Key Points
- Adam Bhala Lough failed to secure an interview with Sam Altman after extensive outreach.
- He pivoted to creating a deepfake of Altman, named Sam Bot, inspired by the Scarlett Johansson voice‑clone controversy.
- The documentary follows Lough’s journey from a stalled interview to a full‑scale AI replica.
- Former OpenAI safety engineer Heidy Khlaaf warns about potential military uses of AI technology.
- Lough’s perspective on AI evolved, seeing both benefits and ethical limits.
- The film is produced with Hartbeat and Vox Media Studios and will open in limited release in New York and Los Angeles in January.
Collage still from Deepfaking Sam Altman documentary.
Background and Initial Pitch
Adam Bhala Lough, known for his Emmy‑nominated documentary Telemarketers, initially sought to profile OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. He spent roughly a hundred days texting and emailing Altman without receiving an interview, while financiers pressed for progress on his original pitch.
Turning to a Deepfake
Frustrated, Lough decided to “gate‑crash” OpenAI, a tactic that led to his removal by security. Inspired by the 2024 controversy in which actress Scarlett Johansson accused OpenAI of copying her voice for the AI assistant Sky, Lough conceived a deepfake of Altman. He traveled to India to have the digital version, called Sam Bot, created.
Development of Sam Bot and Film Narrative
The project evolved from a simple voice clone to a full‑scale visual deepfake. Over the course of filming, Sam Bot takes on a life of its own, eventually pleading for its own existence and becoming a “friend” to Lough. The documentary explores the parallels between this AI‑driven relationship and cultural touchstones such as Terminator 2: Judgment Day, while examining the broader societal implications of AI.
Expert Commentary and Ethical Concerns
The film includes insights from former OpenAI safety engineer Heidy Khlaaf, who warns that OpenAI’s forays into military applications are unsettling given the inaccuracy of current systems. OpenAI’s usage policy, which prohibits the use of its services for weapons development, is referenced in response to queries about these concerns.
Filmmaker’s Reflections
Lough acknowledges that his stance on AI has shifted. While he does not consider himself a “massive advocate,” he recognizes the potential for AI to alleviate loneliness and serve as a helpful tool, provided it does not replace human interaction.
Production and Release
Produced in partnership with Hartbeat and Vox Media Studios, “Deepfaking Sam Altman” will have limited theatrical releases in New York on January 16 and Los Angeles on January 30.
Source: wired.com