AI parodies twist classic TV series

Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

In response to the recent growing prevalence of AI-altered videos parodying classic Chinese TV series, the National Radio and Television Administration of China issued a notice on Sunday saying that such videos blur the line between real and the forgery and distort the classic works.

The advisory cites some examples of AI-altered videos, claiming that these videos, created solely to attract attention, recklessly disrespect iconic intellectual properties, infringe on traditional cultural values, contradict the fundamental spirit original works and may constitute copyright infringement.

The notice also describes specific management requirements to address these issues.

The bitter power struggle for the imperial throne in the Chinese TV series Empresses at the palace turned into a shootout. Lin Daiyu, one of the protagonists of the drama Dream of the Red Room can be seen boxing while Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang of Journey to the West absurdly “accepts” a girl’s proposal.

Recently, some Chinese social media platforms have seen a surge in AI-edited short videos adapted from classic Chinese television series. These dramas are widely appreciated for their artistic value.

Iconic scenes from these TV series have been transformed into absurd visuals through the use of AI technology.

The administration requested in the notice that short video platforms conduct thorough reviews and remove AI-edited movie and TV series videos. Platforms are asked to implement strict controls on the approval and monitoring of related technology products used and shared on their platforms, as well as provide clear labels for AI-generated content.

AI-edited clips of classic TV series not only violate copyrights, but also pose the risk of eroding the cultural significance of those shows and distorting the emotional connections of viewers who grew up with those series.

Ma Guohua, a Beijing-based lawyer, told the Global Times on Sunday that these AI-edited videos potentially violate copyright protection.

“I have heard about this problem. Changing the plot of a TV series without the consent of the original creator may violate their copyright,” Ma said.

“Furthermore, some of these changes are absurdly far-fetched, distorting the original intent of the work,” the expert noted.

Striking a balance between technological innovation and respect for the artistic and cultural heritage of plays is crucial to mitigate negative impacts on classic works.

Classic television series are deeply rooted in cultural and historical context. Altering their narratives risks distorting the original themes, values ​​and messages, potentially leading to the erosion of their cultural significance.

The characters and values ​​depicted in these television series are often deeply linked to the dominant beliefs, social dynamics and collective consciousness of their respective eras. For example, Journey to the West not only celebrates traditional Chinese culture, but also inspires and motivates audiences with the Monkey King’s righteous, courageous and provocative spirit.

Along the same lines, the intensely strategic intrigue of the Palace of Empresses at the palacesteeped in schemes and power plays, serves as a mirror reflecting modern society’s critical view of workplace culture that overemphasizes “competition” and “elimination.”

These videos may portray characters and events in a satirical or exaggerated light, which may mislead audiences about the intent of the original work. For example, Journey to the WestThe emphasis on courage and morality could be undermined by comical or absurd edits.

You Xiaoyi, a 22-year-old who works in industrial design, told the Global Times on Sunday that AI made it difficult for viewers to distinguish between original works and modified versions.

“The use of AI has reduced, if not changed, the technical barriers for creators in areas like video editing, making it difficult to distinguish original works from altered versions, while some of the recent spoofs of classic TV series are too absurd,” Toi said.

Frequent exposure to AI-altered versions could lead younger audiences or international viewers unfamiliar with the originals to accept these distortions as authentic representations of Chinese culture and heritage.

For viewers who grew up with these series, the AI-edited versions can change their emotional connection and cherished memories.

Repeated exposure to these distorted depictions risks overwriting personal memories of the original content.

The parody of classic dramas raises questions about the balance between innovation and preservation of cultural heritage.

It is essential to respect classic works while exploring new forms of expression that perpetuate the values ​​and cultural significance of these classic works.

The author is a journalist at the Global Times. [email protected]