Late Night with the Devil AI interstitials provoke backlash

Horror film 'Late Night with the Devil' sparked controversy due to its use of artificial intelligence for creating three still images that appear as brief interstitials. 

Intended to enhance the 1970s aesthetic of the film, some viewers expressed disappointment and hostility towards the use of AI which, they said, should be avoided when humans are able to do the work. Others pointed out the poor quality of the interstitials, and argued that humans can do better work. 

Some called for a boycott of the film, which was made in 2022. US actors' union SAG-AFTRA had striked in 2023 over the loss of jobs in the US film and media industry with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The union argued the use of artificial intelligence by film and TV studios was partly to blame.

The directors, Cameron and Colin Cairnes, clarified that they used AI for the three images, which were further edited. 'We feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a talented and passionate cast, crew and producing team go above and beyond to help bring this film to life. We can’t wait for everyone to see it for themselves this weekend,' they said.