Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of AI and CGI technology on the film industry, particularly focusing on the replacement of real animal actors with digital counterparts, leading to a "de-lifing" revolution in Hollywood [1][6][25]. Group 1: Impact on Animal Actors - More production companies are opting for AI-generated performances instead of hiring real animals, significantly affecting the animal training industry [4][6]. - Benay's Bird & Animal Rentals reported a 60% decrease in business compared to pre-pandemic levels, indicating a substantial decline in demand for real animal actors [4][6]. - The shift towards digital animals is driven by cost-cutting measures in the post-pandemic film industry, as digital animals require less time and resources compared to training real animals [6][27]. Group 2: Ethical Considerations - Supporters argue that AI can reduce the suffering of animals on set, as traditional training methods often involved fear and coercion [7][10]. - However, this "good" aspect of AI also leads to job losses for those who rely on animal performances for their livelihoods, creating a paradox of AI's benefits [11][12]. - The emergence of AI-generated actors raises concerns about the future of human actors as well, as the same logic could apply to them [13][25]. Group 3: Emotional and Artistic Implications - The article highlights that while AI can create perfect digital representations, it lacks the emotional depth and imperfections that real animals bring to performances [19][22]. - The increasing reliance on AI for performances may lead to a loss of connection with reality, as the industry moves towards a more sterile and controlled environment [27][28]. - The disappearance of real animal actors signifies a broader trend of replacing life with digital representations, questioning the essence of what makes performances meaningful [25][27].

Group 1 - The core issue facing Hollywood animal actors is a significant reduction in job opportunities due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which allows for the creation of digital animal performances instead of using real animals [1] - Animal trainers and rental companies report that the workload for animal actors has dropped to 40% of pre-pandemic levels, with the industry facing challenges from the pandemic's aftermath, Hollywood strikes, and overall entertainment industry decline [1] - Specific examples of AI replacing real animals include the CGI-generated dog in the 2020 film "The Call of the Wild" and the digital version of a pet dog in this year's "Superman," indicating a trend towards digital replacements in film [1] Group 2 - Animal protection organizations have welcomed the reduction of real animal use in film, viewing it as a step away from exploitation, while industry experts argue that the emotional resonance of real animal performances cannot be replicated by AI [2] - An example shared by an animal coordinator highlights the emotional impact of a real dog's performance in the film "A Dog's Journey," emphasizing that such emotional connections are unique to live animals and cannot be achieved through AI [2]