According to WIRED, a filmmaker has created a documentary titled Deepfaking Sam Altman featuring a deepfake version of the OpenAI CEO, scheduled for release in January.
The director developed what they call a “Sam Bot” after unsuccessful attempts to interview Altman directly, according to the report. WIRED notes that the filmmaker became “unexpectedly attached” to the deepfake creation during the production process.
The documentary examines the experience of creating and interacting with an AI-generated version of one of the technology industry’s most prominent figures in artificial intelligence. WIRED has released an exclusive trailer for the film.
The project raises questions about deepfake technology, parasocial relationships with public figures, and the accessibility of AI-generated content creation tools. However, specific details about the documentary’s content, the filmmaker’s identity, or the technical methods used to create the deepfake were not provided in the source material.
The timing is notable as deepfake technology continues to advance and raise concerns about misinformation, consent, and the ethical implications of AI-generated media featuring real individuals.