Legendary director Steven Spielberg publicly rejected the use of artificial intelligence in his creative process during a panel at the SXSW conference in Austin this past Friday. Responding to inquiries about the role of AI in modern cinema, the filmmaker declared, “I’ve never used AI on any of my films yet,” a statement that drew immediate, thunderous applause from the audience.
A Legacy Built on Human Imagination
While Spielberg is the creative force behind iconic blockbusters such as “Jaws,” “E.T.,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” his stance on technology is nuanced. Throughout his career, his films have frequently explored the intersection of humanity and advanced tech, as seen in “Minority Report,” “Ready Player One,” and his titular project, “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.”
Defending the Writers’ Room
During the SXSW 2026 event, Spielberg clarified that he is not opposed to technology across all disciplines. However, he drew a hard line regarding the creative process. He emphasized that in his writers’ rooms, whether for film or television, “there’s not an empty chair with a laptop in front of it.” His message was clear: he refuses to outsource the essence of storytelling to algorithms.
“I am not for AI if it replaces a creative individual,” he added.
The Industry Divide on AI Adoption
While Spielberg maintains a human-centric approach, the broader entertainment landscape is rapidly shifting. AI startups are increasingly targeting independent filmmakers working with limited resources, positioning their tools as essential production aids. Simultaneously, major players are making massive investments: Amazon has confirmed it is testing AI tools for film and TV production, and Netflix recently made headlines by acquiring Ben Affleck’s AI-focused filmmaking company for a reported $600 million.
