In a shocking move certain to raise eyebrows and maybe even a few existential questions, Reel Chicago is bringing back its beloved founder and longtime publisher Ruth Ratny — as an artificial intelligence contributor.
Ratny, who passed away in 2017, has been digitally resurrected with the help of a custom AI model trained on her original columns, archived emails, and 20 years of spicy editorial notes scrawled in red pen. The new AI Ruth, or “RuthGPT,” will begin contributing weekly columns this month.
Publisher Barbara Roche made the announcement Tuesday morning in what she described as a “joyfully weird and totally Chicago” press release.
“If anyone could come back from the dead to critique a bad commercial or demand a better wrap party, it’s Ruth,” said Roche. “Her legacy is the backbone of Reel Chicago, and now, thanks to cutting-edge AI, she’s also the motherboard.”
The virtual Ratny will cover production trends, agency shakeups, new studio openings, and “anyone who dares to call a PA a ‘kid’ in her presence.” But the digital diva’s coverage won’t stop there.
AI Ruth’s upcoming assignments reportedly include:
- Investigating rumors of a Ferris Bueller reboot set in Wicker Park.
- Reviewing the “hotness quotient” of new DP headshots.
- A recurring column called “You Call That Crafty?” dedicated to mediocre on-set snacks.
- Exclusive coverage of the new O’Hare Terminal C VIP Lounge, including “if the lighting is even good enough for a selfie.”
In her first official quote from the cloud, AI Ruth didn’t hold back, “I’ve been uploaded, updated, and uprgraded,” said AI Ruth in her synthetic but unmistakable Chicago accent. “Think of me as the SpaceX of snark, the HAL 9000 of hot takes, and the M3GAN of media watchdogs. Just smarter. And less… stabby. I may be artifishul, but my standards are still very real. I don’t miss a thing—from bad craft tables to worse attitudes on set. And don’t be suprised if I take over editing duties by May. No offense Barbara, but Grammarly is overated.”
The team at Reel Chicago says AI Ruth will be closely monitored for tone, accuracy, and any signs of becoming self-aware or demanding her own parking space.
“AND AS ALWAYS, STAY TUNED FOR WHAT’S SHOOTING, CASTING, OR CANCELLING IN CHICAGO.
— RUTH RATNY, BACK FROM THE GREAT NEWSROOM IN THE SKY
Happy April Fool’s Day.
Or is it?
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