green tea to help visibly firm and tighten skin!
An Anthropologie-inspired reversible quilted throw blanket that are made of 100% cotton and will add some character to any bland bedroom or living room in a flash! It's machine washable and comes in larger sizes in case you wanna use it as your main bed blanket — it's just that beautiful and cozy.
A Skims-esque scoop neck top so you can enjoy that deliciously smooth fabric similar to the one in the cult-fave Skims top *with* the same fitted look to boot. The best part? This one is significantly cheaper and comes in a variety of colors. You'd be wise not to sleep on this one!
A stunning amber reed diffuser to add a hint of elegance to your home and a whole lotta delicious of fragrance, which is always money well spent if you ask me. The ~luxury getaway~ scent contains hints of lemon, cedarwood, cinnamon, amber, and musk that'll teleport you to your fave vacation spot as soon as you get a whiff.
A dazzling gold-plated cocktail ring set everyone will "ooh" and "ahh" at because, hello, it looks like it came from the most extravagant jewelry store in town! It's made of anti-tarnish, hypoallergenic material that shouldn't cause irritation.
Essence's Lash Princess Mascara adored by literally thousands of reviewers because it actually delivers length and volume to your sad lashes without any messy clumping. Once it graces your lashes, you'll wonder how you ever considered overspending on the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.
A bundle of fresh eucalyptus — who says you can't make your bathroom look and smell like the posh spa of your dreams? It'll be downright divine in there once the steam from your shower gets going and starts releasing the eucalyptus aroma into the air!
A dreamy midi corset dress for a go-to flowy number you can happily prance around in, especially knowing you saved over a hundred bucks by snagging it on Amazon. No seriously, the House of CB version retails for a staggering $225. 👀
A ~vibrant~ three-tier ring floor lamp when you don't want a regular lamp, you want a cool lamp. This one will turn allll the heads that walk into the room while providing ample lighting to the space — no need to drop several bands on a high-end version.
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Buzz Feed
2 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
From Lululemon To Drunk Elephant: 36 Alternatives To Pricey Brand-Name Items That Are So Good, You May Say "Buh-Bye" To The Originals
A pair of waterproof wireless earbuds that look just like AirPods Pro — *but* these have an LED display to show you the battery percentage on the case. These don't have noise cancellation like the Pros do, but if that's not something you're looking for, this swap will help you save a LOT of pretty pennies. The earbuds last up to 6 hours on a single charge and are sweatproof, meaning they can transition seamlessly from your phone call to a running session around your neighborhood. And a pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones with the same sleek, shiny shell design of AirPods Max. These have pretty decent noise cancellation (according to reviewers) and a built-in mic to answer calls, and they feel super comfy on your ears with their extra padding. For only 20 bucks, they're a much safer (and wallet-friendly) purchase if you're unsure about Apple's headphones — they are over $500, after all... A cubic zirconia ring that looks so much like a Cartier Love Ring, people will think you dropped BANDS for it. People will undoubtedly compliment your bling, so in the words of Mel Robbins — let them. ☺️ The Hanes Ultimate crew socks because who wants to drop bank on good quality socks?! No thanks. These are just like Aritzia's TNA socks — which cost $20 for a three-pack — but these come in a pack of ✨six✨ for half the price. They still have the same ribbed detailing, sit above your ankle, and will feel super cushiony as you walk around in them. E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine — did you know that their shade "Ecstatic" looks eerily similar to Clinique's "Black Honey?" Well now you do. Elf's version is sheer, buildable, and nourishing (just like Clinique's) but costs almost 20 dollars less! A set of square stemmed wineglasses so your CRISP white wine can hit just a little harder when you take your first sip. Just imagine swirling your twist-off wine and sipping like you're on a wine tour in Napa. If you feel like these seem straight out of Crate & Barrel (good eye!), reviewers say they look just the they love the price tag of these much more. An Ugg-inspired suede mule slipper that's still got the comfortable fuzzy interior and stylish exterior like its Aussie counterpart, but for soooo much less. These even have half-sizes — which Ugg doesn't! L'Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion for an illuminating glow that easily rivals the infamous Drunk Elephant's bronzing drops. It's designed to be worn alone, under foundation, or use it as a highlighter on your cheekbones! Reviewers like this *more* than Drunk Elephant because it can be worn as a skin tint and it's less glittery. A pair of leakproof "Cloudfeel" period boyshorts that give the Thinx version a real run for their money — and these are 10 bucks cheaper. They're soft, comfy, and hold up to 12 tampons worth of period blood, so you can sleep without any worries you'll stain your sheets. Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume if YSL Black Opium is your holy grail scent, but it's simply breaking the budget. This one is quite literally inspired by YSL, so you get the experience of wearing a luxury scent without dropping $95. It's designed to last for up to eight hours *and* smell like a wonderful blend of mandarin, jasmine, orange blossom, and vanilla. L'Oréal Paris BB Cream aka a solid alternative to Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream, because they're both designed to neutralize redness and even out your skin tone — but L'Oréal's is a lot more affordable. Bonus: It can double as a base for makeup, making it very versatile — we love! A waterproof fitness smartwatch that'll make you question why it's under $40... It has many of the features that make pricey smartwatches so amazing, like Bluetooth, voice-control features, the ability to take phone calls, and an HD display. It also allows you to track numerous things like step count, calories burned, training time, AND distance for a variety of activities. It has a unique, sleek design (just like the Apple Watch) *and* 500+ watch face options to choose from — or just upload your own from your camera roll! Elizavecca's CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein treatment for damaged hair from hot styling tools or over-processing from harsh treatments like bleach. Reviewers say it helps their hair feel stronger, softer, and less tangled, with an immediate difference. One person even went as far as to say that it's "Better than Olaplex." 😱 Glossmetics' Lychee Overnight Lip Mask designed to deeply hydrate so your lips feel softer by morning. It's formulated with shea butter (just like Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask), but it's *also* got peptides packed into it — great for hydration and preventing dryness. Reviewers say it's a good alternative because it feels very similar, lasts a long time, and doesn't get goopy in the corners of the mouth. A pair of ~Dreamlux~ leggings that are the closest thing you'll get to Lululemon Align leggings without dropping major cash on them. They not only look the same, but they're also soft, comfy, *and* not see-through — which means you don't have to worry when you do a deep lunge at the gym. Reviewers also like these more than Lulus because they stay in good condition over time, the color doesn't fade, and they don't fall down when you're wearing them. A Briotech spray with hypochlorous acid, an antibacterial ingredient that can help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation. Spritz this on your face as needed (like after a workout!) to help target acne-causing bacteria and soothe skin. Reviewers compare this to the Tower 28 SOS Spray, which is pricier (and has the same key ingredient!). Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, a color corrector that neutralizes the bluish eye bags that scream, "I only slept for four hours last night." It'll not only provide impeccable coverage, but it'll also nourish your skin thanks to its hyaluronic acid and shea butter formula. Reviewers say they like this *more* than Smashbox's Becca under eye cream because it's thinner, doesn't settle into fine lines, and is better at brightening. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm with a blend of vitamin E and pearl barley to remove makeup with EASE. Say goodbye to those wasteful makeup wipes when you can swipe this on — it leaves no residue or oily mess on your skin. So take this as your sign to ditch the pricier versions by Farmacy Green Clean, Dermalogica, or Elemis! A set of satin pillowcases that have a similar aesthetic and similar benefits to pricey alternatives like Slip and Kitsch — and reviewers agree. They can help create less friction against your hair, reduce breakage, and control frizz, making them great for those of you who take your haircare EXTRA seriously. A long-lasting E.l.f Lash XTNDR tubing mascara reviewers say OUTPREFORMS pricier versions like Benefit, Thrive, and Blinc because it doesn't clump or flake *and* it stays in place all day without being hard to remove. It's formulated with jojoba seed oil to condition lashes, all while providing *dramatic* length. A pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals if you love the stylish look of Birkenstocks on summery days. Over 1K reviewers compare these to the name brand, with some noting that these are more comfortable, good quality, and have no break-in period. An Apple-compatible locator tag with all the functionality of an AirTag but at a price that won't make you say "Really..." 😑. These come in a waterproof case, so no matter what situation your lost thing finds itself in, the tag will stay in perfect condition. They're especially useful for pet owners who can sometimes lose their furry friend! A moisturizing body wash if you wish Baccarat Rouge 450 came in soap form. Well, do I have the product for you — reviewers say it smells very similar! It has a silky smooth consistency *everyone* loves, and smells like a heavenly blend of white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber. Your showers are about to hit DIFFERENT. A multipurpose, minimalist nylon tote bag so you can cosplay as a Longchamp wearer who's on their way to pilates on a Tuesday at 2 p.m., when you're really on your way to work. It can fit your laptop, planner, makeup essentials, and more. You'll probably gasp when you realize this folds up into a triangle *just* like the Longchamp Le Pilage bag. Or a laptop tote bag with an alligator print to feel luxurious on your way to work, school drop-off, or just your daily errands. The best part? It won't break your bank account! It's very similar to the Béis Work Tote and can fit your laptop, water bottle, iPad, makeup essentials, and more with ease! E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that'll make your skin glow, blur the appearance of pores, and add a dash of moisture to your skin — just like Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter — except this has a better price tag. It leaves a soft, dewy finish that you can sport on its own, under makeup, or as a highlighter on top! A super soft long-sleeved bodysuit if you're looking for a Skims lookalike that's breathable, not see-through, *and* cheap, then this is for you. One reviewer went as far as to say that this alternative looks the *EXACT* same as the OG when side by side. 👀 E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops reviewers say are a great alternative to the pricier Watermelon Dew Drops from Glow Recipe. They're designed to hydrate, make your skin all glowy, and either be used as a step in your skincare routine *or* a primer for your foundation or concealer. A beloved, slow-burning luxury-scented candle with top notes of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood that reviewers say is similar to Le Labo's Santal 33. One reviewer said it reminds them of a "luxury hotel," so it'll pair perfectly with your room service (McDonald's). A pair of oversized square sunglasses that'll make you look so stylish and expensive you should be sitting courtside at a Knicks game. They look like Bottega Veneta, but you'll be laughing all the way to the bank because these are a whole lot cheaper. Another bonus is that they come in many colors *and* have polarized lenses with UV protection! Etude's Dear Darling Water Tint because you can get both a lip stain *and* rosy blush from just one product? Some reviewers say it's similar to Benefit's Lip Tint because the color, pigment, and anti-smudge formula are "very, very close" to the OG — and who doesn't want a cheap two-in-one product? A bottle of NYX matte setting spray some reviewers prefer to the Urban Decay version, because it has no scent and a better spritzer — and they say it's more effective at keeping makeup in place (like around the mouth). And it's designed to prevent creasing and smearing, and control oil that naturally occurs throughout the day. A lightweight, cropped zip-up workout jacket to make everyone think you're a gym BADDIE while you're doing 12-3-30 or just running a quick errand. While you could opt for the Lululemon version, do you really wanna spend more than double? Doubtful. And a Lululemon-inspired longline sports bra you can wear for your next morning workout class, grocery run, or *even* your "let me rot all day in bed" moment. It's supportive, not too compressive, and lightweight, so it'll be delightful in warmer weather. Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots if you have a zit that sprouted up — just stick on these hydrocolloid patches that'll help suck up all the gunk. They're *just* like Hero's Mighty Patches, but way more affordable — and they come in three sizes so you're zit is covered whether it's a tiny bump or a major breakout. A set of cozy button-down PJs so when you step into your room after (what felt like) a never-ending day, you can slip on something superrr soft. They're a solid alternative to pricey brands like Eberjay and Skims, so you'll feel like you're relaxing in name-brand heaven. Your "lay for the foreseeable future" sessions are gonna hit different with these — just trust me.
Los Angeles Times
19 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
AI can write a scene. It can pitch a movie. So what happens to the screenwriters?
Since its launch in November 2022, hundreds of millions of people have used ChatGPT to write wedding toasts, college essays, apology texts, bad jokes and even worse poetry. Billy Ray — Oscar-nominated screenwriter and unapologetic human being — is not one of them. Ray, whose writing credits include 'Shattered Glass,' 'Captain Phillips' and 'The Hunger Games' (that now-iconic Nicole Kidman AMC ad with 'Somehow heartbreak feels good in a place like this' is also his), has never even opened the ChatGPT site. Not to fix a clunky line. Not to win a bar trivia argument. Not to figure out what to do with the leftovers in his fridge. To Ray, generative AI — already creeping into every corner of Hollywood, from script development and previsualization to casting and marketing — isn't just another tool for creatives, like Final Draft or a Steadicam. It's an existential threat, 'a cancer masquerading as a profit center,' he says, eroding not just storytelling but the storyteller. 'My level of impostor syndrome, neuroticism and guilt is high enough while I'm working my ass off,' Ray says by phone, his voice equal parts weariness and outrage. 'There's no way I'd make myself feel worse by letting a machine do my writing for me. Zero interest.' When AI hype and fear first swept through the entertainment industry, screenwriters quickly found themselves on the front lines — and the picket lines. During the 2023 strike, the Writers Guild won precedent-setting contract language: Studios can't require writers to use AI, and anything generated by it can't be considered 'literary' or 'source' material. Writers are free to use AI if they choose — but only with the studio's approval, and under rules that protect credit, authorship and intellectual property. The agreement was hailed as a landmark: the first real attempt to set limits on a fast-moving, poorly understood technology. But for Ray, those protections don't go far enough. The tools are getting exponentially more powerful, he says, and adoption is already happening quietly, behind closed doors. 'What I'm hearing anecdotally is that studios and streamers are putting more and more time and energy into exploring what AI can do for them,' he says. 'The result will inevitably be chaos, bad movies, bad TV shows and a lot of people out of work.' A longtime WGA member and former co-chair of the guild's negotiating committee, Ray says his level of alarm is greater now than it was during the strike. That alarm is shared by many in a business where thousands of writers already hustle from project to project and where the prospect of studios using AI to shrink writers' rooms, eliminate junior positions or even generate first drafts has added new urgency to the debate. The anxiety is not theoretical: According to the Writers Guild's 2024 financial report, the number of members reporting earnings fell by nearly 10% from the prior year — and by more than 24% compared with 2022. With AI technology leaping ahead at algorithmic speed, Ray is urging the union to move faster. 'We need to put firewalls in place before the next round of negotiations,' he says. 'That's going to be necessary.' Though he still refuses to touch AI himself, he isn't trying to police his peers. 'I'm not telling writers they can't use it,' he says. 'But the public has a right to know when they're watching something written by a human being. And I think they want to know.' As he speaks about the potentially apocalyptic implications — for Hollywood and for humanity at large — Ray sounds both incredulous and downright scared. 'We as a species have a limited window to get control of AI and put guardrails around it, but we as writers have an even more limited window,' he says, his frustration rising. 'It makes no sense. If all Hollywood has to offer is a bunch of warmed-over AI bulls—, why would someone turn away from TikTok or YouTube?' Across the film industry, AI has begun to permeate nearly every stage of the production pipeline: helping directors visualize scenes before they're shot, cloning actors' voices for foreign dubs and assisting editors in assembling early rough cuts. But of all the creative roles AI is taking on, writing may be the most controversial — and at risk. Actors can fight to protect their likeness. Directors still need a crew to execute their vision. Writers often work in solitude, in front of a blinking cursor, the very place AI is now starting to intrude. Unlike a human writer, a 'large language model' — the technical term for AI systems like ChatGPT that are trained on massive amounts of text — doesn't grasp plot, motivation or theme in any true sense. It can stitch together scenes that feel plausible on the surface — a couple arguing in the rain, a soldier saying goodbye before heading off to war — and can sometimes even surprise you with a turn of phrase or an unexpected twist. What it can't do is understand what those moments mean or shape them to make an audience feel something lasting. To be fair, that might also describe more than a few human-written screenplays. And Hollywood has long flirted with the idea of turning writing into a system. In the 1970s and '80s, a cottage industry blossomed around screenwriting formulas — from Syd Field's three-act paradigm to Robert McKee's guru lectures and the ever-resilient 'Save the Cat' beat sheet. Storytelling became something you could learn, teach and sell, often quite successfully. (See: 'Adaptation,' which turned the whole idea into a punch line.) The difference now is that the machine isn't just applying the formula — it's trying to do the writing itself. The late critic Roger Ebert famously called cinema a 'machine that generates empathy.' But as generative AI takes on more of the creative process, a deeper question emerges: What does it mean when stories are shaped by a system that, for now at least, can't feel — and whose users may not need it to? 'I'm scared of it,' says writer-director Todd Haynes, whose films, including 'Safe,' 'Far From Heaven' and 'May December' (scripted by Samy Burch and Oscar-nominated for its screenplay), explore all-too-human themes of identity, sexuality and social constraint. 'Creativity is born out of mistakes, obfuscation, fumblings, desire — things that computer technology can never replace.' In the fall of 2023, two weeks after the writers' strike ended — and with the actors still on the picket lines — Hollywood's first 'AI on the Lot' conference opened its doors downtown, a bold show of tech optimism in the midst of labor upheaval. 'We thought we were going to have picketers out front,' says organizer Todd Terrazas, who founded the nonprofit AI LA and co-founded an AI-driven venture studio launched in 2023 to bridge creativity and technology. 'But sure enough, there was none of that. Six hundred people showed up and really leaned into how this technology could expand the industry and support everyone.' Two years later, by this spring's edition, the event had expanded and moved to the Culver Theater, drawing nearly twice the crowd with 1,100 attendees, a mix of indie filmmakers, startup founders and tech execs from Google, Amazon, Nvidia and OpenAI. The vibe was more techno-optimism than hand-wringing. But the stage was still missing something: writers. 'AI is a very touchy subject, especially for writers, because it's so personal,' says Terrazas, who has emerged as a key connector between Hollywood creatives and the fast-expanding AI tech world. 'Even though they're experimenting with large language models to help organize thoughts or explore new characters or ideas, at the end of the day they want to be known as the one who actually wrote everything, like, 'This was 95% me.'' In a legal gray zone where authorship is murky and copyright law hasn't caught up with technology, what's at stake isn't just credit or ego but ownership. 'Writers are walking a tight line,' Terrazas adds. 'They want to be very careful that they're showing their work, documenting their process, so they can obtain copyright and stay in bounds with the studios and the guilds.' While many writers worry about AI encroaching on authorship, a wave of startups sees opportunity — not to replace writers, they say, but to streamline the clutter around them. Amit Gupta, who co-founded the AI writing tool Sudowrite in 2020, began development by interviewing screenwriters about what they actually needed. The complaints he heard were often surprisingly mundane. 'They'd say they dreaded writing the logline, the one-page treatment, the three-page treatment, once the screenplay was done,' he says. These were exactly the kind of mundane tasks his AI platform could automate. Some studio executives may already be imagining a future with fewer writers, a field that's historically one of the most developmentally expensive and unpredictable parts of making a movie. Since the spec script boom of the 1990s, when writers like Shane Black ('Lethal Weapon') commanded multimillion-dollar paydays, screenwriting has carried a uniquely speculative price structure for work that's often unproven. Robert Altman's 1992 film 'The Player' famously centered on a murder of a screenwriter, satirizing the industry's long love-hate relationship with the written word. But Gupta pushes back on that vision. He says AI is far from being able to write a good movie on its own — at least not yet. 'You could watch it,' he says. 'But you're not going to like watching it.' What excites him more is the potential for co-creation, humans still driving the process with machines supporting rather than replacing them. 'I think that's where the skill of the writer really comes in,' Gupta says. 'If I go to ChatGPT and say, 'Write me a short story about someone in L.A., reading an article on the film industry and hanging out with their dog,' it will give me something generic, because that's what the model is. But the prompt actually matters a lot. The people who are really good with this stuff are kind of mind-blowing.' What exactly qualifies as a mind-blowing prompt is not entirely clear, but Gupta believes developing that kind of conjuring ability will become as essential as programming or writing itself. 'Once you get adept at handling it with precision, it feels like a tool — not something doing the work for you. That's going to be a very real skill set in the future.' If Gupta sees AI as a tireless, ego-free assistant for the grunt work of writing, others have leaned in further, treating it more like a virtual writers' room — riffing on scenes, dialogue and structure — or even an uncredited auteur behind the curtain. In January, Paul Schrader, the writer of 'Taxi Driver' and his Oscar-nominated 'First Reformed,' known for his psychologically intense, deeply human portraits of guilt and faith, caused a stir by praising ChatGPT online as a kind of creative oracle. After asking the AI chatbot to generate movie ideas in the style of various auteurs — Paul Thomas Anderson, Ingmar Bergman, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, David Lynch — he was floored. 'I'M STUNNED,' Schrader wrote on Facebook. 'Every idea ChatGPT came up with (in a few seconds) was good. And original. And fleshed out. Why should writers sit around for months searching for a good idea when AI can provide one in seconds?' In another post, Schrader said the model instantly gave feedback on an old script he had written years earlier 'as good or better than I've ever received from a film executive.' The experience, he said, left him certain that AI was the superior writer: 'This is an existential moment, akin to what Kasparov felt in 1997 when he realized Deep Blue was going to beat him at chess.' The backlash came fast. 'Paul, is everything OK?' one commenter wrote. Ever the provocateur, Schrader showed no sign of backing down, gleefully sharing AI-generated images, including one in which he is seen conjuring characters with a magic pen. Asked about Schrader's AI enthusiasm, Billy Ray offered a pointed retort: 'I have enormous regard for his career and for the work he's done — he wrote 'Taxi Driver,' for God's sake. But I don't see how that's helpful.' Filmmaker Bong Joon Ho takes a more humanist tack. The writer and director of genre-scrambling films like 'Snowpiercer,' 'Parasite' and 'Mickey 17' — a mix of original stories and literary adaptations — acknowledges AI's value as a subject for sci-fi but doubts its capacity to tell stories with real depth or irony. 'We've seen from films like 'The Terminator' that AI can be a great source of drama, and we can create a lot of stories around it,' he told The Times earlier this year. 'But I honestly don't think AI programs will write a fun story about themselves. I feel like I am a better writer for those stories.' Others worry that as AI becomes embedded in Hollywood, even human-written work will start to sound like the data it was trained on: smoother, safer, harder to tell apart. Roma Murphy, a young writer and story artist who serves as co-chair of the Animation Guild's AI Committee — one of several new working groups formed in the wake of the 2023 strikes — describes herself as 'a bit of a purist.' Like many, she is concerned about the exploitation of unlicensed material — the countless film and TV scripts that may have been scraped to train AI now being pitched back to the industry. 'I'm certainly not going to type my own ideas into the platform and just give them to it to train with,' Murphy says. 'Look, it's much better than it was in 2022 — it can at least generate a document,' she says. 'But I have yet to meet someone who was still thinking about their AI screenplay more than 12 hours later. People engage with art because they want to see some truth about humanity reflected back to them, and AI is never going to reflect a new truth. Nothing I've seen generated feels like anything more than a cheap party trick.' At film schools, where many future screenwriters get their start, the question of when and how to introduce AI has become its own point of debate. USC's School of Cinematic Arts, one of the nation's most influential film programs and alma mater to filmmakers like George Lucas and Ryan Coogler, now offers courses like 'Art in Post-Reality: Critical and Creative Approaches to AI' and 'AI Magic: Revolutionizing Media and Workplace Creativity.' According to Holly Willis, chair of the Media Arts and Practice Division and co-director of USC's new AI for Media & Storytelling initiative, student attitudes toward the technology vary widely. Willis points to the first AI-focused class USC offered in 2023, launched during the height of the strikes. 'The students came in very wary,' she recalls. 'They weren't even telling their friends they were in the class — out of fear of reprisal. Some were saying, 'Why am I paying for this education when you could just prompt and make a film?'' But even as the school has integrated AI across a range of filmmaking disciplines, one area remains off-limits: screenwriting. 'We've been very intentional about protecting that early phase when students are still figuring out who they are as writers,' Willis says. 'They need space to develop their own voice and stories before turning to tools like this. Understanding how the technology works is important, but so is safeguarding that vulnerable creative moment.' Oscar Sharp arrived in the future a little earlier than most in Hollywood. Nearly a decade ago, the British filmmaker set out to see what would happen if a computer tried to reverse engineer a science-fiction screenplay using nothing but genre tropes. 'My writer friends joked with me, quite reasonably, 'You hate writing so much that you'd build a machine to do it for you, even if it's really bad,' ' Sharp says dryly. 'There's some truth to that.' But his real aim, he says, was to what the genre's average story looked like when processed by an early AI model. The result was 2016's 'Sunspring,' a nine-minute short scripted by a custom-built neural net —dubbed Benjamin — trained on dozens of sci-fi films, mostly from the '80s and '90s. Created with AI researcher Ross Goodwin, the film stitched together a surreal, dystopian mashup of familiar — if often nonsensical — beats, delivered by Thomas Middleditch and the cast with deadpan sincerity. A year later, Sharp followed with 'It's No Game,' a short set during a fictional AI-inspired writers' strike, featuring David Hasselhoff performing AI-generated dialogue distilled from his past work in shows like 'Knight Rider' and 'Baywatch.' In truth, Sharp's AI experimentation was less about replacing writing than exposing the underlying code of storytelling itself. 'It's looking for statistical patterns — like, what similar things have happened before,' Sharp, a discursive and reflective speaker, says on a video call. 'But those patterns were themselves created by feedback loops. So if you train something on them, you're just deepening those same loops.' Today, Sharp is still experimenting with AI but only very occasionally and never to outsource the work. He's more cautious about how publicly he engages. 'I've kept a pretty low profile about this sort of stuff,' he says, aware of how charged the debate has become within the industry. He suspects he's not alone. 'Far more people are probably using it than are comfortable saying they are,' he says. 'It's widely available and extremely effective for those who employ it in particular ways. It would be very weird if that wasn't happening.' Sometimes he uses it not as a collaborator but as a kind of negative muse, a foil to push against. 'I've asked it to write a really bad scene — just let it go kind of mad,' he says. 'Then I rewrite every damn word, often doing the opposite of what it gave me. It's actually pretty adaptive for a writing process. Writers have always looked for ways to get the ball rolling. Whether they're Hemingway and they get drunk to get the ball to roll is up to them. But in terms of a process, it's not that different.' What worries him more is what happens if, over time, that ball keeps rolling in the same direction. 'Set it to make money and AI will produce feedback loops, loops that make things less good,' Sharp says. 'That gets you McDonald's. But humans still want mother's home cooking too.' During the 2023 strike, Sharp marched with fellow writers, many holding signs aimed squarely at the moment's anxieties. Some read: 'Alexa will not replace us.' Or 'AI came up with 10 suggestions for this sign: THEY ALL SUCKED.' One afternoon, as he marched in a circle in the summer heat, a delivery robot — one of dozens now trundling through L.A. neighborhoods — rolled past. A dark, unmistakably human thought crossed Sharp's mind. 'There I am, walking round and round with these folks,' he says, 'and I remember thinking, 'They should send a fleet of those robots down here with AI protest signs on their backs to walk the circle for us.' Because it's really hot out here and nobody wants to be doing this.' For now, Sharp plans to keep experimenting quietly, pushing back against the technology he once treated as a curiosity — and wondering how long that will still feel like a choice.
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
34 Upscale-Looking Products That Will Impress Friends
An Anthropologie-inspired reversible quilted throw blanket you can get in all kinds of fun, lively prints that will startle your boring couch into having a personality, or give your bed a *much* needed reset. A buttery soft (and pregnancy-friendly!) Butterluxe athletic skort so lightweight, comfortable, and breezy that it will become the MVP of your warm weather wardrobe in no time flat. A three-pack of vintage-inspired polarized sunglasses for anyone who needs to stock up on a few "these look like Ray-Bans, but I won't cry into my Baja Blast if I accidentally leave them in the Taco Bell parking lot" pairs this year. These are especially handy because you can match the subtle prints to whatever 'fit you're wearing! A set of golden bracelets giving ~quiet luxury~ vibes at "I want to pay rent this month" prices. Reviewers especially love these mix-and-match sets because they look like expensive versions from Cartier — the middle one is giving the $8,000 "Juste Un Clou" and the studded one is giving the $6,000 "Love Bracelet!" A beautifully packaged, travel-friendly Touchland Glow Mist hydrating hand sanitizer for anyone who's like "mindfully practicing health and safety, but make it fashion." Unlike other sanitizer sprays, it's infused with aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated and has the most luxurious floral scents. A Lululemon-inspired mini wristlet wallet set that looks just like their $50 version, and also easily holds cash, cards, and lip balms, so you don't have to deal with the whole muss and fuss of a purse if you're going on a walk around the neighborhood. Plus, you know what they say — keep your friends close and your beloved lippies closer. A pair of super lightweight ruffled elastic shorts you will be SO happy you invested in when you need an elevated piece to toss on without thinking, like when you're walking the dog early in the a.m. or heading to a last-minute outdoor lunch with pals. A simple faux diamond tennis bracelet to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit without the price of name-brand versions like Swarovski (even though reviewers agree this looks like the Real Deal 👀). A pair of gorgeous kitchen shears that are as functional as they are stunning — reviewers love these all-purpose, super sharp blades for cutting everything from meat and fruit to opening packages and wrangling with complicated wrapping. A set of sophisticated cylindrical wineglasses to rival Crate & Barrel's, and to elevate your Friday wine-cheese-and-Netflix nights so instantaneously that you'll feel like an extra in one of those Shows About Rich Families Who Fight All The Time. A set of lightweight, oh-so-dainty ruffled pajamas inspired by the $89 Piyama version. Revievers are in loooove with this set for summer, saying the fabric is so high quality that it feels like linen. If you're looking for breezy warm weather loungewear, this adorable set fits the bill! A sophisticated laptop tote bag so you can easily (and chicly!) carry not just your tech, but the whole arsenal of I'm A Very Busy Business Person things you need to get through the day. Reviewers compare this to the $100 Beis version, and especially love the unexpected depth and pockets included. A pair of elevated, effortlessly chic wide leg petal sweatpants that look like they fell out of an Anthropologie ad. Reviewers love how cozy and breathable these are, and that the style is perfect for indoor lounging *and* outdoor errands. Kitsch's iconic claw clip, well-known for its delicate style and strong, sturdy clamp suitable for all hair types. Yes, it's more expensive than the cheaper sets you can get out there, but this is actually built to last and has specially rounded teeth to prevent hair damage. An affordable cult-favorite luxury-scented candle with a scent reminiscent of Le Labo's Santal 33, and a throw so satisfying that reviewers can't stop gushing about it. If you're in the market for a signature scent for your space this fall, look no further than this jasmine, oud, and sandalwood blend. A gorgeous statement checkered cutting board designed with deep grooves for juice, hidden handles on the bottom, and end grain to "heal" cuts from knives. A true overachiever considering it's worth the buy for decor purposes alone!! A fully wireless (Shark Tank–featured!) stick-on "Poplight" sconce so easy to install that you literally just charge it up and stick it to the wall with non-damaging adhesive. It is a renter and indecisive decorator's DREAM — all the whimsy and function of a cute sconce with none of the effort!! HGTV nerds all over the world are shaking. A plated, jewel-embedded ring you can buy yourself as a little treat if the $1,250 Cartier Love Ring is decidedly out of your budget. Dare I say this version is ... prettier than the designer one? And a dainty gold-plated station necklace, another home run from jewelry brand Pavoi so close to the real diamond versions from Quince and Dorsey that run $400+ that it'll turn all your everyday looks into ~quietly expensive~ looks. A hybrid tissue box phone holder that's basically "GRWM" goals — you can prop this on your vanity to stream content, FaceTime, and even record yourself while you're getting your glam on. ✨ An effortlessly chic, surprisingly roomy woven straw summer purse designed to look like $100+ woven purses from Staud or Revolve that are taking this year by storm. A set of flower petal dessert glasses so you can serve up little puddings, ice creams, and yogurt parfaits and decorate them with edible flowers for your Meghan Markle era. 🌸 Reviewers also use these for cocktails and juice! A vintage-style six-in-one Bluetooth record player that plays *deep breath* vinyls, CDs, AND cassettes along with connecting to Bluetooth and the radio, so you can walk down every single musical path on memory lane. A roll-up wide brim UPF 50 sun hat to protect your cheeks from the sun's rays *and* keep you looking effortlessly chic no matter how many days it's been since your last hair wash. This one is a real winner because of how absurdly packable it is, making it perfect for shoving into a tote bag on long days and a suitcase on vacation — and how affordable it is compared to $87+ versions from brands like Bloomingdale's, Wallaroo, and Cuyana. An affordable sleeveless exercise romper you will be SO glad you bought on days when the sun is trying to bake you like cookie dough. These are medium-compressive, soft, breezy, and SUPER easy to throw on when your brain is too fried to match a top and a bottom in the heat. Bonus — these are comparable to Aerie, Abercrombie, and Hollister versions that can go for three times this price! Case-Mate's iconic waterproof beach totes, which are, of course, ridiculously roomy and useful, but more importantly, RIDICULOUSLY cute. This is it "It" accessory of the beach if there ever were one. Get ready to be swimming in the ocean AND in compliments from strangers. Bonus — it even comes with a separate dry bag for your phone! An effortlessly chic Nine West watch that not only pairs beautifully with your jewelry, but will help knock you out of that habit of checking your phone for time a thousand times a day and getting distracted by your notifications. An oh-so-classic pair of slip-on pointed toe ballet flats reviewers *love* as a cheaper alternative to the beloved Vivaia and Rothy's version, especially since these are also designed for all-day wear without any painful break-in periods, and are fully machine washable. A chic structured toiletry organizer with a "window" so you can look inside and easily access whatever you need on the go. Reviewers especially love how the structure of it stops items like beauty products or medications from getting crushed inside (and that it's a heck of a lot cheaper than the $100 Truffle Clarity version). Birdie, an indoor carbon dioxide monitor that — bless her dramatic heart — flips over and "dies" if the air quality in your home goes down, prompting you to open a window or run an air purifier so you can breathe easier. Once Birdie is happy with the air quality again, she'll pop back up! A three-tier ring floor lamp for anyone who wants a lighting option that isn't going to bore them to tears. This not only has unique, sophisticated flair, but comes with adjustable brightness so you can curate the room's mood. A set of six rustic-style ceramic ramekins so versatile that you'll be putting them to WORK. Not only can you use these in your oven or air fryer to cook in smaller portions for lava cakes and egg bakes, but you can use them to serve ice cream, yogurt parfaits, dips, and snacks. A set of restaurantworthy shallow pasta bowls to make you feel like you're genuinely ~plating~ all your meals like a professional — this is like a bowl and a plate had a very stylish, SUPER convenient baby for all your pasta and salad needs. A cheerful fruit bowl for a pop of deeply functional color in your kitchen — this thing is secretly also a colander, so you can wash your fruit and leave 'em sitting pretty on the counter to dry.
