Stories with Tag Deepfake

• AMC Theatres will screen a Swedish movie 'visually dubbed' with the help of AI

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  Posted: 2025-03-22 23:37:43

  Verbose tl;dr

  AMC Theatres will test Deepdub's AI-powered visual dubbing technology with a limited theatrical release of the Swedish film "A Piece of My Heart" ("En del av mitt hjärta"). This technology alters the actors' lip movements on-screen to synchronize with the English-language dub, offering a more immersive and natural viewing experience than traditional dubbing. The test will run in select AMC locations across the US from June 30th to July 6th, providing valuable audience feedback on the technology's effectiveness.

  AMC Theatres, a prominent cinema chain in the United States, is embarking on a novel experiment in film exhibition by incorporating artificial intelligence into the dubbing process. Specifically, they will be showcasing the Swedish-language film "Triangle of Sadness," a satirical black comedy directed by Ruben Östlund, utilizing a technique known as "visually dubbed" AI. This innovative approach deviates from traditional dubbing methods, which typically involve replacing the original audio track with a translated version spoken by voice actors. Instead, the AI technology, developed by a company called Deepdub, leverages sophisticated machine learning algorithms to manipulate the actors' lip movements on screen, effectively synchronizing them with the translated English dialogue.

  This process, while complex, promises to offer a more immersive and authentic viewing experience for English-speaking audiences. By preserving the original performances and facial expressions, the AI-powered visual dubbing aims to minimize the disconnect that can sometimes arise with traditional dubbing or even subtitling. The technology analyzes the original footage in meticulous detail, mapping the actors' lip movements and then generating new video frames that align with the English dialogue. This intricate process effectively alters the visual representation of the actors' speech, creating the illusion that they are speaking English.

  AMC's adoption of this cutting-edge technology represents a potentially significant shift in how foreign-language films are presented to audiences. It offers a potential solution to the long-standing challenge of bridging the language barrier while preserving the integrity of the original performances. While the effectiveness and acceptance of this AI-driven dubbing method remain to be seen on a wider scale, its implementation by a major cinema chain like AMC suggests a growing interest in exploring the potential of AI to enhance the cinematic experience. The screening of "Triangle of Sadness" with this technology serves as a test case, providing valuable insight into audience reception and the potential for future applications of AI in film distribution. The initiative underscores the film industry's ongoing exploration of new technologies to engage audiences and broaden access to international cinema.

  • AMC Theatres
  • artificial intelligence
  • AI
  • Dubbing
  • Film
  • Movies
  • Sweden
  • Swedish Film
  • Visual Dubbing
  • Deepfake
  • Technology
  • Entertainment
  • Innovation
  • Foreign Films
  • accessibility
  • Localization

  Summary of Comments ( 3 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43449608

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the implications of AI-powered visual dubbing, as described in the linked Engadget article about AMC screening a Swedish film using this technology. Several express skepticism about the quality and believability of AI-generated lip movements, fearing an uncanny valley effect. Some question the need for this approach compared to traditional dubbing or subtitles, citing potential job displacement for voice actors and a preference for authentic performances. Others see potential benefits for accessibility and international distribution, but also raise concerns about the ethical considerations of manipulating actors' likenesses without consent and the potential for misuse of deepfake technology. A few commenters are cautiously optimistic, suggesting that this could be a useful tool if implemented well, while acknowledging the need for further refinement.

  The Hacker News comments section for the article about AMC using AI for visual dubbing of a Swedish film is relatively small, with only a handful of comments focusing on a few key themes rather than in-depth discussion. No one expresses strong opinions for or against the technology.

  Several commenters express skepticism or outright disbelief about the quality of the "visual dubbing" based on their past experiences with AI-generated video. They doubt that the technology is capable of realistically syncing lip movements to a new language, predicting awkward and distracting results. One user explicitly states they expect the movie to look like a "deepfake."

  Others question the practical applications and target audience for this technology. One comment suggests that subtitles remain a superior option for viewers who prefer the original performance and nuances of the actors. Another wonders if the technology is intended for audiences who dislike reading subtitles, or if it's a cost-saving measure for movie studios.

  One commenter offers a more neutral perspective, simply noting that this is an interesting development and wondering how convincing the results will be. Another comment briefly touches upon the potential implications for actors and the dubbing industry, without going into much detail.

  In essence, the comments reflect a wait-and-see attitude, with prevailing skepticism about the technology's current capabilities but some curiosity about its potential future. The discussion lacks strong opinions either for or against the technology and doesn't delve deeply into the ethical or artistic implications.

• AI Brad Pitt dupes French woman out of €830k

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  Posted: 2025-01-15 16:09:37

  Verbose tl;dr

  A French woman was scammed out of €830,000 (approximately $915,000 USD) by fraudsters posing as actor Brad Pitt. They cultivated a relationship online, claiming to be the Hollywood star, and even suggested they might star in a film together. The scammers promised to visit her in France, but always presented excuses for delays and ultimately requested money for supposed film project expenses. The woman eventually realized the deception and filed a complaint with authorities.

  In a distressing incident highlighting the escalating sophistication of online scams and the potent allure of fabricated celebrity connections, a French woman has been defrauded of a staggering €830,000 (approximately $913,000 USD) by an individual impersonating the renowned Hollywood actor, Brad Pitt. The perpetrator, exploiting the anonymity and vast reach of the internet, meticulously crafted a convincing online persona mimicking Mr. Pitt. This digital façade was so meticulously constructed, incorporating fabricated images, videos, and social media interactions, that the victim was led to believe she was engaging in a genuine online relationship with the celebrated actor.

  The deception extended beyond mere romantic overtures. The scammer, having secured the victim's trust through protracted online communication and the manufactured promise of a future together, proceeded to solicit substantial sums of money under various pretexts. These pretexts reportedly included funding for fictitious film projects purportedly helmed by Mr. Pitt. The victim, ensnared in the web of this elaborate ruse and captivated by the prospect of both a romantic relationship and involvement in the glamorous world of cinema, willingly transferred the requested funds.

  The deception persisted for an extended period, allowing the perpetrator to amass a significant fortune from the victim's misplaced trust. The fraudulent scheme eventually unraveled when the promised in-person meetings with Mr. Pitt repeatedly failed to materialize, prompting the victim to suspect foul play. Upon realization of the deception, the victim reported the incident to the authorities, who are currently investigating the matter. This case serves as a stark reminder of the growing prevalence and increasing sophistication of online scams, particularly those leveraging the allure of celebrity and exploiting the emotional vulnerabilities of individuals seeking connection. The incident underscores the critical importance of exercising caution and skepticism in online interactions, especially those involving financial transactions or promises of extraordinary opportunities. It also highlights the need for increased vigilance and awareness of the manipulative tactics employed by online fraudsters who prey on individuals' hopes and dreams.

  • AI
  • artificial intelligence
  • Fraud
  • Scam
  • Online Scam
  • Romance Scam
  • Impersonation
  • Celebrity Impersonation
  • Brad Pitt
  • cybercrime
  • France
  • Financial Crime
  • Internet Crime
  • social engineering
  • Deepfake
  • Voice Cloning
  • AI Ethics
  • Investment Fraud

  Summary of Comments ( 24 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42712673

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters discuss the manipulative nature of AI voice cloning scams and the vulnerability of victims. Some express sympathy for the victim, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the deception and the emotional manipulation involved. Others question the victim's due diligence and financial decision-making, wondering how such a large sum was transferred without more rigorous verification. The discussion also touches upon the increasing accessibility of AI tools and the potential for misuse, with some suggesting stricter regulations and better public awareness campaigns are needed to combat this growing threat. A few commenters debate the responsibility of banks in such situations, suggesting they should implement stronger security measures for large transactions.

  The Hacker News post titled "AI Brad Pitt dupes French woman out of €830k" has generated a substantial discussion with a variety of comments. Several recurring themes and compelling points emerge from the conversation.

  Many commenters express skepticism about the details of the story, questioning the plausibility of someone being fooled by an AI impersonating Brad Pitt to the tune of €830,000. They raise questions about the lack of specific details in the reporting and wonder if there's more to the story than is being presented. Some speculate about alternative explanations, such as the victim being involved in a different kind of scam or potentially suffering from mental health issues. The general sentiment is one of disbelief and a desire for more corroborating evidence.

  Another prevalent theme revolves around the increasing sophistication of AI-powered scams and the potential for such incidents to become more common. Commenters discuss the implications for online security and the need for better public awareness campaigns to educate people about these risks. Some suggest that the current legal framework is ill-equipped to deal with this type of fraud and advocate for stronger regulations and enforcement.

  Several commenters delve into the psychological aspects of the scam, exploring how the victim might have been manipulated. They discuss the power of parasocial relationships and the potential for emotional vulnerability to be exploited by scammers. Some commenters express empathy for the victim, acknowledging the persuasive nature of these scams and the difficulty of recognizing them.

  Technical discussions also feature prominently, with commenters analyzing the potential methods used by the scammers. They speculate about the use of deepfakes, voice cloning technology, and other AI tools. Some commenters with technical expertise offer insights into the current state of these technologies and their potential for misuse.

  Finally, there's a thread of discussion focusing on the ethical implications of using AI for impersonation and deception. Commenters debate the responsibility of developers and platforms in preventing such misuse and the need for ethical guidelines in the development and deployment of AI technologies. Some call for greater transparency and accountability in the AI industry.

  Overall, the comments section reveals a complex mix of skepticism, concern, technical analysis, and ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in scams. The discussion highlights the growing awareness of this threat and the need for proactive measures to mitigate the risks posed by increasingly sophisticated AI-powered deception.