A Dublin homeless charity has this week released its brand new campaign video highlighting the city's homelessness crisis, which was created using by artificial intelligence (AI).
Dublin Simon Community's Unfair City uses AI technology to tell the story of former homeless man Justin Cannon. Justin was interviewed, and his story was then animated using AI image generators and the AI imagery was also created by Justin’s own words.
The unique project also used AI generators to protect the person's dignity and privacy while sharing their story. The Dublin Simon Community has also said it is becoming more challenging for charities to illustrate the impact and issues around homelessness as the crisis gets “out of control”.
Read more: Dublin woman facing homelessness 'crying everyday' as eviction ban protest held outside Dail
The charity is hoping that the use of AI will garner wider interest and appeal to a new audience of younger more technologically minded donors. CEO of Dublin Simon Community Catherine Kenny said: "As we continue to navigate unchartered territory and unprecedented levels of homelessness and housing insecurity, innovation is needed now more than ever to protect the almost 9,000 people stuck in emergency accommodation in Dublin and the surrounding counties and the thousands more living in fear of losing their homes.
"The potential for this technology is huge for the charity sector. It gives us the opportunity to share these stories with our donors and supporters in a beautiful and impactful way," she added.
Dublin Simon said that although the images were generated with AI technology it also worked with artists in creating the overall effect and shaping the visual style of the film. The video was produced by advertising agency BBDO Dublin and New York-based production company Lobo.
"One of the difficulties of telling stories of homelessness is that it can be very exposing for Dublin Simon's clients," said Robert Boyle, Creative Director and Head of Art at BBDO Dublin.
"Reliving traumatic moments in their lives in front of cameras, lights, and microphones can make them feel very vulnerable. The great benefit of using AI in this instance is that it allowed Justin to tell his story on his own terms in a way that was still visually engaging and evocative," he added.
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