An upcoming Prime Video TV show has hit a roadblock following public outcry over AI usage. The streaming giant invited a lot of heated discussion after embracing generative AI. Amazon recently ordered three new shows to be produced through its GenAI Creators’ Fund. However, the latest update may have put a dent in the platform’s plans.
What controversial Prime Video TV show is no longer happening?
One of the projects announced under Amazon’s GenAI Creators’ Fund is Punky Duck, an animated series from The Book of Life director Jorge R. Gutierrez, who has now announced plans to step away from the project. The news comes after significant backlash on social media against the initiative.
“I have decided to drop out of the AI program at Amazon,” said Gutierrez on a social media post. “I will not be making a Punky Duck series. Actions speak louder than words. My intent was to showcase artists, both new and seasoned, both inside and outside the studios, driving this new tech. My sincerest apology to those I upset. I promise to do better moving forward. Thank you for your patience with me. I will try harder.”
The announcement was preceded by Gutierrez writing that he was “understanding the concern” of using AI in filmmaking. The director wrote, “Learning a lot from many of you. Thank you. Lots of information that I’m digesting wholeheartedly. I am absolutely understanding the concern of using AI to assist an animation pipeline. For all those showing me grace, I really appreciate it. I have a lot to think about.”
“A lovable punk duck and his best friend, Smiley Cat, tear through a wildly exaggerated Los Angeles, hilariously stumbling into alien invasions, giant monsters, robot criminal conspiracies, telenovela-style family drama, and supernatural mayhem—all while trying (and usually failing) to do the right thing,” reads the synopsis for Punky Duck.
Besides Punky Duck, Amazon MGM Studios also announced Cupcake & Friends and Love, Diana Music Hunters. The former is created by BuzzFeed Studios, while the latter comes from Albie Hecht, former President of Entertainment at Nickelodeon and developer of SpongeBob SquarePants.
All three projects are being powered by Project Nara, an all-purpose AI production platform built on Amazon Web Services. Filmmakers associated with Amazon’s GenAI Creators’ Fund will get access to Project Nara to assist in various areas of development.
All three shows currently don’t have any release dates attached to them.
Originally reported by Rahul Majumdar on ComingSoon.net.
