BUCCANEER PIRACY: THE EMERGENCE OF AI-DRIVEN CINEMATIC REPLICATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

This essay introduces Buccaneer Piracy, a novel form of AI-driven cinematic replication that bypasses traditional content theft by reconstructing entire films using publicly available information and generative AI tools. Drawing parallels to 17th-century buccaneers, the concept reflects a modern form of digital piracy that exploits gaps in copyright law and technological ethics. Through a hypothetical case involving a Snow White remake, the paper outlines the mechanics of Buccaneer Piracy including AI-generated scripts, deepfake casting, and synthesized video production and contrasts it with conventional piracy. It examines the legal ambiguities, ethical dilemmas, and potential economic and creative impacts on the film industry. The study concludes with a call for legislative reform, technological safeguards, and public awareness to mitigate the risks posed by this emerging threat, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in an increasingly AI-driven entertainment landscape.