Reality TV Casting Director Warns of AI Impact on Contestants
Valerie Penso-Cuculich, a seasoned casting director for popular reality TV shows like Love Island USA and The Real Housewives of Dubai, is raising concerns about the increasing use of AI by applicants to alter their appearance.
According to Penso-Cuculich, potential contestants are resorting to AI filters on their social media photos, leading to over-filtered images and unrealistic representations of themselves. This trend has made her job of casting real people more challenging, as the applicants often look different in person than they do online.
On the positive side, AI has streamlined the process of transcribing raw footage from applicant interviews, saving time for casting directors like Penso-Cuculich. However, the use of AI in reality TV production is not without legal and ethical implications.
John Delaney, a lawyer specializing in AI and technology issues, highlights the potential legal challenges arising from the use of AI in reality TV. He points out the risks of unauthorized AI-generated content, such as deepfake videos and images, which can manipulate reality TV footage and create new works featuring celebrities without their consent.
One such case involves reality TV star Kyland Young, who is suing an AI-powered app for using his likeness without permission. The legal battle underscores the need for comprehensive laws addressing deepfakes and protecting celebrities’ rights.
While some in the reality TV industry are embracing AI, others like veteran producer Alex Baskin remain skeptical. Baskin believes that the essence of reality TV lies in capturing the human experience authentically, and reducing entertainment to algorithms may not be the way forward.
As the debate over AI’s role in reality TV continues, the industry faces complex challenges in balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations and legal implications. The impact of AI on casting, production, and storytelling in reality TV remains a topic of ongoing discussion and debate.
