There’s a fresh buzz in the air surrounding the use of advanced AI technology in filmmaking, all thanks to the latest release, ‘Late Night With the Devil’. This spine-chilling flick takes audiences back to the bygone era, with David Dastmalchian stepping into the shoes of a talk show host reminiscent of Johnny Carson. However, the twist comes when they introduce a possessed guest to boost their Halloween ratings, leading to a rapid descent into chaos.
‘Late Night With the Devil’ has found itself at the center of a social media storm among horror aficionados due to the revelation that its interstitial art was generated using AI. These digital title cards, typically seen during commercial breaks, raised eyebrows among viewers, prompting responses from the filmmakers themselves. Cameron and Colin Cairnes, the talented Australian brothers behind the movie, addressed the criticism in Variety, shedding light on their collaboration with a skilled graphics and design team. Seeking to capture the nostalgic essence of the 1970s, they experimented with AI-generated imagery for these interstitials, which were then integrated into the film.
"It's an important conversation. We gotta have it."
Just finished a Zoom interview with David Dastmalchian for LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL.
Asked him about the use of the 3 AI images in the film. Filming was a couple years ago. Premiered at SXSW in 2023. All prior to the strike. pic.twitter.com/4kQCAqTikI
— Kevin McCarthy (@KevinMcCarthyTV) March 21, 2024
Journalist Kevin McCarthy further fueled the discussion by sharing insights from his conversation with Dastmalchian, where they delved into the controversy surrounding the film. McCarthy highlighted how ‘Late Night With the Devil’ made its debut at SXSW last year, preceding the industry disruptions caused by writer and actor strikes, during which AI technology was already causing a stir in discussions with major studios.
Dastmalchian, a staunch supporter of the film, emphasized its originality and praised the dedication of the production team in crafting its sets and immersive world. Despite standing firmly behind the project, he acknowledged the validity of the ongoing conversation surrounding the use of AI in filmmaking.
As for the plot of ‘Late Night With the Devil’, this found-footage horror gem takes audiences on a chilling journey as a documentary team explores a fateful episode of the late-night talk show “Night Owls with Jack Delroy”, broadcasted live on October 31, 1977. With David Dastmalchian’s character at the helm, the show features a lineup of eerie guests, including a girl suspected of being possessed, plunging viewers into a nightmarish tale of terror.