NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — 1010 WINS’ Kyle McMorrow sat down with CEO of Tribeca Enterprises Jane Rosenthal and iconic actor and producer Robert De Niro ahead of the 2024 Tribeca Festival, which will run from June 5-16, to discuss technology, AI in film and the festival’s first-ever De Niro Con.
When asked what she’s looking forward to during this year’s festival, Rosenthal brought up the topic of artificial intelligence, explaining that several films in the festival were made with the technology’s help.
“I’m excited how we’re positioning AI this year,” Rosenthal, one of the festival’s three founders, said. “It’s really looking at how it can be used creatively, and also in the most ethical way possible, which is a concern for everybody with it.”
With its roots in independent film, the Tribeca Festival platforms storytelling in all forms—film, TV, music, audio storytelling, games and immersive works—which she said gives space for conversations about new artistic possibilities through technological developments.
Rosenthal did emphasize the importance of giving credit to artistic and image origins when working with AI, citing scans of De Niro from “The Irishman,” which are now owned by him.
When discussing the possibility of a De Niro AI film in 30 years, the 80-year-old was unsure: “I don’t know. I’ve done some looking into it about what are the protections to that in years to come.”
De Niro did express excitement and certainty about sharing his already completed work with dedicated fans, however, during the festival’s first ever De Niro Con.
"I'm just saying that watching [‘Taxi Driver’] and whatever movies are going to be screened, I'd like to do that, because it's in a theater, with an audience, and the energy of course is obvious, and all of the experience I’d be looking forward to,” he said.
De Niro Con will be held at the tail end of the 2024 Tribeca Festival, from June 14-16, and serve as a celebration of the legendary artist’s body of work through exclusive archive galleries, an immersive film and a convention floor with set recreations, costume displays, fireside chats and impersonation contests.
“On one hand we’re trying to be respectful of Bob and his career, and on the other hand we’re having some fun too with it,” Rosenthal said.