In November, Amazon announced the introduction of AI-generated video summaries for TV shows. This functionality could prove advantageous as fans frequently endure lengthy pauses between seasons, rendering plot summaries critical before embarking on a new season. Nevertheless, viewers detected numerous errors in a video summary for the inaugural season of the Fallout TV series, which is gearing up for Season 2.
GamesRadar remarked that the AI video summary inaccurately states the time frame of the show’s flashbacks, indicating they take place approximately 120 years earlier than they actually do within the show’s timeline. Furthermore, the summary distorts a significant plot element at the conclusion of Season 1, misrepresenting the primary motivation of the main character.
It’s a quintessential “You had one job!” moment for Amazon’s AI technology.
When the feature was unveiled in February, an Amazon blog entry hailed the AI-driven summaries as “revolutionary.” However, those aware of the constraints of large-language models understand that they are susceptible to inaccuracies and hallucinations.
An AI video summary for the TV series ‘Tom Clancy.’ Credit: Amazon
“Video Recaps signifies a groundbreaking utilization of generative AI for streaming,” stated Gérard Medioni, vice president of technology at Prime Video, in a November press announcement. “This pioneering feature showcases Prime Video’s steadfast dedication to innovation and enhancing the viewing experience for our customers.”
Amazon describes the AI summary creation process in the following manner:
Crafting each video summary is a multi-phase process. Utilizing generative AI, the Video Recaps feature evaluates a season’s essential plot developments and character trajectories to gain a thorough understanding of the most significant moments that will resonate with viewers entering the next season.
Then, the AI selects the most engaging video clips and complements them with audio effects, dialogue snippets, and music. These elements are all combined with an overarching AI-generated voiceover narration to present a visually stunning recap.
Regrettably, fact-checking or human assessment does not appear to be part of the process.
After gaming journalists spotlighted the erroneous AI videos, which featured an AI voice-over and show clips, Amazon seemingly retracted the feature from Fallout and other Prime Video series, as noted by The Verge.
For AI detractors in gaming media, this presented a prime chance for puns regarding the “fallout” from yet another unsuccessful AI tool. Many creative professionals are notably opposed to generative AI in all its manifestations, as reported by Mashable.
Yet Amazon has not indicated that the feature is permanently discontinued, and it could potentially make a comeback. Amazon is fully invested in generative AI, as are millions of AI users.
In the interim, you can always depend on human-produced season summaries from outlets like Mashable.