French Animation Industry Writes Open Letter Protesting Use of AI

 

The animation industry is currently facing a number of challenges. Chief amongst them is the looming threat of generative AI, which many fear could be used to replace animators, writers and other creatives. Open A.I. have recently announced production of Critterz, an animated feature that is produced using their AI technology. They plan to release the film in 2026 and debut at the Cannes Film Festival. The feature is inspired by a short of the same name.

In response to this, organisations representing the French animation industry have written an open letter in protest. Published in French and English, the letter makes clear their grievances with the project, without calling it out by name.

"Graphic designers, screenwriters, and animation directors were among the first to use technological innovations as a tool in their creative process," they said."However, they are also the first to know that no technology can replace the sensitivity, vision, and commitment of human creators. The act of creation is a profoundly human endeavor, shaped by lived experiences, cultures, and genuine emotions — all elements beyond the reach of AI."

"At a time when the animation industry is facing an unprecedented crisis, OpenAI's initiative is especially worrying given that the company has previously shown disregard for copyright protections, having copied or used works by Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, among others, without seeking permission."

"French animated cinema, renowned worldwide for its artistic richness and high standards, relies on the talents of human creators and technicians, which must be preserved - as must the diversity of perspectives, the quality of the works, and the balance of our entire cultural ecosystem."

"Furthermore, the Cannes Film Festival, cited by OpenAI as the intended platform for the film's premiere, cannot be co-opted for commercial promotion or used to legitimise the replacement of human creators."

They conclude: "We, the undersigned, call on public authorities, film festivals, and citizens to stand with us in defending creative freedom — a freedom that must remain responsible, ethical, and above all, deeply human. Every creative work must be led by human authors in key artistic roles."

The societies who have signed include L'ARP (Society of Authors, Directors & Producers), la SRF (Society of Film Directors), SACD (Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers), SCA (Society of Screenwriters), La Guilde (Guild of French Screenwriters), U2R (Directors Union) and AGrAF (Creators Group of French Animation).

Critterz sub $30 million budget and nine-month production timeline is causing concern among animation creatives who fear it could set a precedent and that they could find themselves replaced. It would certainly be a dark day indeed if we were to start seeing major studios producing animated features by AI. 

Critterz does have a human element in the form of Paddington In Peru writers James Lamont and Jon Foster, as well as voice actors and even some artists. But the vast majority of the design and rendering will be done through  OpenAI’s tech stack, including GPT-5 for script development, DALL-E for concept art and internal production tools.

Animation creatives in France and around the world are concerned by this development. It could potentially change the animation industry forever.. or it could turn out to be a flash in the pan. Animators outside of France might be advised to follow suit, because if they won't fight for the industry, who will?

 [source]