ByteDance's Seedance 2 Criticized Over AI-Generated Video of Tom Cruise Fighting Brad Pitt
Source: Slashdot
Background
A slick 15‑second video imagining Tom Cruise fighting Brad Pitt has been viewed by 1.5 million people. The clip was generated by ByteDance’s new AI video‑generation tool Seedance 2.0 and shared on X by Irish filmmaker Ruairi Robinson. Robinson noted that the video resulted from a two‑line prompt entered into Seedance 2.0.
Industry Reaction
Motion Picture Association
Charles Rivkin, chief executive of the Motion Picture Association, issued a statement demanding that ByteDance “immediately cease its infringing activity.” He warned that Seedance 2.0 had engaged in “unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted works on a massive scale,” and that the service operates without meaningful safeguards, disregarding copyright law that protects creators and millions of American jobs.
“By launching a service that operates without meaningful safeguards against infringement, ByteDance is disregarding well‑established copyright law that protects the rights of creators and underpins millions of American jobs.” – Charles Rivkin
Comments from Creators
Rhett Reese, writer‑producer of the Deadpool trilogy and Zombieland, responded to Robinson’s post:
- “I hate to say it. It’s likely over for us.” – Twitter post
- He warned that soon people could create movies “indistinguishable from what Hollywood now releases.” – Twitter post
- “I was blown away by the Pitt v Cruise video because it is so professional. That’s exactly why I’m scared,” he wrote, adding that his “glass half empty view is that Hollywood is about to be revolutionized/decimated.” – Twitter post
SAG‑AFTRA Statement
In a statement to The Times, the screen/TV actors union SAG‑AFTRA said it stands with the studios in condemning the “blatant infringement” from Seedance 2.0. The union highlighted that the video includes “unauthorized use of our members’ voices and likenesses,” which “undercuts the ability of human talent to earn a livelihood.”
“Seedance 2.0 disregards law, ethics, industry standards and basic principles of consent. Responsible A.I. development demands responsibility, and that is nonexistent here.” – SAG‑AFTRA spokesperson
Sources
- Video on X: Tom Cruise vs Brad Pitt AI video
- Los Angeles Times coverage (via Yahoo): Viral AI video of Brad Pitt
- Rhett Reese’s comments on X (linked above)
- SAG‑AFTRA statement reported by The Times
This article reflects statements and reactions reported as of the date of publication.