Cameron vs. Del Toro: Filmmakers share their views on Generative AI
All the AI news for Creatives.
Good day, humans.
In today’s Newsletter:
1️⃣ James Cameron dives into AI
2️⃣ Del Toro doesn’t believe AI has a future
3️⃣ OpenAI launches Advanced Voice Mode
4️⃣ Meta showcases its Orion glasses
5️⃣ Runway to fund 100 AI-driven films
6️⃣ Alphabet introduces improved Gemini
7️⃣ Figma’s AI is back
8️⃣ Try this Midjourney style (SREF Code)
Let’s get started.

Stability AI recruits James Cameron
In a major achievement for the artificial intelligence company, Stability AI has announced that Avatar, Terminator, and Titanic director James Cameron will join its board of directors.
"Now, the intersection of generative AI and CGI image creation is the next wave. The convergence of these two completely different engines of creation will unlock new ways for artists to tell stories in ways we could never have imagined," said James Cameron.
Why does this matter?
Although Stability AI's Stable Diffusion is currently lagging behind, the technology and plans they have in store have been enough to recruit James Cameron, one of the directors most involved with new special effects. We’ll have to wait and see the results.

Guillermo del Toro doesn’t believe in AI
Generative AI has sparked much debate about whether the technology can create true art; director Guillermo del Toro doesn’t believe that AI-generated art is "true art," and he’s not the only artist dismissing the technology as a dead end.
"AI has demonstrated that it can make semi-interesting screensavers. That’s basically it. The value of art is not in how much it costs or how little effort it takes but in how much you’d risk to be in its presence. How much would people pay for those screensavers? Are they going to make them cry because they lost a son? A mother? Because they misspent their youth? Hell no."
OpenAI launches Advanced Voice Mode
OpenAI finally released its highly anticipated Advanced Voice Mode for ChatGPT, rolling it out to those on the Plus and Teams tiers. The update brings a sleeker design, highlighted by an animated blue sphere, and introduces five new voices.
The OpenAI drama continues
Just one day after the release, CTO Mira Murati and two other top executives announced they’re leaving the company. A bit strange, as OpenAI’s switch to a for-profit company is likely close, and rumors say Sam Altman is going to take a 7% stake. Why are so many people leaving just now?
Meta showcases its Orion glasses
Days after OpenAI launched its advanced voice mode, Meta unveiled a prototype that packs all the power of an augmented reality headset into the compact form of regular glasses. You’ll be able to interact with 3D holograms of friends and family. And a wrist-based neural interface will let you perform different actions just by thinking and making hand gestures.
When can I buy one?
It’s still a long way off. Meta isn’t just building a new device; they’re creating a completely new general-purpose platform that could transform how we interact with the world.
Alphabet introduces improved Gemini
Alphabet isn’t falling behind: they’re launching two upgraded versions of Gemini 1.5, which the company says are twice as fast and 50% more affordable than previous versions.
Runway to fund 100 AI-driven films
Runway will allocate $5 million to fund up to 100 films using AI-generated video. Runway has launched the Hundred Film Fund, assigning $5 million in cash and additional service credits to support up to 100 films that utilize its generative AI video technology.
AI Tools Face Off: Which one creates the most convincing crying scene?
Figma’s AI is back
Figma has relaunched its AI-powered app generator, now called First Draft, after initially pulling it due to copyright concerns. The tool is designed to help designers create layouts for apps and websites, addressing feedback from early users who noted similarities with Apple’s weather app.
Try this Midjourney style (SREF Code)
To use it, add --sref 75999693 at the end of your prompt in Midjourney. Your images will be generated in this style.
More Info: These are the Top 10 Midjourney SREF Codes curated by the AI community this week
Thanks for reading. See you next week!
Hello 👋 I’m Erik Knobl, Product Designer by day and Generative AI explorer on weekends. I share my learnings in this newsletter. Consider subscribing to stay in touch.