Hollywood Expresses Alarm Over Seedance 2.0 AI Video Generator
Hollywood is expressing serious concerns over Seedance 2.0, a newly released AI video generation tool from ByteDance, which is being labeled as a significant threat to copyright protections. The platform has reportedly rapidly gained traction among users, who leverage its capabilities for what is being described as “blatant” copyright violations.
This advanced model was launched earlier this week, primarily for users of ByteDance’s Jianying app in China, but plans are in place to roll it out to global audiences via its CapCut app. The technology allows users to produce 15-second videos using simple text prompts, much like OpenAI’s Sora. However, Seedance has been criticized for lacking sufficient safeguards against the unauthorized use of real individuals’ likenesses and copyrighted material.
A notable instance surfaced when a user on X showcased a video featuring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt created simply from two text prompts, prompting “Deadpool” screenwriter Rhett Reese to remark, “I hate to say it. It’s likely over for us,” indicating the profound implications for the industry.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) swiftly reacted, with CEO Charles Rivkin demanding that ByteDance halt its infringing operations immediately. Rivkin stated, “In just one day, Seedance 2.0 has engaged in a massive unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted works. With the launch of this service lacking meaningful safeguards against infringement, ByteDance is flouting established copyright laws that protect creators and support millions of American jobs.”
Additionally, the Human Artistry Campaign, comprising Hollywood unions and trade organizations, labeled Seedance 2.0 as a global attack on creators. The actors’ union SAG-AFTRA voiced its solidarity with studio efforts to condemn what it identifies as gross infringement enabled by ByteDance’s latest offering.
Reports indicate that Seedance has generated videos featuring popular Disney characters including Spider-Man, Darth Vader, and Baby Yoda, prompting legal action from the entertainment giant. Disney has issued a cease-and-desist letter, accusing ByteDance of a “virtual smash-and-grab” of its intellectual property by reproducing and distributing derivative works of its characters.
Interestingly, Disney does not oppose all AI collaborations; it has recently entered a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI, despite sending a similar cease-and-desist letter to Google regarding copyright concerns.
Following Disney’s actions, Paramount also dispatched a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance, asserting that much of Seedance’s output closely resembles Paramount’s iconic franchises and is often indistinguishable from its films and television shows.
Key Points:
– Hollywood expresses alarm over Seedance 2.0, citing copyright infringement.
– The AI tool allows users to create short videos with minimal input.
– Major studios, including Disney and Paramount, have issued cease-and-desist letters.
– Concerns focus on a lack of safeguards for intellectual property protection.
