The use of artificial intelligence in film production was a central theme during the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on November 29, 2023. A panel titled “Moving Forward With AI: Beyond Constraints. Future Scenarios for European Film Productions & Business” brought together industry experts to explore the potential of AI in enhancing creativity and improving various production processes. The discussion emphasized the need for best practices and regulations to guide this technological shift.
Director and producer Matt Szymanowski shared insights from his work on the hybrid dystopian feature film Captive Mind, which integrates AI technology. He highlighted the efficiency and sustainability offered by AI, stating, “The future of cinema is hybrid.” Szymanowski noted that implementing AI tools can reduce post-production timelines by 25-40 percent and decrease team sizes by 40-60 percent, translating to cost savings between $120,000 and $300,000.
Another speaker, AI expert and script consultant Maciej Zemojcin, challenged traditional notions of the film industry. He argued for a shift in perspective, suggesting that the term “film and TV industry” is outdated. Instead, he proposed “technology storytelling” as a more accurate descriptor, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections with audiences in an era where content authenticity is crucial.
Zemojcin’s remarks were complemented by screenwriter Katri Manninen, who discussed her experiences using AI tools. While Manninen utilizes AI for various tasks such as organizing ideas and formatting text, she firmly believes that storytelling must remain a human endeavor. “I use AI for everything but writing,” she explained, stressing the importance of ideating her own narratives. Manninen pointed out that AI-generated text often lacks depth, likening it to work produced by children or teenagers.
The session was moderated by Kristen Davis, former IT and innovation director at The New York Times International, who underscored the significant changes required in skill sets and processes to achieve augmented creativity within the film industry. She noted that the integration of AI is not merely about adopting new tools but also about evolving mindsets and workflows.
During the event, an AI-generated voice of Charlie Chaplin made an appearance, contributing to the discussion about best practices in the realm of AI. The AI agent shared insights on the potential risks and ethical considerations associated with AI in filmmaking. This prompted a conversation about transparency, consent, and fair compensation for individuals whose work informs AI systems.
In a remote contribution from Barcelona, executives from Artefacto Studio, Anna Giralt Gris and Jorge Caballero, highlighted the transformative impact of AI on traditional film production processes. They noted that the linear and sequential nature of conventional filmmaking is evolving into a more iterative and continuous model, facilitated by AI tools that enhance concept generation and real-time iteration during production.
As the debate on AI’s role in filmmaking continues, the consensus among panelists is that embracing these technologies carries both opportunities and challenges. The future landscape of cinema will depend on how industry professionals navigate this shift while ensuring that human creativity remains at the forefront of storytelling.
Zemojcin’s closing remarks encapsulated the urgency of adapting to these changes: “If you are not ready for this shift, this will not shift for you.” The panelists collectively encouraged attendees to embrace AI as a tool for innovation while remaining vigilant about ethical implications and the preservation of human artistry in the film industry.
