AI generated the animation for this TV show. Is it 'cool' or 'messed up'?

In a groundbreaking move for Indonesian television, the series Legenda Bertuah has become the first fully animated show in the country to utilize generative artificial intelligence (AI) for its animation process. Premiering in January, the series consists of 14 half-hour episodes, each narrating a different Indonesian folktale. While the use of AI in animation has been explored in other countries, including China, Legenda Bertuah marks a significant milestone for Indonesia, sparking a mix of admiration and criticism among viewers and industry professionals alike.

The animation features a giant from the Javanese folktale, the Legend of Timun Mas, who appears to be a product of traditional animation at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, the disjointed and erratic frames during battle sequences reveal the telltale signs of AI-generated content. The show's reception has been polarized; some viewers praise it as a refreshing take on Indonesian legends, while others criticize the stiffness of the characters' expressions and movements, attributing these flaws to the limitations of AI.

The Role of AI in Animation

TRANS7, the company behind Legenda Bertuah, has emphasized that the decision to use AI was not primarily motivated by cost-saving measures. Mira Khairunnisa, a spokesperson for TRANS7, clarified that producing a TV program with AI is not necessarily cheaper and that the technology is seen as a new tool to enhance content production. Each episode takes a month to complete, involving human input at every stage of the process, including storyboarding, scripting, and video editing. Prompt engineers, who come from various backgrounds such as camera operation and IT, guide the generative AI in creating still images that serve as visual references for the animation.

Despite the innovative approach, some industry experts question whether the resulting content can truly be classified as animation. Dermawan Syamsuddin from the Indonesian Animation Industry Association argues that the series lacks the traditional animation style characterized by exaggerated movements and expressions. He contends that the storytelling in Legenda Bertuah feels flat, a common trait in AI-generated content, and raises concerns about the qualifications of those creating such works, suggesting that many lack formal training in storytelling.

Ethical Considerations and Industry Impact

The emergence of AI-generated content has prompted ethical discussions within the creative community. Satriaddin Maharinga, a director and actor, expressed concerns that the use of AI in Legenda Bertuah might be driven by a desire to cut costs rather than a genuine exploration of artistic potential. He highlighted the importance of defining the implications of AI in creative industries, especially given its potential to disrupt traditional roles. Maharinga himself utilizes AI for inspiration in his writing but acknowledges the dilemma of attributing creative ownership to AI-generated works.

Franklin Darmadi, a movie director, echoed similar sentiments, noting that while AI can assist with certain tasks, it cannot replace the nuanced creativity that human artists bring to their work. He pointed out that current AI technology struggles to capture the subtleties of human expression, which are crucial for storytelling.

The impact of AI on job availability in the animation sector is already being felt, as noted by Irvan Satya Prana from the Indonesian Animation Industry Association. He reported that many individuals in the creative community are struggling to find work, leading to layoffs and heightened competition. As the industry adapts to these changes, there is a pressing need for regulations that protect artists and ensure fair remuneration in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.

Why it matters

The advent of AI in animation, as exemplified by Legenda Bertuah, raises significant questions about the future of creativity in the digital age. The series serves as a case study for the broader implications of AI technology in artistic fields, challenging traditional notions of authorship and creativity. As the Indonesian government considers revising copyright legislation to address AI-generated content, the need for a balanced approach becomes evident. Regulations must encourage innovation while safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of artists.

While AI has the potential to streamline production processes and open new avenues for storytelling, it is crucial to recognize its limitations. As industry professionals navigate this transition, the emphasis should remain on human creativity, ensuring that AI serves as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, the artistry that defines animation and storytelling. The ongoing dialogue around the ethical use of AI in creative industries will shape the future of content creation, influencing how stories are told and who gets to tell them.