Artificial Intelligence is making waves in Hollywood, and one of the most talked-about players is Particle6. This British production company gained significant attention earlier this summer with the launch of “Tilly Norwood,” an AI-generated “actress.” Norwood stirred up debates and concerns over the implications for the traditional Hollywood business model. Many dismissed her as an expensive gimmick, but now Particle6 is broadening its scope by partnering with another controversial brand: the History Channel.
That’s right—the channel famous for proclaiming “it’s aliens” is now set to release its own AI-driven series, titled Streets of the Past (or Straten van Toen in Dutch). This venture aims to deliver a 10-episode, short-form history series, developed by the creator behind Norwood, comedian and writer Eline van der Velden. According to Deadline, the show will feature Dutch historical investigator Corjan Mol being transported back in time through AI to narrate fascinating tales related to some of the Netherlands’ most iconic streets, squares, and canals.
But what can we expect from this project? Gizmodo reached out to both the History Channel and Particle6 for further details.
A representative from Hearst Networks, which owns the History Channel, confirmed their commitment to using AI in an “ethical” and “transparent” manner. “We will continue to explore [AI’s] potential with ethical partners such as Particle6, using it thoughtfully, with clear guardrails and principles, while all the time being transparent with our audiences and sharing when they are watching AI-generated content,” said Sam Pearson, head of short form commissioning.
Pearson also expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Eline and the team at Particle6 have once again created a smart and entertaining factual series for us, but this time with the addition of incredible backdrops and characters brought to life using AI.” The network anticipates that audiences will be delighted by the immersive historical scenes presented in the series.
Could this be a hit? Only time will tell. The History Channel has often faced skepticism, so it’s fitting that they venture into AI content, a field that many people are still grappling with. Whether Streets of the Past becomes a fan favorite or a passing curiosity remains to be seen.
Mark your calendars: this series will be available on The History Channel in the Netherlands starting in January, as reported by Deadline.
What is AI’s role in Hollywood? AI technology is increasingly being used in film and television to create characters and enhance storytelling, raising questions about ethics and authenticity.
How is Particle6 using AI in its productions? Particle6 employs AI to develop virtual actors and immersive storytelling, aiming to innovate the entertainment landscape.
What kind of content can we expect from the History Channel’s AI series? The series promises to explore historical narratives through the lens of artificial intelligence, combining informative content with unique visual experiences.
How can audiences engage with AI-generated content? Viewers are encouraged to provide feedback and share their thoughts, fostering a dialogue about the future of AI in media.
In conclusion, the intersection of AI and entertainment continues to evolve, and this partnership between Particle6 and the History Channel represents a bold experiment in storytelling. Stay tuned to see how this unfolds, and for more insights into the world of innovative content, check out Moyens I/O.