Richard Gutierrez admits ‘Blood vs Duty’ used AI amid backlash

Richard Gutierrez acknowledged that the ABS-CBN action-drama series “Blood vs Duty” used artificial intelligence (AI) in some scenes, but stressed that the technology was only utilized to enhance visuals.

Gutierrez addressed the issue during the finale mediacon of the series on Monday, July 13, following discussions online about AI use in Philippine television.

“Kasi ang AI, nandiyan na ‘yan eh. We have to accept the fact that it’s gonna be there for a very long time. And sa filmmaking, merong mga parts na maitutulong ang AI,” he said.

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He, however, said filmmakers should be careful not to overuse the technology, saying, “If you overuse it, it’s going to question the integrity of the art.”

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Gutierrez explained that “Blood vs Duty” only used AI for minor enhancements, such as cleaning up backgrounds, and did not rely on it to generate entire scenes.

“So kami, Blood vs Duty, we used AI, but we used it to enhance the scene and not really na ‘yung buong eksena ng AI. It’s really just touches, isang pitik lang ng AI… to enhance it a bit, ’yung background. Kailangan namin linisin ng konti,” he said.

The actor also pointed out that AI is often confused with computer-generated imagery (CGI), which has long been used in filmmaking.

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“And you know, ‘yung term na AI ngayon, I think it’s being overused sa filmmaking a lot. But that’s actually CGI. Before kami, we would use a lot of CGI to back up the scenes, to help the scenes, to enhance the scenes. But CGI is old technology kasi it takes a long time to do that,” he explained.

Gutierrez also explained that AI has helped editors complete visual effects more quickly, a significant advantage given the fast-paced production schedule of local television dramas.

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“Sa way or system ng teleserye-making natin dito, we need the help of AI to make things faster kasi we’re always pressed for time. But ayoko rin na ’yung buong eksena ng AI. So, we have to find that fine line kung hanggang saan natin gagamitan ng AI,” he said.

Co-star Gerald Anderson echoed Gutierrez’s view, saying AI is an inevitable part of the industry’s future but should eventually be regulated.

“Yan yung future talaga natin eh. So, kailangan natin i-embrace ’yan,” Anderson said. “Syempre gusto natin laging bago at maganda yung pinapanood ng audience natin. So, wala namang masama doon.”

At the same time, Anderson expressed concern over AI’s potential impact on jobs and urged authorities to establish safeguards.

“Sana in the future malagyan din siya ng regulation. Kasi para maprotektahan din ’yung mga artista. They should push something for that. Para maprotektahan lahat. Not just ’yung artista, kundi ’yung prod. Lahat may chance na pwedeng mawalan ng trabaho,” he said.

The comments come as AI use in Philippine television has become a hot topic following online criticism directed at Coco Martin’s primetime series “Sigabo.” Viewers alleged that a recent episode used AI-generated visuals, while others raised concerns about the technology’s potential impact on jobs in the country’s creative industry.

“Blood vs Duty” is an action-drama set against the backdrop of the fight against gun smuggling, exploring its impact on families and communities while highlighting the lives and realities of Muslim Filipinos. The series stars Gutierrez, Anderson, Barbie Imperial, Baron Geisler and Ejay Falcon, among others. /ra

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The show’s finale is set to air on July 24.