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Celebrating Pride Month: Embracing Diversity and Equality

June is an incredibly special month that holds significant importance for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies worldwide. It is the time when we come together to celebrate Pride Month, a period dedicated to honoring the achievements, struggles, and the ongoing fight for equality for all sexual orientations and gender identities. Pride Month serves as a platform for fostering inclusivity, spreading awareness, and promoting acceptance and love. In this blog, we will delve into the significance of Pride Month and why it continues to be an essential movement in our society.

Historical Background:

Pride Month traces its roots back to the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, which marked a turning point in LGBTQ+ history. Following a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City, the LGBTQ+ community fought back against the harassment and discrimination they faced. This event ignited a wave of activism and led to the formation of numerous LGBTQ+ organizations, advocating for equal rights and protections. Pride Month commemorates the bravery of those who stood up against oppression and catalyzed the modern-day LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Embracing Diversity:

One of the core tenets of Pride Month is the celebration of diversity. The LGBTQ+ community comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Pride Month encourages us to recognize and honor this diversity, understanding that every person’s journey is unique and valid. It reminds us to embrace the richness of different sexual orientations and gender identities, breaking down stereotypes and challenging societal norms. By fostering an inclusive environment, we create a society where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Visibility and Awareness:

Pride Month plays a vital role in increasing visibility and raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. It provides a platform for individuals to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs, allowing others to gain insight into their experiences. This visibility helps dispel misconceptions and ignorance, promoting empathy and understanding. Pride parades, events, and campaigns serve as catalysts for discussions around LGBTQ+ rights, encouraging people to educate themselves and engage in meaningful dialogue. By amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, Pride Month brings attention to the ongoing fight for equality and creates opportunities for change.

Advocacy and Activism:

Pride Month serves as a reminder that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. While progress has been made, there are still many challenges to overcome. Pride Month encourages advocacy and activism, urging individuals to support LGBTQ+ causes, policies, and organizations that champion equality. It reminds us to stand up against discrimination, prejudice, and violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community. By actively participating in Pride Month activities, we contribute to the ongoing struggle for equal rights and help create a more inclusive society for future generations.

Building Allies:

Pride Month is not just for members of the LGBTQ+ community; it is an inclusive movement that invites allies to join the cause. Allies play a crucial role in supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, helping to create safe spaces and foster understanding. Pride Month encourages everyone to educate themselves, challenge their biases, and actively support LGBTQ+ individuals in their personal and professional lives. By becoming allies, we can create a more compassionate and accepting world for all.

Pride Month is a time of celebration, unity, and activism. It serves as a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. By embracing diversity, raising awareness, advocating for change, and building strong alliances, we can create a world where everyone is free to love and be their authentic selves. Let us continue to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year, as we strive for a future of equality, acceptance, and love

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AI: Redefining Artistic Expression

Art has been a fundamental part of human civilization, allowing individuals to express their creativity, emotions, and ideas. Throughout history, artists have shaped cultural narratives and provided unique perspectives on the world. However, with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), there has been a growing debate about whether AI can replace artists in the creation of artworks. In this blog, we will explore the potential of AI to redefine artistic expression and its impact on the art world.

The Intersection of AI and Art:

Artificial intelligence, with its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and generate novel outputs, has opened up new possibilities for artistic creation. AI algorithms can now mimic artistic styles, compose music, generate poetry, and even produce paintings and sculptures. These AI-generated artworks often challenge our preconceived notions of what constitutes creativity and push the boundaries of traditional art forms.

Enhancing Creative Capabilities:

AI has the potential to enhance an artist’s creative capabilities by acting as a collaborator or a tool. Artists can utilize AI algorithms to generate ideas, explore different styles, and experiment with new mediums. By leveraging AI, artists can expand their creative horizons, break free from artistic blocks, and discover new avenues of expression.

Democratizing Art:

One of the significant advantages of AI in art is its potential to democratize the creative process. AI algorithms can assist individuals with limited artistic skills to create visually appealing artworks. This inclusivity allows a broader range of people to engage in artistic expression, fostering a more diverse and accessible art community.

Exploring Uncharted Territories:

AI has the ability to generate artworks that challenge conventional norms and push artistic boundaries. By analyzing vast amounts of existing art and exploring novel combinations of styles and techniques, AI algorithms can create unique and innovative pieces that humans may not have envisioned. These AI-generated artworks provide fresh perspectives and open up new avenues for artistic exploration.

Preserving Artistic Heritage:

AI also plays a vital role in preserving and restoring artworks. By analyzing digital scans or photographs of deteriorating pieces, AI algorithms can reconstruct missing details and restore artworks to their original form. This application of AI ensures that valuable artistic heritage is not lost to time, enabling future generations to appreciate and study the masterpieces of the past.

The Human Element:

While AI presents exciting possibilities, it is important to recognize the irreplaceable value of the human element in art. The human experience, emotions, and intuition cannot be replicated by AI algorithms. Artists bring their unique perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and personal narratives to their creations, imbuing them with deep meaning and emotional resonance. The collaboration between AI and human artists, rather than replacement, can result in unparalleled artistic achievements.

The Future of Artistic Expression:

As AI continues to evolve, its impact on the art world will undoubtedly grow. Artists and art enthusiasts alike must embrace this technological shift as an opportunity for exploration and innovation. The symbiotic relationship between AI and human creativity can lead to new forms of artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of what we currently perceive as art.

Art and artificial intelligence are not mutually exclusive concepts. Rather than replacing artists, AI has the potential to enhance creative capabilities, democratize art, and foster new forms of expression. As we embrace the collaboration between human artists and AI algorithms, we will witness a new era of artistic exploration and innovation that reflects the dynamic nature of our evolving world. The future holds exciting possibilities, and it is up to us to navigate the intersection of AI and art with open minds and a spirit of curiosity.

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New Girl: Super Sema Season 3 | Episode 5

In the latest installment of Super Sema Season 3, Episode 5, titled “New Girl,” we join the lovable protagonist, Sema, on her mission to help Makeba, who has recently moved to Dunia. As Makeba grapples with the challenges of being the new kid in town, Sema’s innovative thinking and tech-savviness come to the rescue. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure that explores the complexities of making friends and finding one’s place in a new environment.

Makeba’s Struggle:

The episode opens with Makeba’s arrival in Dunia, a place teeming with excitement and unfamiliar faces. Overwhelmed by the prospect of fitting in, Makeba finds herself wrestling with shyness and uncertainty. Her struggle is relatable, reminding viewers of their own experiences as newcomers or encountering new environments.

Sema’s Technovative Solution:

Enter Sema, the ingenious young superhero armed with her extraordinary tech skills and unwavering determination to help others. Recognizing Makeba’s need for support, Sema sets out to create a technovative solution that will empower her new friend and enable her to find her groove at school.

The Virtual Icebreaker:

Sema’s brilliance shines through as she devises a virtual icebreaker activity, designed to foster connections and alleviate the pressure of social interactions for Makeba and her classmates. This unique platform allows students to engage with one another anonymously, opening the door for honest conversations and the discovery of shared interests.

Makeba’s Transformation:

Through the virtual icebreaker, Makeba finds the confidence to express herself and connect with her peers. As she interacts with her classmates, she discovers common ground and shared passions, breaking through her initial shyness and forming meaningful friendships. Makeba’s transformation serves as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of empathy, understanding, and genuine connections.

Lessons of Inclusivity and Acceptance:

As the episode progresses, Super Sema highlights the importance of inclusivity and acceptance in fostering a welcoming environment. By leveraging technology to create an inclusive platform, Sema encourages viewers to embrace diversity, be open-minded, and extend kindness to those who may be different or new to their communities.

“New Girl” from Super Sema Season 3 Episode 5 captures the essence of what it means to be the new kid in town. Through Sema’s innovative thinking and Makeba’s journey of self-discovery, the episode delivers a powerful message about empathy, friendship, and the capacity for change. It reminds viewers of the challenges faced by newcomers and encourages everyone to be a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance.

In a world where technology plays an ever-increasing role in our lives, “New Girl” showcases the positive impact it can have when used to bridge gaps and create connections. By blending heartfelt storytelling, relatable characters, and inspiring lessons, Super Sema continues to captivate audiences of all ages, teaching us that with a little help, understanding, and a dose of innovation, we can overcome obstacles and forge meaningful relationships in even the most unfamiliar of circumstances.

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French animation at the prestigious Annecy Film Festival and the highly anticipated MIFA 2023.

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival and the MIFA are highly anticipated events in the world of animation, taking place from June 11 to 17. French animation holds a prominent position with a strong presence of 45 French works across various categories.

Attendees in Annecy will have the exciting opportunity to explore seven French feature films competing in the festival and three others showcased in Special Screenings. The French audiovisual sector is well-represented with seven series or TV specials participating in the dedicated competition.

As always, the festival’s selection emphasizes the diversity of French animated shorts, with 26 titles from France featured in different categories. Adding to the lineup, Mihai Grecu’s immersive work, Sol-Air, completes the impressive French contingent.

In addition to the competition selections, the festival also presents French projects in various stages of development or production.

Furthermore, French projects make a significant presence in the MIFA pitch sessions. A total of 17 French projects, including four feature films, five shorts, four TV series and specials, and four digital experiences, will be showcased during these sessions.

Below are the French works & work-in-progress presented at the Annecy Film Festival 2023

Feature films – Official Selection

  • Kensuke’s Kingdom by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry
  • The Siren by Sepideh Farsi
  • Chicken for Linda! by Sébastien Laudenbach and Chiara Malta
  • Mars Express by Jérémie Périn
  • Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds by Benoît Chieux
  • The Inseparables by Jérémie Degruson

Feature Films – Contrechamp

  • Robot Dreams by Pablo Berger

TV Films

  • Astronome Gastronome (ep. “Au début était la crème fouettée”) by Geneviève Anhoury
  • Boys Boys Boys (ep. “Tristan”) by Valentine Vendroux and Clawdia Prolongeau
  • Edmond and Lucy (ep. “L’Adieu à Perlimpinpin”) by François Narboux
  • Karate Sheep (ep. “Super Croquette”) by Cédric Dietsch and Renaud Martin
  • Pebble Hill by Marjolaine Perreten
  • Samuel by Émilie Tronche
  • Tufo by Victoria Musci

Short films – Official Selection

  • 27 by Flóra Anna Buda
  • Astoria by Franck Dion
  • Box Cutters by Naomi Van Niekerk
  • Christopher at Sea by Tom CJ Brown
  • From one painting… to another by Georges Schwizgebel
  • Electra by Daria Kashcheeva
  • The Great Arc by Camille Authouart
  • The Perra by Carla Melo Gampert
  • The Purple Season by Clémence Bouchereau
  • Shadow of the Butterflies by Sofia El Khyari
  • Love Me True by Inés Sedan
  • Maurice’s Bar by Tom Prezman and Tzor Edery
  • Salvation Has No Name by Joseph Wallace
  • The Miracle by Nienke Deutz

Short films – Young Audience

  • Wild Housemates by Armelle Mercat
  • To Be Sisters by Anne-Sophie Gousset and Clément Céard
  • Harvey by Janice Nadeau
  • The Goose by Jan Míka

Short films – Graduation

  • Houle by Timothée Sarran
  • Furrie by Lucie Grannec
  • Réalitude by Théophile Farant
  • Mais où est donc Ornicar by Oscar Maso y Guell Rivet
  • Fires by Mohammad Babakoohi
  • Origines d’un Monde by Emma Zwickert
  • Human Resources by Titouan Tillier, Trinidad Plass Caussade and Isaac Wenzek
  • The Nuit Blanche by Audrey Delepoulle

VR Works

  • Sol-Air by Mihai Grecu

Special Screenings

  • Time Masters by René Laloux
  • The Forêt de Mademoiselle Tang by Denis Do
  • Nina and the Tales of the Hedgehog by Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli

MIFA Pitches

Feature films

  • Scavengers by Victor Caire, Lucas Navarro, Gabriel Grapperon, and Théophile Dufresne
  • Objectopia by Grégoire Sivan, and Mikaël Fenneteaux
  • La Petite Cavale by Julien Bisaro
  • Ogresse by Cécile McLorin Salvant and Lia Bertels

TV series

  • Pylône by Gabriel Jacquel
  • Garces by Manon Tacconi
  • Animal politique by Rachel Feury
  • Faits divers by Adrien Vivière

VR works

  • 369 by Ãnanda Safo
  • Grotte by Arnaud Laffond
  • Ecocity by Mathias Chelebourg
  • L’Étang by Antoine Morières and Lucas Léonarduzzi

Short films

  • What Comes at Night by Gaia Alari
  • Le Jardin Partagé by Sophie Racine
  • Pie dan lo by Kim Yip Tong
  • La mujer parecida a mí by Eleonora Comelli and Ange Potier
  • La nuit des dameuses by Agathe Zavaro
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Exclusive Interview with Jeff Sager: Prayan Animation Studio’s Presence at Annecy 2023

  • Could you please introduce yourself and provide insights into your journey as a scriptwriter? Additionally, could you share some of your notable works and enlighten us about the experiences you had while working on those projects?

My name is Jeff Sager. I began writing professionally in 2015 during my post-grad program at Humber College for TV Writing and Production. A former graduate of the program was guest-speaking in our class, and at the time, he was show-running the animated series The Bagel & Becky Show. He invited any student in the class to send him a spec script and original pilot for a kids’ animated comedy. I watched some of his previous shows and felt connected to his sensibility, which inspired the sample scripts I wrote and submitted. He ended up liking my stuff and ultimately hired me to write three episodes of that series.

Since then, I’ve worked on around twenty other kids’ animated series in both the preschool and 6-11 spaces. In the last few years, I’ve also been hired to develop several series for various broadcasters, studios, and production companies, in addition to creating some of my own shows in development. Some of the more well-known shows I’ve written on include The Snoopy Show, Super Wings, and Paw Patrol, the latter two of which I’ve been writing for the past two seasons. To reflect on my experiences, one thing I can say is that I always find it interesting how differently each show operates. It’s become clear to me that there is no magic formula that works for every show. For me, it’s important to really nail down what the essence of a specific show is that makes it special and unique and make sure to stay true to that in the stories we tell.   

  • Throughout your career, you have collaborated with esteemed companies such as Nickelodeon, Disney, Apple+, BBC, Netflix, and Cartoon Network. Could you share valuable lessons or insights you gained while working with these prominent brands?

I feel super grateful and lucky to have worked with all of these legendary companies. As exciting as that is, however, it’s also important for me to zoom out a bit and just focus on my job as a writer. No matter who I’m working with, I always just make sure to do the best job I can at coming up with creative stories that explore the most interesting elements of our characters and the most meaningful themes for our audiences to connect to. TV is such a collaborative medium, so working with these proven companies provides me with a great deal of trust that if I do my best work, everyone else will be doing the same. For me personally, the most important thing is working super hard to get my scripts to a place that meets the high standards of this industry while knowing that the rest of the team will be doing the same.

  • Can you brief on your recent association with Prayan Animation Studio and your expectations with this collaboration?

I have absolutely loved working with Prayan! It’s been a very collaborative effort to develop our three series, each with their own unique point of view and important message to share. They’ve been so supportive of the visions I have with each show, and their ability to produce high-quality art for my series at such a fast pace has been a true luxury.

As far as my expectations go, this is such an unpredictable industry, so honestly, I usually try to have none at all! That said, I think we have some really fun and meaningful series here, so I do feel confident that some people will connect to them in the same ways we did while developing them. Hopefully, we find some partners who are excited enough by them to want to get involved.

  • Could you tell us what you are looking forward to at Annecy International Animated Film Festival? Additionally, could you share your plans regarding taking your project, Prayan, to Annecy?

I really love these conferences because they expose you to like-minded, creative people from all around the world. I have now worked with companies in Italy, Japan, Germany, South Korea, and India all from the genuine connections I made while meeting them at these markets. This is my first time at Annecy, and I am really looking forward to opening up more doors and connecting with more people on both personal and professional levels.

I am excited to share the projects I have been developing with Prayan, as well as some other personal projects I’ve been developing. It will be great to get feedback to help improve the development process and get a sense of what other people are seeing in these shows. Ideally, we will find the perfect partners to help us take these series to the next level.

  • You have worked on a live-action tween comedy series with CBC, can you share that experience? What difference you felt while writing the script for a live-action compared to the animation?

Developing a series with CBC was a very cool experience. It was a series I co-created with a close friend of mine named Joel Buxton, and we were very grateful for the opportunity to work on it with CBC.

There are definitely some differences between live-action and animation, especially on the production end. For the writing and developing process, however, we really tried to stay true to our instincts and just tell the stories that best served the characters, world, and show we created. From a live-action standpoint, it was cool to kind of fantasy-cast the show with actors we would have loved to work with and base our characters around the look and vibe of those real people. That’s something we don’t always get to do, primarily working in animation, so that was a fun process.  

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11 Years of Excellence: Celebrating Prayan Animation Studio’s Anniversary

As we commemorate our studio’s 11th Anniversary, it’s hard to comprehend how far we’ve gone since Prayan Animation Studio’s humble beginnings. What started as a small team with a passion for animation has grown into a successful studio with a reputation for delivering high-quality work.

We’ve worked on a range of projects over the course of our 11 years, including short films, advertisements, and feature-length motion pictures. We’ve worked together with customers from all around the world to use animation to bring their dreams to life.

Our dedication to quality is something that has remained constant throughout our journey. We strive to create animations that not only live up to our client’s expectations but also go way beyond that. We are committed to utilizing animation to its utmost extent since we believe it is a really powerful tool for communicating incredible memories and aids in great storytelling.

Of course, without the help of our patrons, partners, customers, and most importantly, our team members, we would not have made it this far. We have the good fortune to collaborate with some of the most skilled and devoted animators in the business, who bring their distinctive viewpoints and creative vision to every project with full support and enthusiasm.

We’re taking a look back at some of the proudest accomplishments we’ve made in the last ten years as we commemorate our 11th anniversary. We take great pride in having contributed to numerous award-winning projects, including short films that have been screened at international film festivals.

Additionally, we are appreciative of the associations we have made with some of the biggest names in the business, such as Kukua, LionForge Animation, to name a few. Through these partnerships, we have been able to broaden our horizons and take on tasks that have stretched both our technical and creative capabilities.

We anticipate the future with optimism for Prayan Animation Studio. We always challenge ourselves to develop and advance our craft, and we are always looking for fresh and interesting projects to take on.

We wish to express our gratitude to everyone who has helped us along the journey as we mark our 11th anniversary. Without you, we couldn’t have accomplished what we have, and we look forward to working with you to develop and create in the years to come. Here’s to an additional fruitful ten years for animation!

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“Run Dino Run” – IP by Prayan Animation Studio is set to premiere at MIPTV in France!

Get ready to embark on an exciting adventure with “Run Dino Run!” This chase comedy show recounts the thrilling exploits of an adorable baby dino on a beautiful secluded island. Created by Prayan Animation Studio, “Run Dino Run!” is the latest IP that promises to captivate audiences of all ages.

We’re excited to announce that “Run Dino Run!” is headed to MIP TV in France, thanks to Animation Xpress India Pvt Ltd. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our latest project to some of the industry’s top producers.

The story follows the trails of a young dino, who goes through a lot of adventures while facing perilous challenges at every turn. With stunning visuals, heart-pumping action, and lovable characters, “Run Dino Run!” is sure to leave audiences breathless.

At Prayan Animation Studio, we’re passionate about creating high-quality content that inspires and entertains. “Run Dino Run” is just the latest example of our commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling. We can’t wait to share it with the world.

Stay tuned for more updates on “Run Dino Run” as we gear up for MIPTV. We’re confident that this exciting new IP will be a hit with audiences around the globe!

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Super Super Super Sema Exclusive: Behind-the-scenes and Interview with the Creators

Do you love watching Super Sema? So do we!

And that’s why we’re excited to share our experience while working with her!

At an early press day for Super Sema, various animators and directors discussed what went into developing Season 3.

Narayanan Thevannur, Animation Director, Prayan Animaton Studio

Narayanan is a charismatic leader who has worked his way up through the industry to achieve his dreams. His skills, work ethic, and love for his job are truly admirable. In this blog, he shares his experience, how he came to be an animator for one of the world’s biggest animation company, and some tasty tips for all those who love animation!

He has worked on diverse animation projects such as Pakdam Pakdai, Tenali Raman, The Hero of Color City and most recently Seaper Powers among many others. Narayanan has set the bar extremely high from the onset of Super Sema Season 3.

According to him, the goal here is to pull off a magic trick — make the animation so life-like, that the kids who watch Sema, start loving science and realize the immense possibilities it has in changing the world.

With more than 2 decades of experience under his belt, he’s an incredible source of knowledge and wisdom working alongside the filmmakers at Prayan Animation Studio. He is phenomenal when it comes to character designing, painting, illustration, and cartooning, you can see it for yourself on bit.ly/3Mns8fx

Working on Sema

It has been a different experience altogether. One of the first African projects to work on with a unique animation style. We could learn more about a diverse culture, with a divergent approach to filmmaking. Holistically a disparate outlook when it comes to character, design, and behavior. Could engage with an innovative way of storytelling, and presentation, and am glad to know they do not compromise on quality and always there is room for improvisation on story quality as well as animation.

For someone who wants to pursue a career as an Animator, here’s his pro tip –

Be your best self when it comes to the things you appreciate and wants to do, and emulate the greatest qualities of the work you see. Don’t be reluctant to invest sufficient time. It’s similar to honing a skill or training one’s mind to write. Simply keep producing subpar artwork until they improve and ultimately becomes excellent. Complete what you started, move on to the next challenge, and be open to considering how you can improve next time. Don’t just work harder but in a smarter way too. Be a kind and patient collaborator as well as a good listener. Understand your clients’ and coworkers’ challenges. Take good care of your body and mind because they might go under a great deal of stress in this industry.

Either you like animation or you don’t. Never try to force yourself to appreciate something you don’t feel motivated to do. Focus on the aspect of being creative that you enjoy the most. If animation is truly your passion and you are aware of the challenges and requirements of the profession, you are probably already the type of person who will enjoy their career every step of the way and have an exciting and rewarding profession.

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ChatGPT, who are you? Let’s meet!

An artificial intelligence robot named ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) was created by OpenAI and released in November 2022.

It rapidly attracted attention for its thorough and well-written responses in a variety of subject areas. ChatGPT is flexible even though its primary job is to imitate human conversationalists. For instance, it is capable of writing and debugging computer programs, composing music, teleplays, fairy tales, student essays, writing poetry and song lyrics, writing test answers (sometimes, depending on the test, at a level above the average human test-taker), simulating an entire chat room, playing games like tic-tac-toe, and simulating an ATM.

Beginning this month, OpenAI stated that ChatGPT plugin support would be upgraded, which includes both third-party plugins created by developers like Expedia, OpenTable, Zapier, Shopify, Slack, and Wolfram as well as OpenAI-made plugins like online browsing and code interpretation.

However, it lacks knowledge on incidents post September 2021. ChatGPT occasionally “writes plausible-sounding but incorrect or nonsensical answers,” as per OpenAI. Regardless of real comprehension or factual content, human reviewers favoured longer answers in training ChatGPT. Algorithmic bias affects training data as well, which can be seen in ChatGPT’s responses to queries containing human-related descriptors. ChatGPT is not allowed to “express political opinions or engage in political activism”, as per BBC.

As ChatGPT was made accessible to the general public, hundreds of books bearing its name as author or co-author and featuring pictures created by other AI models like Midjourney debuted on Amazon over the first three months.

Italian daily II Foglio hosted a unique competition for their readers while publishing one ChatGPT-generated story per day on their main website during March and April 2023.

 The pieces discussed issues such as Elon Musk’s management of Twitter, the Meloni government’s immigration policy, the potential AI replacement of human journalists, and the rivalry between chatbots and virtual assistants.

The debut of ChatGPT and its dissemination to a larger audience boosted the market’s interest and competition.

Google started rolling out an experimental service dubbed “Bard” in February 2023. It is based on its LaMDA large language model. On March 21, 2023, Bard was made available to US and UK users with a number of restrictions.

Yann LeCun of Meta stated in January 2023 that Meta is hesitant to roll out a competitor right now due to reputational risk, but added that Google, Meta, and several independent startups all separately have a comparable level of LLM technology to ChatGPT should any of them wish to compete. Yann LeCun has called ChatGPT “well engineered” but “not particularly innovative.” Meta launched LLaMA in February 2023; it is a 65-billion-parameter LLM.