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Hollywood studios urge immediate shutdown of AI video tool
The Motion Picture Association (MPA), representing major US studios, has called on ByteDance to immediately stop its new AI video generator, Seedance 2.0, accusing it of mass copyright infringement by creating clips based on protected films and television shows.
Tool generates realistic scenes from text prompts
Seedance 2.0, developed by TikTok's parent company ByteDance, can produce highly realistic video clips from simple text instructions. Examples circulating online include a fistfight between Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, Will Smith battling a red-eyed spaghetti monster, and even reimagined versions of Friends characters as otters.
The tool was released in a limited pre-launch testing phase but has already flooded social media with unauthorized scenes from franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Seinfeld, Avengers, and Breaking Bad.
MPA condemns lack of safeguards
MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin stated that ByteDance's tool operates "without meaningful safeguards against infringement," violating copyright laws that protect creators and support millions of jobs in the US entertainment industry.
"By launching a service that disregards well-established copyright law, ByteDance is undermining the rights of creators. They should immediately cease this infringing activity."
Charles Rivkin, MPA Chairman and CEO
ByteDance responds with temporary restrictions
ByteDance claims it has suspended the ability to upload images of real people and is taking steps to strengthen compliance with copyright laws. The company stated it respects intellectual property rights and is implementing "robust policies and monitoring mechanisms" to prevent future violations.
A spokesperson emphasized that the controversial content was created during a limited testing phase and that further measures are being developed to address risks.
Industry fears over job losses and creative control
Hollywood professionals have expressed alarm over the tool's capabilities. Deadpool writer Rhett Reese described the technology as "terrifying," warning that it could "revolutionize or decimate" the entertainment industry.
"So many people I love are facing the loss of careers they cherish. I myself am at risk. When I wrote 'It's over,' I didn't mean it lightly. The Pitt vs. Cruise video is shockingly professional-that's why I'm scared."
Rhett Reese, Screenwriter and Producer
Others, like Saturday Night Live and Rick & Morty writer Heather Anne Campbell, compared the output to fan fiction, arguing that original ideas remain the most challenging part of content creation.
"Even with infinite resources to create lifelike film or animation, people still default to recreating existing stories. Original ideas are the hardest part."
Heather Anne Campbell, Writer
Forbes highlights tool's director-like precision
A review by Forbes noted that Seedance 2.0 "mimics a human director" and allows users to produce high-quality video without traditional production tools. While some users celebrate its accessibility, industry veterans warn of its potential to disrupt creative professions.
