Why AI-Generated Scripts Fall Flat on Stage
AI-generated scripts lack the genuine emotion and human experience essential for creative writing. Using them without disclosure risks plagiarism and bans from publishers.
AI in Writing: Why It Feels Like Plagiarism
Recently, I reviewed several play scripts. Reading others’ work is something I genuinely enjoy because writing offers joy and growth to those who practice it. Most writers appreciate constructive feedback as part of their creative journey.
One script caught my attention—not because of the dialogue, which was fine, but due to an odd formatting style. Something didn’t sit right. After discussing it with a tech expert, I learned the script might have been generated using AI. I hadn’t realized AI could produce stage scripts.
AI-Generated Scripts and the Writers' Strike
This brought to mind the 2023 writers' strike led by the WGA, where concerns about AI-generated scripts were front and center. Curious, I researched more about AI in scriptwriting and discovered a clear consensus: using AI-generated scripts counts as plagiarism.
Many book-selling platforms have banned authors who submit works created with AI. This explains why the script I read felt uninspired. I was trying to polish something that lacked genuine human creativity and emotion.
Why Play Scripts Demand Human Experience
Scripts for the stage must come from the heart. They need to reflect real human experiences and emotions—things AI simply can’t replicate. While AI might be helpful for creating how-to videos or podcast intros, the book and theater industries strongly disapprove of AI-generated creative writing.
On stage, the absence of true humanity becomes obvious. The story needs soul, something AI cannot provide.
What Writers Should Keep in Mind
- AI tools can assist with routine or technical writing tasks but are not suitable for creative scripts or literary works.
- Using AI-generated content without disclosure risks accusations of plagiarism and can lead to bans from publishers and platforms.
- Authenticity in storytelling comes from lived experience and emotional insight, which remain uniquely human.
For writers interested in how AI can support writing workflows without crossing ethical lines, exploring focused AI courses may help. Check out Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses for guidance on responsible AI use.
