In case you didn’t know, “Killing Satoshi,” directed by Doug Liman, currently in production, is being filmed entirely with AI backgrounds on a “markerless performative capture stage,” with no on-location shooting.
“‘Killing Satoshi’ is being billed as the first fully AI-generated, studio-quality feature film. That’s right—AI technology is being used to create backgrounds and scenery, and not just that, to also ‘tweak’ actors’ performances—adjusting lip, facial, and body movements—if needed, of course. This is all being done to reduce the budget.”
Of course, a firestorm occurred when this project was announced in February, which has now led Liman and his producers to invite The Wrap on set to convince us all that everything is peachy when it comes to this film — which stars Casey Affleck, Pete Davidson, Gal Gadot, and Isla Fisher.
Shot over just 20 days inside a “gray box” soundstage, Liman tells the outlet that his film uses minimal physical sets, lighting, and backgrounds, which will instead be generated in post-production using AI. Producers say the technology allowed them to make a film that would normally cost about $300M for a fraction of the price: $70M.
The goal, according to the team, was to reduce travel, waste, and costs while keeping performances untouched. Liman and his cast describe the experience as more like stage acting, with a stronger focus on performance, while producers argue AI should be seen as a tool that supports — not replaces — human creativity.
The story itself is a conspiracy thriller about uncovering the identity of Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto. The plot follows a journalist investigating claims that controversial figure Dr. Craig Wright is the real Satoshi and why powerful organizations might want to kill him. The film will be shopped to distributors at Cannes.
The screenplay comes from Nick Schenk, who penned Eastwood’s “Gran Torino” and “The Mule.” Liman is the director behind “Swingers,” “Go,” “The Bourne Identity,” “Edge of Tomorrow,” and “American Made.”
“Killing Satoshi” currently has no US distribution. Which studio will want to touch this film? Vertical? Ketchup? Briarcliff?