Deepfake Technology’s Shadow Looms Over New Sci-Fi Series
The creative minds behind the recently launched Apple TV+ series Star City, hailing from the same production team as the acclaimed For All Mankind, have honed their skills in capturing the intricacies of space on screen. While not a direct companion piece, Star City shares thematic and stylistic similarities with its predecessor, including alternate timelines and a focus on space exploration, particularly the Soviet Union’s role in the space race. Creators Ben Nedivi and Matt Wolpert acknowledge that much of their expertise in depicting space and zero gravity was forged during their work on For All Mankind.
Mastering the Art of Space Cinematography
Nedivi explained the significant learning curve involved in accurately portraying space. “We became experts because of For All Mankind,” he stated. “Learning it was difficult during those first few seasons. But now I feel like you become the experts in how to capture space and zero G. The challenge always is making it feel real, like everything on the show.”
The production emphasized authenticity, especially in recreating the Soviet space program’s ground sets. “The authenticity of the sets on the ground in Russia were amazing,” Nedivi continued. “We wanted to make sure you didn’t suddenly feel like you were in a different show when you were in space. I think capturing that in a way that is actually different to For All Mankind, was fascinating.”
Wolpert elaborated on the distinct challenges of depicting Soviet space missions. “These ships the Russians sent up were purposeful, but the resources they had were much more limited,” he noted. “It’s almost like sending these tin cans up into space. Where the Americans were so careful about everything, The Soviets kind of said, ‘we have to make it happen.'” He added, “So the fact that the ingenuity involved in this, and then the risks you see these cosmonauts take in the show in these first few episodes, were very accurate to what was really happening.”
The Unanswered Question of AI and Deepfakes
Notably absent from the creators’ discussion of their space-filming expertise is the use of advanced visual effects, specifically AI-driven deepfake technology, which played a significant role in For All Mankind. This technology was employed to alter historical footage and create convincing facial mappings, enabling historical figures to deliver alternate-history speeches. Given the socio-politically charged nature of both series and their use of significant time jumps, such historical manipulations are a logical narrative device.
Star City also incorporates televised political broadcasts that reflect changing eras, a tactic mirroring that of its predecessor. This parallel suggests that the production team may have utilized deepfake technology in a similar fashion. However, this remains unconfirmed at present, with further details anticipated as new episodes are released.
Star City premiered on May 29, with subsequent episodes released weekly on Fridays through July 10.
