A new TV shopping channel that went viral on TikTok for its decision to hire an AI host has been cancelled following backlash on TikTok. But the show’s makers have revealed that they’re actually delighted with the outcome.
Writer and director Alastair Siddons revealed the launch of 4QTV was actually part of an attention-grabbing plan to highlight the issue with over-consumerism and toxic work environments and launch his latest film called Up the Catalogue.
The channel racked up over half a million views in just over a week and garnered thousands of comments on TikTok for championing the use of an AI host to replace humans, whilst plugging pointless and throwaway products.
Siddons said: “Film launches are increasingly difficult these days and for independent filmmakers it is almost impossible to cut through, so we wanted to do something really different that was in keeping with the theme of Up the Catalogue. We deliberately wanted the AI TV host replacing humans to spark reaction and debate – it all plays into this dystopian world we’re heading for, where extreme over-consumerism is out of control and toxic workplace culture still exists.”
The AI host, called “Hayley” announced herself as the UK’s first AI TV presenter and received criticism after bragging about stealing human jobs and not causing scandals like human TV Presenters.
The channel also plugged bizarre products like “Permanent Bread”, “Disposable TVs” and a drink called “Hole_Aid” leaving social media users puzzled and annoyed – with one calling it an “abomination” and another begging for the show to be “cancelled”.
Siddons said it’s the “right time” to listen to social media and pull down the channel – and urge people to watch the film instead. The cast has a line up including Lyndsey Marshal, Morgana Robinson and Jonathan Bailey and was filmed in 11 days.
Siddons said: “We’re sorry, but we do hope social media quickly gets over our provocative film launch and gets out to watch Up the Catalogue and support independent filmmakers. 4QTV and products like Permanent Bread and Hole_Aid are all meant to speak to a world out of balance. It’s a particularly poignant moment to release it when over-consumerism is in overdrive and we promise it’s a darkly humorous yet thought-provoking film worth watching at this time of year.”
Up the Catalogue will premiere world-wide on Friday 13th via upthecatalogue.com.