Australian Idol alum Shane Jenek A.K.A Courtney Act has revealed how AI will revolutionise the way RuPaul’s Drag Race is made and this is some exciting stuff!
On November 29, the drag sensation took to TikTok to share some jaw-dropping insights about the future direction of the show.
Before getting into the deets, the 41-year-old gave a run down on how the series is currently created.
“You know when you see a Queen sitting there and the pink backdrop? We call that a confessional,” the reality star explained.
“The confessionals are filmed at the end of each day and the producers will ask the Queens questions about the events that occurred that day.”
@courtneyact How AI will revolutionise the way #dragrace is made! #AI #GPT #lgbt #drag #gay ♬ original sound – Courtney Act
Courtney recalled that the Queens had to wear the same outfit throughout the series to maintain continuity so if producers forgot to ask a certain question on a particular day, they could film and slot it in seamlessly.
“This trick also allows producers to mix and match words said by a Queen from any part of the season to fit the narrative of any episode,” she said, referring to a process commonly known as “frankenbiting”.
Courtney Act says AI will streamline the editing process on RuPaul’s Drag Race
Courtney then asserted that AI would streamline the frankenbiting process on the hit drag show.
“Everything a Queen says is transcribed [using a speech-to-text software] and synced up with time codes. An editor can easily find anything they want,” she explained.
However, AI won’t just listen and transcribe.
“It’ll log and analyse hours of footage and turn it into one giant, deeply searchable database. It’ll be able to identify different characters, emotions, expressions, colloquialisms, accents and dialects,” she added.
“It really is powerful”.
@courtneyact I’m most excited for the augmented reality idea! How cool would that be? This is Part 2 of my AI & #dragrace video. Hope you like it. What else would you like to see? #drag #AI #LGBT #gay ♬ original sound – Courtney Act
This will shake up the editing process because this database will make it easier to create content and craft narratives.
Courtney also discussed the possibility of “deep fakes”, whereby AI can create images and videos of false events.
“AI doesn’t need to rely on choppy editing. It can create smooth, realistic deep fake visuals and audios of Queens saying whatever they want,” she said. Creepy AF!
Courtney Act explores the possibilities of virtual reality
Courtney further explained the possibilities of virtual reality given the advancement of AI.
“You could pop on your AI goggles and you’re in the workroom sitting on the couch in Untucked watching all the action go down.
“Or you’re sitting next to RuPaul [Charles] and the judges on the main stage, watching the runways as if you were there in real life.” And we’re not sure how we feel about this!
RuPaul’s Drag Race fans are divided about the introduction of AI in the editing process
Fans took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the possibilities of AI on the reality show.
“Not gonna lie, VR/AR Drag Race would go INSANELY HARD,” one user wrote, whilst another commented: “I would LOVE to have a VR where I’m sitting with the judges”.
On the other hand, many viewers agreed that the new changes sounded “scary”.
“I don’t really like or want any of these changes, TBH,” one netizen penned.
Another agreed, writing: “Queens/the reality acting unions need to fight against allowing deep fakes and franken-sentences.”
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