The 2024 Venice Film Festival presents an opportune moment for in-depth discussions on pressing entertainment industry issues, bringing together key players and experts. In a conversation facilitated by THR Roma, the festival’s artistic director Alberto Barbera, Eagle Pictures owner Tarak Ben Ammar, and Lucky Red founder Andrea Occhipinti delved into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, the dominance of Netflix, and the potential for a prolonged crisis in Hollywood.

“Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize film production,” asserted Barbera. “It’s an innovative tool that could enhance the processes of writing, shooting, and post-production. However, it also raises significant concerns. Screenwriters fear their craft may be devalued, and actors worry about being replaced by AI. These are valid concerns that we must address.”

Ben Ammar added that despite the rise of AI, the irreplaceable genius of writers and directors will always be essential. “AI might serve as a tool in certain areas, but it cannot replicate the unique creativity of human talent,” he emphasized. “Additionally, European governments are unlikely to halt dubbing practices, as this would jeopardize thousands of jobs. The dubbing industry is crucial in countries like Italy, France, and Germany. In America, unions will continue to protect their members—actors, producers, directors, and technicians alike.”

Occhipinti highlighted the necessity of updating regulations to align with the advancements in AI technology. “Regulatory updates are imperative to safeguard the industry’s future in the age of AI,” he stressed.

The conversation also touched on the contentious debate between streamers and traditional studios. Ben Ammar declared the outcome unequivocally: “Netflix has emerged victorious. Game over. While companies like Apple and Amazon diversify their portfolios with phones, iPads, and food, Netflix has secured its position as the leader in streaming. Alberto Barbera was instrumental in legitimizing streamers at Venice long before other major festivals did.”

Barbera elaborated on this point, noting, “I recognized early on that streamers were producing some of the most compelling films. Excluding them would have been a disservice to the festival’s mission. Netflix and Amazon have created significant works that even Hollywood couldn’t match.”

Regarding industry consolidation and economic turmoil, I queried the panel about the wave of layoffs and asset divestments at major studios like Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Ben Ammar linked the industry’s fate to broader geopolitical and economic factors, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, global economic health, and interest rates. “These companies are publicly traded entities,” he noted. “Currently, there’s an oversaturation of films, many of which lack quality.”

Barbera shared that Venice received a staggering two thousand submissions this year alone.

Ben Ammar forecasted a prolonged crisis within the industry due to three main factors: the high cost of money, consumer reluctance to spend, and declining audience taste driven by an abundance of subpar movies. “This is why festivals play a crucial role,” he remarked. Both he and Occhipinti concurred that despite challenges, talent will always prevail and quality content remains paramount.

The discussion also addressed censorship issues worldwide. Barbera expressed concern over diminishing creative freedom in countries like China, India, Turkey, and Argentina. “I’ve been criticized for not featuring enough films from Latin America or Asia, but filmmakers in these regions face severe restrictions,” he explained.

Occhipinti echoed this sentiment: “Censorship is becoming increasingly prevalent globally. Governments should not dictate what gets produced.”

In closing, Ben Ammar offered advice for Italian filmmakers: “Learning from legends like Roberto Rossellini and Franco Zeffirelli taught me the importance of strong scripts. If it’s not well-written, it won’t translate well on screen. Writers should focus on writing and directors on directing.”

Barbera concluded the roundtable by lauding Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, Queer, starring Daniel Craig. “Queer is Guadagnino’s finest work to date. I had the privilege of viewing three different cuts: an initial three-hour-and-twenty-minute version, a subsequent two-and-a-half-hour cut, and finally a two-hour-and-fifteen-minute version just before the festival’s opening. While all versions are remarkable, I preferred the longest cut.”

This comprehensive dialogue at the Venice Film Festival underscores the dynamic changes and enduring challenges within the entertainment industry today.