Filmmaker Jorge Gutierrez "drops out" from directing AI series
Washington DC, May 29
Filmmaker Jorge Gutierrez decided to "drop out" from making an 'AI' series at Amazon.
'The Book of Life' director wrote on social media on Friday that he was dropping out of a 'Punky Duck 'series that had been announced at Amazon's AI on the Lot event just two days earlier.
"I have decided to drop out of the AI program at Amazon. I will not be making a Punky Duck series. Actions speak louder than words," the filmmaker wrote on social media. "My intent was to showcase artists, both new and seasoned, both inside and outside the studios, driving this new tech. My sincerest apology to those I upset. I promise to do better moving forward. Thank you for your patience with me. I will try harder," read the post on the Instagram handle.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, a boldfaced name in animation, Gutierrez was the highest-profile director associated with a project emerging from Amazon's new GenAI Creators Fund.
His Punky Duck series was set to follow "a lovable punk duck and his best friend, Smiley Cat" as they "tear through a wildly exaggerated Los Angeles, hilariously stumbling into alien invasions, giant monsters, robot criminal conspiracies, telenovela-style family drama, and supernatural mayhem--all while trying (and usually failing) to do the right thing," reported The Hollywood Reporter.
His remarks follow criticism from another creator whose work was announced in association with the initiative.
On Wednesday, the creator of the star of Buzzfeed Studios' Good Advice Cupcake slammed the company for partnering with Amazon on a generative AI series adaptation of her creation. Loryn Brantz said she was "horrified and disgusted by BuzzFeed taking my character, The Good Advice Cupcake, and giving it to an AI platform."
Gutierrez hinted that he was rethinking the decision in a social media post on Thursday, telling followers that he had "lots of information that I'm digesting wholeheartedly" amid backlash to his association with GenAI Creators Fund.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I was actually curious about the Punky Duck series concept, it sounded fun. But I understand the ethical concerns. Artists deserve fair credit and compensation, not to have their work fed into an AI without consent. Gutierrez seems genuinely apologetic, which is more than most.
He says "actions speak louder than words" but he only dropped out after public backlash. What about the creators whose work was already used? Amazon and BuzzFeed need to answer for exploiting artists. As an Indian creative, I've seen how big companies treat local talent - always the same story.
This is just the beginning of a larger conversation. AI can be a tool, not a replacement. Gutierrez's apology feels sincere but the damage to his reputation is done. In the US, we've had similar controversies, and the best outcome is when studios actually listen to artists, not just PR teams.
Yaar, I was looking forward to this Punky Duck series. It sounded like desi-style chaos with aliens and telenovelas! But yes, artist rights come first. Glad he changed his mind. Hopefully Amazon learns from this and creates something that respects creators properly.
I appreciate that Gutierrez admitted he made a mistake. Many directors would double down. But let's be real - Amazon's GenAI Fund is a joke if it ignores artist consent. The Punky Duck premise was cute, but not at the cost of someone else's creativity. Good riddance.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.