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Filmmaker says limited AI used in Paul R. Williams documentary; commissioners ask for clearer disclosure
Summary
Selection Culture Productions presented its Paul R. Williams documentary and disclosed limited AI imagery for early-life recreations. Commissioners pressed for clearer viewer notice; the filmmaker agreed to add a front-of-film disclaimer and work with staff on guidance for future city-funded documentaries.
Selection Culture Productions presented a final report May 11 on Upside Down: Paul R. Williams in Las Vegas, the commission-funded documentary about the Black American architect whose work shaped midcentury Las Vegas.
Presenter Emtt Gates summarized the film's scope, named interviewees and partners (including the Neon Museum and UNLV scholars) and said the production uses "some limited" AI imagery because archival material is scarce for Williams's early life. Gates said archival discoveries (including Library of Congress footage) and interview access strengthened the film, and he described planned screenings and partnerships.
Several commissioners questioned the extent and labeling of AI-generated images. Commissioner Stoall said he was "overwhelmed by the amount of AI" and raised concerns about recreations that change appearance, noting Gates's comment that he "made him extra cute." Gates said the AI use is mainly in brief flashbacks and offered to add a front-of-film disclaimer and to provide the commission guidance on disclosure practices for future documentaries.
Diane Cbrandt, staff director, said communications staff would receive the final master and would list the film on the city's documentary page. The commission did not take action on the film beyond the acceptance of the final report and asked staff to develop recommended AI-disclosure language for future funded projects.
