Michel Hazanavicius Uses AI to Reduce Production Time on WWI Film ‘The Third Hand’

Michel Hazanavicius, the Oscar-winning director of ‘The Artist’, has reportedly used artificial intelligence to cut eight days from the production schedule of his latest film, ‘The Third Hand’, a World War I drama. Vincent Maraval, CEO of French film company Goodfellas, revealed this during a panel at the San Sebastián Film Festival’s 5th Creative Investors’ Conference. Maraval explained that AI technology allowed the director to reduce the filming time for a major scene from ten days to just two days, significantly streamlining production. The film, which follows a young French soldier wounded in WWI who wakes up in a laboratory with a German hand grafted onto his abdomen, stars Bérénice Bejo, Rebecca Marder, and François Civil. Maraval emphasized that AI is not about replacing human creativity but enhancing it, citing the example of the animated film ‘Flow’, which director Gints Zilbalodis created using software that made the film possible. He also discussed broader industry trends, noting that the film industry is increasingly relying on private equity for financing rather than traditional pre-sales, and that local markets are becoming more prominent as audiences prefer films made by local filmmakers in their native languages. Maraval expressed concern about political challenges in France, including potential cuts to cultural subsidies, but remained optimistic about the global film industry’s ability to adapt and discover new talent. He highlighted Goodfellas’ shift toward collaborating with international talent, particularly Spanish filmmakers, as part of their strategy to navigate the changing landscape of cinema. The executive also noted the growing importance of localized content, with audiences increasingly seeking films that reflect their cultural contexts and address local issues. Despite industry challenges, Maraval stressed that cinema remains a global art form with a strong economic foundation, and that the industry’s focus on innovation and adaptation will continue to drive its success.