Welcome to this new (special) edition!

Hello readers, Douglas here!

This week, OpenAI’s Sora, a next-generation AI video generator, made headlines—not for its official debut, but due to a leak by a protest group. The leak has revealed intriguing capabilities, including 10-second, 1080p video generation from simple text prompts. But it also raised questions about OpenAI’s approach to development, artist relations, and transparency.

I hope this helps clarify things for you.

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What happened?

On Tuesday, a group calling itself Sora PR Puppets published a project on Hugging Face, seemingly linked to OpenAI’s Sora API, which remains in a “research preview.” Using authentication tokens, the group created a public front end, allowing users to generate videos.

Key details from the leak:

• Video capabilities: Sora can create 10-second videos at 1080p resolution based on short text prompts.

• Watermarking: Videos generated from the leak bore OpenAI’s distinctive watermark.

• Shutdown: OpenAI swiftly revoked access, shutting down the front end after three hours.

The group claims their actions were meant to protest OpenAI’s treatment of artists participating in Sora’s alpha program.

The protest: Artist vs OpenAI

The group behind the leak claims that OpenAI pressured artists in its early access program to promote Sora positively while offering little in return. They allege that artists provided unpaid labor through bug testing, feedback, and experimental work. According to the group, OpenAI focused more on public relations than fostering true creative innovation. They also argue that strict controls on Sora outputs misrepresent its capabilities, limiting artists' freedom to experiment. “We don’t oppose AI tools,” the group stated, “but we oppose how this program prioritizes PR over genuine support for the arts.”

OpenAI’s response

OpenAI insists that participation in Sora’s program is voluntary and emphasizes its commitment to making Sora both useful and safe.

The company also highlighted its grants and events aimed at supporting artists but did not directly address the allegations of limited creative freedom or inadequate compensation.

What does the leak reveal about Sora?

The leaked Sora model reveals notable advancements in AI video generation. It processes videos faster than earlier prototypes, significantly reducing rendering time. Code suggests upcoming features like style controls and limited customization options, adding flexibility for creators. Sora’s training involved millions of hours of high-quality video data across diverse styles, enhancing its output range. Despite these gains, OpenAI faces fierce competition from rivals like Runway and Stability AI, which have secured major Hollywood partnerships, further intensifying the race in AI-driven video innovation.

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