Fake Legal Letters and AI Art: A New Trend

The trend of creating AI images in the style of Studio Ghibli, using tools like Open AI’s ChatGPT, has gained attention recently. Many artists and fans began to explore this new medium, but things took a strange turn when a user posted a fake cease and desist letter, claiming it was from Studio Ghibli.

This user, known on social media as teej, justified their actions by stating, "AI creators deserve protection, not punishment. Expression is sacred. Imagination is not illegal. If I have to be a martyr to prove that, so be it." This perspective has raised eyebrows as it seems to overlook the effort and creativity that real artists invest in their work, including legendary creators like Hayao Miyazaki.

It’s important to consider the implications of such actions. The fake letter adds to a sense of entitlement among some individuals in the AI art community, who feel mistreated for producing works that many people believe unfairly replicate the talent of human artists.

While Studio Ghibli has not publicly responded to these AI-generated creations, comments from representatives at Gkids, a distributor that handles Ghibli films in the U.S., shed light on their perspective. Gkids is currently celebrating the success of Princess Mononoke, which is being showcased in IMAX theaters as part of its 40th-anniversary event with a 4K restoration.

Chance Huskey, the VP of distribution for Gkids, expressed, "In a time when technology tries to replicate humanity, we are thrilled that audiences value a theatrical experience that respects and celebrates Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece in all its cinematic hand-drawn glory." As screenings for this film continue, it's clear that audiences appreciate the unique artistry of Studio Ghibli, contrasting sharply with the artificial creations surfacing online.

AI, art, Ghibli