Marilyn Monroe brought to life with AI

ChatGPT and similar chatbots can play roles and respond accordingly to user prompts. That is why it can perform tasks exclusive to humans, such as answering phone calls with organic responses. 

On March 8, Soul Machines and Authentic Brands Group took this capability to the next level.

They unveiled Digital Marilyn at the South by Southwest tech conference in Austin, Texas. It interacts with people in the showbiz icon’s speaking style and personality.

ABG Executive Vice President Dana Carpenter said, “Digital Marilyn opens exciting possibilities for multiple generations of fans to engage with her in a whole new way.”

What do we know about Digital Marilyn Monroe?

Britannica says Marilyn Monroe was an “American actress who became a major sex symbol, starring in a number of commercially successful films during the 1950s, and who is considered a pop culture icon.”

She died on August 5, 1962. Hollywood Reporter reports Authentic Brands Group acquired the actress’ intellectual property in 2011.

The company eventually collaborated with AI persona firm Soul Machines to make Digital Marilyn. They claim it offers “both fans and brands a unique and personalized engagement opportunity.” 

The AI-powered persona can “interact with fans in real-time using advanced natural language processing,  deep learning, and GPT-3.5.”

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It replies in Marilyn’s voice, shares anecdotes from the late pop icon, and “even delivers personalized greetings.” 

“This collaboration exemplifies the transformative power of AI in connecting brands and consumers,” Soul Machines CEO Greg Cross said.

“Digital Marilyn showcases our Biological AI, bringing an iconic personality to life through engaging dialogues and emotional intelligence. It’s more than nostalgia; it’s a glimpse into the future of immersive interactions.”

What is the potential impact of AI personas?

Digital Marilyn shows how artificial intelligence is spreading into the entertainment industry. A Hollywood Reporter interview with the actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry reveals a glimpse of the future. 

He discussed his response to Sora, OpenAI’s groundbreaking artificial intelligence that generates videos with text prompts. Perry said he would no longer have “to travel to locations.” 

“If I wanted to be in the snow in Colorado, it’s text…. I don’t have to build a set in the mountains. I can sit in an office and do this with a computer.”

Also, AI “kept me out of makeup for hours.” The technology could digitally make the 54-year-old actor younger instead of sitting through hours of aging makeup.

However, he’s worried about “everyone in the industry who would be affected by this, including actors and grip and electric and transportation and sound and editors.”

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The actor believes AI will enable companies to cut costs significantly. As a result, “The bottom line of those companies would be to go to the route of lesser costs.”

“So I am very, very concerned that in the near future, a lot of jobs are going to be lost. I really, really feel that very strongly.” 

Perry hopes companies and governments find ways to support those who have supported industries as artificial intelligence advances.