MANILA, Philippines — Richard Gutierrez is defending the use of artificial intelligence in the action-drama series "Blood vs Duty," saying the technology should be embraced as a tool to improve production.
"We can't deny the fact that AI is there and it's gonna be there forever," Gutierrez told The Manila Times and other members of the press in an interview.
"It's just a matter of how we use it in a way that helps us in a positive way while making sure artists and workers are protected," he added.
Gutierrez made the remarks after "Blood vs Duty" became the subject of online discussion over its use of AI-assisted visual effects. Some netizens expressed concern about AI's growing role in television production. Similar discussions have also surrounded Coco Martin's series "Sigabo," which has likewise incorporated AI into its production.
While acknowledging those concerns, Gutierrez said AI can offer practical benefits, particularly given the demanding production schedule of Philippine television dramas.
"I think, especially when it comes to taping teleseryes, the way Filipinos produce them is very difficult. We're always racing against time," he said. "AI can really help in post-production. It can speed up the CGI process."
However, the actor stressed that AI should be used sparingly and should never replace actors or production workers.
"But the entire scene shouldn't be AI. Hopefully not the entire show, and certainly not your scene partner becoming AI. It shouldn't come to that," he said.
According to Gutierrez, "Blood vs Duty" uses AI only after scenes have already been filmed, primarily to enhance visual effects.
"For us, it's just to enhance the scene a little. We shoot the scene live first, then make slight tweaks in post-production using AI, which I think is the best way to use it," he said.
"It simply enhances the scene a bit—not to the point where other people lose their jobs or anything like that," he added.
Gutierrez said the entertainment industry should adapt to technological advancements while maintaining clear limits on AI's use.
"I think we have to learn to adapt and figure out how to use it in a way that helps us — but not too much," he said.
Directed by FM Reyes and written by Bjoy Balagtas and Rico Navarro under JRB Creative Production, "Blood vs Duty" stars Gerald Anderson, Richard Gutierrez, Barbie Imperial, Baron Geisler and Rommel Padilla, among others.
The series airs its remaining episodes weeknights at 8 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2 and iWant. It is also available on A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live and Netflix.
