Hollywood Criticizes Seedance 2.0 Video Generator
Hollywood is expressing significant concern over Seedance 2.0, a new AI video generator launched by ByteDance. This tool has quickly attracted criticism for its potential to infringe on copyright laws. Seedance 2.0 allows users to create short videos, up to 15 seconds long, simply by entering text prompts.
Overview of Seedance 2.0
Seedance 2.0 was recently introduced as part of ByteDance’s Jianying app for Chinese consumers. The company plans to expand its reach through the CapCut app globally. Similar to OpenAI’s Sora, this AI model has raised alarms due to its lack of safeguards against using copyrighted material and the likenesses of real individuals.
Immediate Reactions from Hollywood
The tool received backlash shortly after its release. A user shared a video featuring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, created with just a two-line prompt using Seedance 2.0. Rhett Reese, known for his work on “Deadpool,” tweeted his dismay at the situation, stating that it could spell disaster for creators in the industry.
Charles Rivkin, CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), condemned Seedance 2.0. He demanded that ByteDance halt its activities, accusing the AI tool of unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted materials on a large scale. Rivkin emphasized that the launch of this service without proper protection for intellectual property rights undermines the work of creators and jeopardizes jobs in America.
Legal Actions and Industry Support
The Human Artistry Campaign, supported by various Hollywood unions and organizations, criticized Seedance 2.0 as a threat to creators globally. SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, joined the condemnation, supporting the studios against the unauthorized use facilitated by ByteDance’s new AI technology.
- Disney has already initiated legal actions against ByteDance for infringing on its intellectual property.
- The company sent a cease-and-desist letter, accusing ByteDance of unlawfully reproducing and distributing its characters.
- Paramount also followed suit with a cease-and-desist letter, claiming that Seedance 2.0 generated content closely resembling its iconic franchises.
In contrast to its strict legal stance, Disney has previously engaged with AI companies, having signed a licensing deal with OpenAI despite sending a cease-and-desist notice to Google over similar concerns.
Conclusion
The turmoil surrounding Seedance 2.0 highlights the growing tension between technological innovation and copyright protection in the entertainment industry. As legal actions progress, it remains to be seen how AI-generated content will coexist with existing intellectual property laws.
