In the rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI, the potential for digital humans to revolutionize industries is becoming increasingly apparent. One such industry poised for disruption is talent casting. As companies seek to overcome the limitations of traditional casting methods, the idea of creating digital replicas of celebrities and other famous individuals is gaining traction.
Dentsu partnered with HoriPro Inc., a major Japanese talent agency. Their joint venture aims to create digital humans modeled after popular talent, such as the variety show star and actress Rika Adachi.
The Challenges of Traditional Casting
While talent casting in Japan has reached a high level of sophistication, it's not without its challenges. Time and travel constraints often limit the availability of popular talent, hindering the ability to meet all the demands of advertisers and society. Additionally, the global growth of interest in Japanese content presents opportunities that are sometimes missed due to factors such as language barriers and limited mobility.
The Promise of Digital Humans
Digital humans offer a potential solution to these challenges. By utilizing advanced generative AI technology, these digital replicas can engage in real-time, natural conversations and respond to prompts in a flexible manner. This opens up new possibilities for communication, especially in digital media and metaverse spaces.
Dentsu's joint venture with HoriPro Inc. aims to expand the use of real talent through digital human technology. By creating a digital version of Rika Adachi, they can extend her reach beyond the constraints of time and location, enabling her to participate in new projects and initiatives.
The Future of Digital Humans
The possibilities for digital humans are vast. Beyond language capabilities, they could be used in various applications, such as providing guidance at tourist destinations or appearing in commercials and other content. As generative AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more sophisticated and versatile digital humans in the future.
This article was originally published in Japanese on Dentsu Ho, dentsu's brand media in Japan. To read the full version of the article including the interview of actress Rika Adachi with dentsu's Business Development Producer Aaron Zhu, head here.