Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio behind beloved films like Spirited Away, has found itself at the center of a new AI-driven trend. This week, social media platforms were flooded with images inspired by the studio's signature art style, created using the latest iteration of OpenAI's GPT-4o. The tool allows users to transform any image into a Ghibli-style illustration with a simple text prompt.
One widely shared example features a Ghibli-style rendition of Turkish Olympic shooter Yusuf Dikec, who gained attention after winning a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics while dressed casually with one hand in his pocket.
The White House's official social media account has also shared a Ghibli-inspired image of a crying Dominican woman who was recently detained by US immigration authorities. Neither the White House nor OpenAI has commented on the image's creation.
Miyazaki's 2016 criticism revisited
As the trend gained traction, comments from legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki resurfaced. In 2016, Miyazaki expressed his strong disapproval of AI-generated animation after viewing a demonstration.
"I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all," Miyazaki said at the time. "I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself."
Copyright concerns arise
The viral phenomenon has also reignited debates over copyright and intellectual property.
According to the BBC, OpenAI representatives stated that the company aims to give users as much creative freedom as possible while prohibiting the use of living artists' styles. However, it allows users to generate images inspired by major studios.
Studio Ghibli has yet to respond to the controversy.
Karla Ortiz, an artist who grew up watching Miyazaki's films, is currently suing other AI image generators for copyright infringement. She criticized OpenAI for exploiting Studio Ghibli's brand and reputation to promote its product.
"That's using Ghibli's branding, their name, their work, their reputation, to promote (OpenAI) products," Ortiz said. "It's an insult. It's exploitation."
(Video source: Internet)
Related News:
Elon Musk offers US$97.4 bn to acquire OpenAI, CEO responds: 'No thank you'
Comment