Gkids Comments on Princess Mononoke’s Re-release Amidst AI Developments
Gkids, the distributor responsible for bringing Studio Ghibli films to North America, has issued a statement regarding the box office performance of the re-released classic “Princess Mononoke.” The statement subtly critiques the recent emergence of AI technology designed to mimic the distinct artistic style of the revered animation studio.
Theatrical Release and Box Office Success
A new 4K restoration of Hayao Miyazaki’s 1997 masterpiece “Princess Mononoke” was launched in IMAX theaters across 330 locations, earning an impressive $1.2 million during its preview screenings ahead of its official opening. Gkids’ Vice President of Distribution, Chance Huskey, remarked, “In a time when technology tries to replicate humanity, we are thrilled that audiences value a theatrical experience that respects and celebrates Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece in all its cinematic hand-drawn glory.”
AI Technology and Industry Concerns
The timing of Gkids’ statement coincides with the unveiling of OpenAI’s latest image generation tool, which gained rapid popularity as users began to apply Studio Ghibli’s style to their personal photos. However, this quick adoption has sparked significant backlash from professionals within the animation and creative sectors, who voice concerns about replacing the intricate, time-honored craft of hand-drawn animation with automated solutions.
Miyazaki’s Stance on AI in Animation
Hayao Miyazaki himself has been a vocal critic of AI-generated animation. In a 2016 demonstration of an AI animation, he expressed his disgust, stating, “I am utterly disgusted. If you really want to make creepy stuff you can go ahead and do it. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all.” He further articulated his views by declaring, “I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.”
Insights from Animation Experts
In a recent interview with Variety, Akihiko Yamashita, who spent extensive time as a supervising animator on “Howl’s Moving Castle,” elucidated Miyazaki’s hands-on approach to animation. “He is somebody who actually draws himself. From the layout to the storyboards — everything — he draws it himself,” Yamashita stated. He highlighted the meticulous nature of Miyazaki’s process, noting the vast amount of drawings produced by the team, which could be in the hundreds of pages.
Creative Community’s Response to AI Developments
Concerns have been widely expressed by various Hollywood creatives regarding AI technologies. Over 400 industry professionals, including filmmakers and musicians, have formally objected to efforts by AI companies like OpenAI and Google to diminish or eliminate existing protections for copyrighted works used to train AI systems. They fear that these moves may undermine the creative industries in the United States.