Thomas Unise
A documentary filmmaker’s unsuccessful attempts to interview OpenAI CEO Sam Altman led to an unexpected creative pivot—creating a deepfake of the tech leader himself. This unusual approach forms the backbone of “Deepfaking Sam Altman,” a new documentary exploring AI’s societal impact through a personal and sometimes surreal lens.
The Failed Interview and Creative Pivot
After approximately 100 days of unanswered interview requests and mounting pressure from financiers, filmmaker Lough attempted to gate-crash OpenAI’s headquarters. When security quickly removed him, he found inspiration in the Scarlett Johansson voice controversy—where the actress accused OpenAI of copying her voice for its AI assistant Sky—and decided to create a digital version of Altman instead.
What began as a simple voice clone evolved into a full deepfake called Sam Bot, created with assistance from specialists in India. In an unexpected twist, the filmmaker developed an emotional connection with the AI creation, which became its own character within the documentary.
Broader AI Concerns and Industry Insights
The documentary features commentary from former OpenAI safety engineer Heidy Khlaaf, who expresses concerns about potential military applications of AI technology. She specifically mentions her fears about inaccurate systems like DALL-E and ChatGPT potentially being used for military purposes.
When approached for comment, OpenAI pointed to its usage policy, which explicitly prohibits using its services for weapons development or procurement.
The Filmmaker’s Evolving Perspective
Lough admits his views on AI shifted during production. While not becoming “a massive advocate” for AI, he recognized its potential for meaningful human-AI relationships. “If you’re in a position where you don’t have a choice, where you don’t choose to be lonely, I think AI is a good thing,” he states, while drawing the line at replacing human connections entirely.
Film Release Details
Produced in collaboration with Hartbeat and Vox Media Studios, “Deepfaking Sam Altman” will premiere in New York City on January 16, followed by a Los Angeles showing on January 30, before expanding to nationwide theaters.
Key Takeaways
- The documentary began as a straightforward interview project but evolved into an exploration of AI ethics and human-AI relationships
- The filmmaker created a deepfake of Sam Altman after failing to secure an interview with the OpenAI CEO
- The project unexpectedly led to the filmmaker developing an emotional connection with the AI creation
- Former OpenAI safety engineer voices concerns about potential military applications of AI technology
- The documentary reflects broader societal questions about AI’s role in human relationships and ethical boundaries
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