The artificial intelligence landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments across various sectors. In the realm of film, Amazon-backed startup Fable is using AI to recreate lost scenes from Orson Welles' 1942 film 'The Magnificent Ambersons,' a project that has drawn criticism from Welles' estate. Meanwhile, another startup, Showrunner, is also employing generative AI for a similar purpose, aiming to digitally reconstruct the director's original vision, though without securing film rights. In sports, AI is set to debut as a manager for the Oakland Ballers, with the AI assisting in key game decisions. Tech giants are also making substantial investments; Google is constructing its largest-ever data center in Arkansas, a multi-billion dollar project expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy. On the financial front, while some analysts caution against AI stock market bubbles, companies like Alphabet and Microsoft are seen as having strong fundamentals, though Palantir is cited as potentially overvalued. Deutsche Bank notes concerns about the economics of massive data center investments despite falling AI query costs and widespread adoption of tools like ChatGPT. OpenAI's new GPT-5 model shows advanced coding capabilities but generates complex, hard-to-maintain code, according to a Sonar report. Amidst these technological advancements, a stark warning comes from computer science professor Roman Yampolskiy, who predicts AI could eliminate 99% of jobs by 2030, with artificial general intelligence potentially arriving by 2027. In education, Penn State is offering a new endorsement program for faculty to integrate generative AI into teaching practices.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon-backed startup Fable is using AI to recreate lost scenes from Orson Welles' 'The Magnificent Ambersons,' facing criticism from Welles' estate.
- Showrunner is also using generative AI to reconstruct lost footage from 'The Magnificent Ambersons,' acknowledging they do not have film rights.
- AI will be integrated as a manager in professional sports with the Oakland Ballers, assisting in game decisions.
- Google is building its largest-ever AI data center in West Memphis, Arkansas, representing a multi-billion dollar investment and significant job creation.
- While some AI stocks may be overvalued, companies like Alphabet and Microsoft are considered to have sound business models and reasonable valuations.
- Palantir is highlighted as a company with a valuation potentially detached from its fundamentals.
- Deutsche Bank analysts express concern over the economics of massive data center investments despite falling AI query costs and consumer adoption of tools like ChatGPT.
- OpenAI's GPT-5 model demonstrates powerful frontend coding abilities but generates complex code that is difficult to maintain, according to a Sonar report.
- A computer science professor warns that AI could eliminate 99% of jobs by 2030, with AGI potentially arriving by 2027.
- Penn State is launching an AI-Enhanced Pedagogy program for faculty to integrate generative AI into teaching.
AI startup Fable attempts to remake lost Orson Welles film footage
The Amazon-backed AI startup Fable plans to recreate the lost 43 minutes of Orson Welles' 1942 film 'The Magnificent Ambersons'. Using a new AI model capable of generating complex narratives, filmmaker Brian Rose will lead the project over the next two years. Fable has not obtained the rights to the film, and Welles' estate has criticized the project as a publicity stunt. The estate noted that while they embrace AI for voice models, this attempt lacks Welles' creative genius. The project aims to digitally reconstruct Welles' original vision, though it may never be publicly released.
Amazon-backed Fable uses AI to recreate lost Orson Welles film scenes
An Amazon-backed startup named Fable is using its new AI model to recreate the lost 43 minutes of Orson Welles' classic film 'The Magnificent Ambersons'. Filmmaker Brian Rose plans to use the AI over the next two years to digitally reconstruct the original vision of the 1942 movie. Fable has not secured the rights to the film, and the Welles estate has expressed disapproval, calling it an attempt to gain publicity. David Reeder, representing Welles' daughter, stated the project lacks Welles' creative innovation. The project is seen as a potential tech demonstration rather than a publicly releasable film.
Showrunner uses AI to restore lost Orson Welles film footage
The startup Showrunner is using its new generative AI model to recreate lost footage from Orson Welles' 1942 film 'The Magnificent Ambersons'. Welles' original 131-minute cut was significantly shortened by the studio RKO without his input. Showrunner plans to use AI to approximate the missing scenes and incorporate live actors, digitally altering their faces to match the original cast. The company acknowledges it does not have the rights to the film and may seek forgiveness later, but aims to show the film as Welles intended. This project follows Showrunner's previous use of AI for unauthorized 'South Park' episodes.
Google's new AI data center is Arkansas's largest investment ever
Google is building a new AI data center in West Memphis, Arkansas, marking the largest single investment in the state's history. Mayor Marco McClendon stated the project is worth billions and will create approximately 5,000 construction jobs, with 300 permanent positions. Google will cover all energy costs, use load flexibility to avoid straining the grid, and incorporate solar power. The project has been codenamed 'Groot' and 'Acorn' during its year-long development. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the local economy and school system through property taxes.
AI manager to debut in professional sports with Oakland Ballers
Artificial intelligence is set to make its professional sports debut as a manager for the Oakland Ballers. While manager Aaron Miles will still be present in the dugout, the AI will have the opportunity to make key decisions during a game. This marks a significant integration of AI into the operational aspects of professional sports.
AI isn't a stock market bubble, but some stocks are overvalued
While some fear an AI stock market bubble similar to the dotcom boom, current conditions differ significantly. Unlike the late 1990s, many leading AI companies like Alphabet and Microsoft have reasonable valuations and strong business models. AI adoption is also rapid among consumers and businesses. However, the article identifies 'mini bubbles,' citing Palantir as an example of a company with a valuation detached from its fundamentals. The author plans to continue investing in AI but will focus on companies with reasonable valuations and maintain diversification.
Deutsche Bank sees AI markets as sober but data centers raise concerns
Deutsche Bank analysts note that while AI market valuations are more restrained than during the dotcom bubble, the rapid expansion of data centers presents troubling economics. A Praetorian Capital analysis suggests massive data center investments by hyperscalers could lead to significant capital destruction, with projected depreciation far exceeding current revenue generation. Despite this, Deutsche Bank points to falling AI query costs and rapid consumer adoption of tools like ChatGPT as positive signs. The bank acknowledges the hype but believes current tech giants have stronger fundamentals than their dotcom-era predecessors.
Penn State offers AI teaching endorsement for faculty
Penn State is offering a new Provost Endorsement Program: AI-Enhanced Pedagogy for faculty and staff, with enrollment open until September 30. The program, held during the fall 2025 semester, will guide participants in integrating generative AI into their teaching practices. Participants must attend seven events and submit revised assignments and a philosophy video. The goals are to explore AI's potential for teaching, promote ethical use, and enhance student skills. This initiative aims to foster a university-wide community understanding of AI in education.
Expert warns AI could eliminate 99% of jobs by 2030
Roman Yampolskiy, a computer science professor, warns that artificial intelligence could eliminate 99% of jobs by 2030, with artificial general intelligence (AGI) potentially arriving by 2027. He believes that AI tools and humanoid robots will make hiring humans uneconomical, leading to a collapse of the labor market. Yampolskiy states there is 'no plan B' for retraining workers, as even highly skilled jobs like coding could be automated. This warning echoes concerns from other industry leaders about AI's potential impact on employment.
GPT-5 coding: Powerful but hard to maintain, says report
OpenAI's new GPT-5 model shows promise in frontend coding, but a report by Sonar suggests it generates complex code that is difficult to maintain. While GPT-5 produces more code than competitors, it also introduces significantly more potential defects, leading to technical debt. Although it has a lower density of vulnerabilities, it has a higher density of 'code smells,' indicating quality and maintainability issues. Despite these challenges, OpenAI researcher Ishaan Singal stated GPT-5 is highly steerable and can be prompted for specific outcomes. Developer Theo Browne also noted implementation issues but still considers GPT-5 an incredible model.
Sources
- Why is an Amazon-backed AI startup making Orson Welles fan fiction?
- Why is an Amazon-backed AI startup making Orson Welles fan fiction?
- Showrunner wants to use generative AI to recreate lost footage from an Orson Welles classic
- West Memphis Mayor: Google’s AI data center largest investment in Arkansas history
- Artificial intelligence to make professional sports debut as Oakland Ballers manager
- Should stock market investors be worried about an AI bubble?
- Deutsche Bank on 'the summer AI turned ugly': 'more sober' than the dotcom bubble, with som troubling data-center math
- AI-Enhanced Pedagogy Provost Endorsement open for enrollment until Sept. 30
- AI To Eliminate 99% Of Jobs By 2030, Warns Top Expert: 'There's No Plan B'
- Is GPT-5 a Coding Powerhouse or Maintainability Nightmare?
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