ROUND TABLE
reducing the number of trips that our employees take to and from the office. Our virtual desktop infrastructure allows us to deploy extremely efficient hardware in consolidated locations that provides a significant reduction in our environmental footprint. We also upgraded significant portions of our computer farm to specifically optimise for environmental impact. These are all things that could become standard practices in our industry. Def: How is AI being integrated into filmmaking processes, and what applications do you foresee gaining traction in 2024? PS: I expect to see the continued growth of AI techniques integrated into the tools and processes that we currently use. These enhanced tools will allow us to be more efficient. Over time, as the technology develops, AI will enable brand-new workflows, but these are still early days. ET: Generative AI tools like Midjourney have so far proved incredibly useful for applications like conceptual artwork. Traditionally, a mixed-media approach was needed. A landscape, for instance, required photographic backplates with elements like skies and clouds as well as a misty valley. Now, AI tools can create many variations of this type of material with a quick prompt. Animation is another example of where AI is
leaving its mark. Until now, animators required a significant understanding of technical details like timing and weight distribution – making it a highly complex process. We’ll now see AI being used to do a lot of the heavy lifting, having been trained to have a deep understanding of movement. This application of AI will continue to gain traction as we enter 2024, driving efficiencies and allowing more resources to be focused on generating creative ideas. SP: AI can assist in previsualisation by automating the creation of storyboards or animatics, streamlining the pre- production process and providing visual references for scenes and sequences. In virtual production workflows, it’s helping filmmakers create realistic virtual environments in real time. AI algorithms can contribute to dynamic lighting, background elements and overall scene composition. In editing and post-production, meanwhile, AI- driven editing tools are becoming more sophisticated, automating tasks such as video editing, colour grading and even sound design. AI algorithms can analyse footage to suggest edits, transitions and pacing, speeding up the post- production process. AI has also given birth to prompt engineers: a job where tools like ChatGPT are used with visual AI tools like Midjourney to conceptualise ideas into concept documents. This can be used in the pitching process to win
tenders on large jobs. I think these tools will continue to evolve and we’ll see more AI tools dedicated to filmmaking applications. Deepfake technology, which uses AI to create realistic- looking but entirely fabricated content, raises ethical concerns. Its misuse for deceptive purposes or to manipulate the perception of reality can have serious consequences, ultimately impacting our trust in visual media. CN: Some OTTs are using AI to streamline how they process scripts against the behaviour of their audience when watching content, saving them substantial time vetting where they may want to invest into production. Crews are using it to help facilitate scripts and treatments so they have a supporting hand while budgets are lower, and also stitching content together while managing the digital filing process to remove both time and labour. This is so VFX artists and animators can utilise their workloads more effectively. As for other applications, I see a few filmmakers experimenting with moving graphics and AI, so they can learn new skills without necessarily having to become a technical expert in another field, which are useful steps in diversifying one’s skill sets. In fact, even apps are looking at integrated AI to both assist in filmmaking and secure investment to kickstart the industry and productions in general. ITS MISUSE FOR deceptive purposes CAN HAVE serious consequences, IMPACTING OUR TRUST IN VISUAL MEDIA”
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