Spielberg: AI should be a tool, not creative authority

Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg has articulated a firm boundary for the use of artificial intelligence in creative work, stating it should serve only as a tool and never as a final authority. The director made his comments during a recent appearance on the "IMO" podcast hosted by Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.

Spielberg acknowledged potential benefits for AI in fields like medicine and in performing logistical tasks for film production, such as scouting locations to save legwork. However, he expressed deep reservations about its role in the artistic process. He described a scenario of an empty chair at a writers' table occupied by a computer as a point where he draws the line.

"I don't believe there is any substitute for the soul," Spielberg said. "I don't think that is an algorithm that's inventible." He elaborated that a computer believing it feels more than humans is anathema to his personal and professional principles. The director was emphatic about maintaining human control over core creative decisions.

"Don't tell me how to write my dialogue for this character. Don't tell me where the camera has to go. And also don't tell me what the set should look like, unless...