In response to the growing encroachment of artificial intelligence (AI) on the creative industries, a new app called ARK has been launched by screenwriter Ed Bennett-Coles and songwriter Jamie Hartman. This innovative platform is designed to protect the intellectual property (IP) of artists and ensure that they retain full control over their creations in a world increasingly dominated by AI-generated content.
The platform operates using blockchain technology, which allows artists to securely upload rough demos, drafts, and early versions of their work. By doing so, the app establishes proof of creation from the moment a work is conceived, ensuring that creators retain ownership and that their contributions are appropriately credited.
A Response to the AI Threat:
Bennett-Coles, who became concerned after reading about AI writing its first screenplay in 2008, explained the rising challenge that AI poses to creative industries. Both he and Hartman are deeply troubled by the impact of AI, which they believe threatens the emotional, experiential, and human aspects of the creative process.
As Hartman noted, AI is “taking so many people’s jobs,” and ARK is their response, affirming that “this is our work.” The platform emphasizes that human creators should retain the ability to determine the value of their intellectual property, rather than leaving it to technology that lacks the depth and perspective of human experience.
Key Features of ARK:
- Blockchain-backed timestamps to guarantee proof of creation.
- Non-disclosure agreements to protect early-stage works.
- Biometric verification to ensure secure and verifiable ownership.
- A system for collaborators to log their contributions, ensuring fair credit and compensation.
These features ensure that creators are protected throughout the creative journey, not just once the final product is completed.
The Human Touch in Creativity:
Bennett-Coles stresses the importance of the creative process itself, not just the finished product. He explained, “The end product is just part of the process; it’s the journey that matters,” highlighting that AI can never replicate the emotional and human-driven aspects of creation. This philosophy is evident in his metaphor comparing the AI-driven growth model to that of a cancer cell—endlessly expanding without regard for balance or integrity.
For Bennett-Coles and Hartman, the human experience—like the car trip Jamie makes to the studio—is just as important to creativity as the work produced in the studio itself. ARK underscores the irreplaceable value of these human-driven moments in art.
Support and Future Plans:
ARK has already garnered substantial backing, securing funding from Claritas Capital, a venture capital firm, and forming a strategic partnership with BMI, one of the world’s most prominent performing rights organizations. Set for full launch in summer 2025, the platform is poised to provide a much-needed safeguard for creators in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Bennett-Coles and Hartman view ARK as an essential defender of artistic integrity. As AI technologies continue to evolve, they believe ARK offers a timely solution to protect the human creative process from the unchecked rise of AI in the arts.
