AI Filmmaking Goes Mainstream

AI Filmmaking: A Growing Trend in Hollywood

AI filmmaking is quietly revolutionizing Hollywood, as major studios increasingly adopt generative AI tools for content creation. While the use of AI in film and TV remains a sensitive topic, industry leaders indicate a growing acceptance of AI’s potential to enhance storytelling and production.

Michael Burns, vice chairman of Lionsgate, highlighted the expanding role of AI in filmmaking at the recent Runway AI Film Festival in Los Angeles. Despite the controversy surrounding AI, Burns noted that AI tools are being widely used behind the scenes, though not always openly discussed. Lionsgate, known for blockbuster franchises like “John Wick” and “Hunger Games,” has partnered with Runway, allowing the AI company to train its video generation models on Lionsgate’s extensive library of movies and TV shows.

AI Tools in Filmmaking: Controversy and Potential

The integration of AI into filmmaking has sparked both excitement and concern. During the 2023 writers and actors strikes, creatives raised fears about AI potentially replacing human jobs. However, industry experts like Runway CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela argue that AI can augment creativity rather than replace it, pointing to historical examples of industries adapting to new technologies.

AI-generated videos are already making waves in various forms of media, from music videos to brand advertisements. While early AI-generated content often suffered from distortions, advancements like Google’s Veo 3 model have demonstrated near-flawless outputs, raising the bar for what AI can achieve in visual storytelling.

The Runway AI Film Festival: A Showcase of Innovation

The Runway AI Film Festival, held in both Los Angeles and New York City, has become a hub for exploring AI’s role in film. This year, the festival received 6,000 submissions, a dramatic increase from just 300 in its inaugural year. The event featured user-submitted short films created with generative AI tools, attracting creatives and industry executives alike.

The films showcased at the festival ranged from absurdist narratives to thought-provoking themes, such as a chicken going to prison or human souls reclaiming bodies after Earth’s collapse. While not all films were entirely AI-made, the festival highlighted the creative possibilities of AI-generated content.

Expanding AI Partnerships in Hollywood

Lionsgate’s partnership with Runway is just one example of Hollywood’s growing interest in AI. Burns emphasized that the collaboration aims to produce higher-quality content at lower costs, with AI tools improving video quality to the point where it can be projected on the big screen.

Other studios and networks are following suit. AMC Networks has also partnered with Runway, using AI tools for marketing and TV development. Meanwhile, AI companies like OpenAI are increasing their industry visibility through screenings of AI-generated films in multiple cities, showcasing models like Sora, which can generate realistic videos from text prompts.

AI in Film Education

The impact of AI in filmmaking extends beyond Hollywood studios. Film schools are increasingly integrating AI into their curriculums. Elizabeth Daley, dean of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, noted that AI is being taught in courses to encourage students to explore its creative potential. However, Daley stressed the importance of ensuring that AI tools complement hard work and create new job opportunities rather than replacing traditional roles.

The Future of AI Filmmaking

As AI continues to evolve, its role in filmmaking is expected to grow. While concerns about job displacement persist, many industry leaders remain optimistic about AI’s ability to enhance creativity and innovation. The success of events like the Runway AI Film Festival suggests that AI is becoming an integral part of the film industry’s future, shaping how stories are told and experienced.