Chinese creator Tianran Mu has garnered attention on social media for his unique ability to imitate the eerie aesthetics typically associated with AI-generated videos. His recent video features two individuals who seem ready to fight, only to unexpectedly break into a robotic tango dance, complete with bizarre props like a wine glass and a bowl of noodles. This surreal content, while appearing AI-generated, is entirely crafted by human hands.
In a recent interview, Mu, 29, revealed that he had little awareness of his video’s virality beyond China. While two users who shared his video on social media amassed over 11 million views collectively, Mu himself has no personal accounts on major platforms like Reddit and TikTok, making him largely oblivious to his international fame.
Mu stands out in a sea of creators attempting to mimic AI’s quirks, as he captures the essence of what has come to be known as "AI slop videos" with skillful exaggerated expressions and awkward gestures. His journey into comedy began in 2019, after he spent time at Hengdian World Studios, seeking opportunities in background acting. Comedy sketches became his main focus, and his recent success led to a sponsorship deal with a Chinese generative AI company, earning him around $11,000 for further projects.
Interestingly, as part of the sponsorship, Mu created two versions of his sketches—one featuring AI-generated content and another showcasing pure human talent. To his dismay, the advertiser opted for the AI version, prompting Mu to ponder the possible implications for actors as AI technology continues to advance.
In a follow-up project, Mu released a sequel video imitating the latest AI tools developed by OpenAI, showcasing a more nuanced approach while still evoking the unsettling feeling associated with AI outputs. He noted a competitive dynamic between AI creators and human creators as both sides strive for originality and improvement.
In the process of developing his video imitations, Mu closely analyzed common mistakes found in AI videos to reproduce those effects artfully. He focused on aspects such as the absurdity of object interactions and inconsistent character appearances, even going so far as to intentionally misinterpret a hanger’s use in one of his sketches.
As AI becomes increasingly capable, Mu worries about its potential to replace actors. Despite his own successful sketches receiving positive feedback, the looming presence of AI in the entertainment industry creates uncertainty for his acting aspirations. He has avoided using AI in his content, aside from sponsored projects, as he hopes to cement his reputation based on his acting skills. Ultimately, Mu dreams of creating his own film and achieving Oscar recognition.
In this evolving landscape of content creation, Mu remains a compelling figure, balancing the challenges posed by AI with a determination to showcase the irreplaceable human element in storytelling.
