Artificial intelligence statement from Steven Spielberg: “It cannot replace creative humans”

Steven Spielberg made remarkable evaluations about the use of artificial intelligence in the cinema industry in his statements at the SXSW 2026 conference held in Austin, USA. Spielberg, one of the most well-known directors in the history of cinema, clearly stated that he is against artificial intelligence replacing human labor in creative processes. When he was asked about the role of artificial intelligence in the film production process during the panel, he stated that he had not used this technology in any of his films to date. This statement of the famous director received intense applause from the audience in the hall. Spielberg also emphasized in his speech that he was not advocating that technology should be completely rejected. Despite this, he stated that leaving storytelling and creative decisions to machines does not match the nature of cinema.

These evaluations by Spielberg coincide with a period when artificial intelligence is increasingly talked about in the film industry. In recent years, technologies such as artificial intelligence-based script writing tools, visual effects production and automatic editing software have become rapidly widespread. Although these tools have the potential to speed up production processes, they cause ongoing debate among creative professional groups. In addition, artificial intelligence technologies became an important agenda item during the writer and actor strikes in Hollywood in 2023. Spielberg’s words show that these debates are still alive.

Steven Spielberg: “If it replaces a creative person, I won’t support it.”

The legendary director is known as a name that has undertaken projects that extensively use technology throughout his career. Spielberg, who reached large audiences with productions such as “Jaws”, “ET”, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, also frequently brought technology-themed stories to the cinema. Movies such as “Minority Report”, “Ready Player One” and “AI Artificial Intelligence” are among the productions that address the effects of technology on society from different perspectives. Despite this, the director especially emphasized in his statement at SXSW that the human factor is indispensable in creative processes.

Stating that he did not want to make a long critical speech about artificial intelligence in his speech, Spielberg said that this technology could be useful in many different areas. Despite this, he stated that the scenario development process in his own projects consists entirely of people. The director explained that creative decisions are not left to an algorithm, saying, “There is no empty chair in the writer’s room and a laptop in front of him.” In his opinion, storytelling should continue to be a process shaped by experience and human emotions. For this reason, Spielberg clearly stated his opinion by saying, “If artificial intelligence replaces a creative person, I do not support it.”

On the other hand, investments in artificial intelligence technologies are gaining momentum in different segments of the cinema industry. Independent filmmakers, especially those with limited budgetary resources, draw attention to the potential of artificial intelligence tools to reduce costs. It is stated that thanks to these tools, processes such as storyboard preparation, scene planning or pre-visualization can be carried out faster. In addition, some startups continue to develop artificial intelligence-supported editing and effects systems.

Major digital platforms are also taking various steps in this field. It is known that Amazon is testing artificial intelligence tools that can be used in film and television productions. In addition, news had recently come to the fore that Netflix acquired Ben Affleck’s artificial intelligence-focused film production company for approximately $600 million.