Amazon-Backed AI Startup Brings Lost Orson Welles Masterpiece Back to Life

Amazon-Backed AI Startup Fable Recreates Orson Welles' Lost Footage with Unlicensed Fan Fiction Fable, an Amazon-backed artificial intelligence startup, has announced plans to recreate the lost 43 minutes of Orson Welles' classic film "The Magnificent Ambersons" using its proprietary AI model. The ambitious project, which has sparked controversy over intellectual property rights, is set to be completed within the next two years. According to Fable's co-founder and CEO, Brian Rose, the company's AI model will generate long, complex narratives that can be used to recreate the lost footage. "We're using our AI platform to create a new version of 'The Magnificent Ambersons' that stays true to Welles' original vision," Rose said in an interview. However, Fable has not obtained the rights to the film from Paramount Pictures, which owns the copyright. This has raised questions about the legitimacy of the project and whether it will ever be released to the public. Fable's AI model is capable of generating narratives that are indistinguishable from those created by humans. The company plans to use this technology to create its own intellectual property, including cartoons and other forms of digital content. The startup has already used its platform to generate unauthorized episodes of "South Park," a popular adult animated series. Fable's co-founder and CTO, Rohan Garg, said that the company is exploring partnerships with major studios to offer similar capabilities for Hollywood IP. Fable's decision to recreate "The Magnificent Ambersons" without permission has sparked debate among film enthusiasts and industry experts. Some see it as a bold experiment in AI-generated content, while others view it as an infringement on intellectual property rights. Background "The Magnificent Ambersons" is a classic drama film directed by Orson Welles, released in 1942. The original version of the film was edited down from its intended length due to studio pressure, resulting in the loss of 43 minutes of footage. Film enthusiasts have long sought to restore the lost footage, but Fable's project is the first to use AI-generated content. Implications Fable's project has significant implications for the entertainment industry, where intellectual property rights are a major concern. If successful, it could pave the way for other startups to create AI-generated content using unlicensed IP. Current Status and Next Developments Fable's project is currently in development, with Rose and his team working on refining the AI model. The company plans to release more information about its technology and potential applications in the coming months. In a statement, Fable said that it is committed to creating innovative content using AI-generated narratives. "We believe that our technology has the potential to revolutionize the entertainment industry," the company said. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*