Hollywood Criticizes New Seedance 2.0 Video Generator
The entertainment industry is expressing strong concerns about Seedance 2.0, an AI video generator developed by ByteDance. This new platform is criticized for allegedly facilitating copyright infringement. The Hollywood community argues that it enables unauthorized use of copyrighted material, putting creators’ rights at risk.
Seedance 2.0 Overview
Seedance 2.0 is the latest offering from ByteDance, launched shortly after the company concluded a deal regarding TikTok’s U.S. operations. Currently, it is available to users of ByteDance’s Jianying app in China, with plans to roll out on the CapCut app globally.
How It Works
This AI tool allows users to generate videos of up to 15 seconds simply by entering text prompts. Similar to other AI models like OpenAI’s Sora, it has received backlash for insufficient safeguards against creating videos using real people’s likenesses and the intellectual property of established studios.
Industry Reaction
Reactions have been swift. Following the release of Seedance 2.0, a user posted a video featuring actors Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, created with minimal input. This prompted responses from industry insiders, including Rhett Reese, the screenwriter of “Deadpool.” Reese expressed concerns about the future of the film industry in light of this technology.
Official Statements
The Motion Picture Association (MPA), through its CEO Charles Rivkin, condemned Seedance 2.0, stating that it engages in unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted content. Rivkin emphasized that this service undermines copyright protections that support millions of American jobs.
- The Human Artistry Campaign also condemned Seedance 2.0, labeling it an attack on global creators.
- SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, pledged support to studios denouncing the infringements facilitated by ByteDance’s technology.
Intellectual Property Concerns
Furthermore, Seedance 2.0 has reportedly produced videos featuring well-known Disney characters including Spider-Man, Darth Vader, and Baby Yoda (Grogu). This has led Disney to pursue legal action against ByteDance.
Disney’s Legal Action
Disney issued a cease-and-desist letter accusing ByteDance of engaging in a “virtual smash-and-grab” of its intellectual property. The letter claims that ByteDance is reproducing and distributing protected characters without permission, thus creating derivative works.
Future Implications
Despite the controversies, Disney has not completely dismissed partnerships with AI firms. While it has contested Google over similar issues, it has signed a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI to explore collaborative opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The developments surrounding Seedance 2.0 spotlight the ongoing struggle between technological innovation and intellectual property rights. The entertainment industry remains vigilant as it navigates these challenges.
