Is Netflix’s Man Vs Baby Leveraging AI Technology
Netflix’s latest special, “Man Vs. Baby,” has debuted, starring Rowan Atkinson, known for his role as Mr. Bean. This festive four-part series follows Trevor Bingley, portrayed by Atkinson, who is tasked with house-sitting a luxurious London penthouse during the Christmas season. The comedy escalates when Trevor finds himself responsible for a missing infant.
AI Technology in “Man Vs. Baby”
The use of artificial intelligence in the production has sparked interest among viewers. Director David Kerr confirmed that various technologies were utilized to enhance the baby’s on-screen performance. These methods included the use of identical twins, CGI, and machine learning.
Filming Techniques
With strict regulations on infant performers, babies are only allowed on set for a maximum of two hours daily. To mitigate these challenges, the production team employed several strategies. Kerr elaborated on collaborating with Framestore’s VFX supervisor, Rob Duncan, to capture the full range of expressions from the baby actors.
- Multiple infant actors were used, including twins for key performances.
- Machine learning was utilized to refine facial expressions.
- Performance capture involved using multiple cameras to capture various expressions.
Atkinson expressed the unique difficulties of working with infants. He explained the necessity of using CGI to blend the performances of hero babies with those of other babies who couldn’t perform certain actions, like crawling.
Cast and Reception
Joining Atkinson in “Man Vs. Baby” are notable actors including Susannah Fielding, Steve Edge, and Ashley Jensen. While the series aims for comedic effect, Atkinson shared his personal struggle with the filming process, indicating he found it less enjoyable than expected.
Despite his mixed feelings, he acknowledged the show’s merit, albeit with a hint of skepticism regarding its execution. As of now, “Man Vs. Baby” is available for streaming on Netflix, inviting viewers to enjoy the comedic chaos of a father juggling parenting and house-sitting responsibilities.
