Generative AI was used in director Eli Roth’s upcoming horror film Ice Cream Man, including in animated sequences that the filmmaker initially claimed were produced through a traditional human-led process, according to reporting published by Polygon. The production credits Dark Half, a company specializing in AI visual effects, for its work on the project.
Early Screenings Reveal Generative Animation
While Ice Cream Man has not yet received a wide theatrical release, viewers attending early screenings spotted material that appeared to be generated by artificial intelligence. According to Polygon, these elements included Fleischer-style cartoons watched on screen by characters and an illustrated flashback sequence detailing the origin of the film’s villain.
Did you know?
Dark Half, a specialized visual effects studio, is officially credited on Ice Cream Man for its contributions to the production.
Initial Claims of Traditional Animation
In an interview published by Polygon on Monday, Roth described a hands-on, traditional drawing process for the animated sequences. He emphasized his personal involvement in the creation of the art.
“I have an animation background, and I drew it,” Roth stated in the original Polygon interview, explaining that he worked alongside a team of animators. “I drew the loop cycles and the styles. Then I had some animators help kind of make it a little more fluid, and I worked with an artist to give it a bit of an old-timey jittery feel. But I sat there, and I drew out the frames that I wanted, and I tried to match the style of the 1920s haunted Mickey Mouse cartoons.”
Retraction and Acknowledgment of AI Use
On Tuesday, Polygon updated its reporting with a new statement from Roth that contradicted his earlier account, confirming that generative artificial intelligence was indeed utilized in the movie.
“I misspoke,” Roth said in his updated statement to Polygon, offering a completely different explanation of how the scenes were brought to screen. “AI was used in a very small portion of a few scenes in the film. It was an opportunity where technology and creativity came together to help bring my vision for the film to life.”
Roth did not specify which particular scenes incorporate the technology, the exact volume of AI-generated content in the final cut, or how those digital pieces were blended with work produced by human artists, according to Polygon. The publication noted that attempts to contact both Roth and Dark Half for further clarification yielded no response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was generative AI used in Eli Roth’s Ice Cream Man?
Yes. According to reporting and statements published by Polygon, Eli Roth confirmed that generative AI was used in a small portion of a few scenes in the film.
Who is credited for visual effects on the film?
Dark Half, a company specializing in AI visual effects, is credited on the production of Ice Cream Man, as reported by Polygon.
Did the director always acknowledge the use of AI?
No. Initially, Roth told Polygon that the animation was created through a traditional, human-led drawing process before updating his statement the following day to say he “misspoke” and that AI was used.
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