MOVIE MEETS MEDIA 2024, August 24, Berlin: Artificial intelligence in the art of film: redefining creativity for producers, directors, screenwriters and actors

The KIROI strategy, developed by Sanjay Sauldie, offers a structured approach for creatives to integrate artificial intelligence into artistic processes by taking into account both technological and ethical aspects. It promotes the targeted training of creatives so that they can use AI tools effectively without compromising their artistic vision. By providing support in the areas of data analysis, tool selection and cultural adaptation, the KIROI strategy helps to take creative work to a new level.

Movie meets Media is a renowned industry event that brings together leading personalities from the film, media and entertainment industry every year. The event serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, networking and the presentation of new projects, trends and technologies. It attracts an exclusive audience of film producers, directors, actors, screenwriters and media experts and offers unique insights into the future of the industry through high-calibre panel discussions, premieres and award ceremonies.

Here are a few best practices I've learnt from advising creatives in the field of artificial intelligence:

1. Film producers: Efficiency and creativity hand in hand

Best Practice 1: AI-driven market analyses to identify trends

Film producers are often faced with the challenge of recognising market trends and developing films that strike a chord with the times. With AI, producers can analyse huge amounts of data from social media, search queries, streaming behaviour and film reviews to understand which themes, genres and actors are currently trending. A concrete example would be the use of AI tools such as IBM Watson or Google Cloud AI to analyse this data and create visual dashboards that inform producers in real time.

Procedure:

1. Integration of an AI-supported analysis tool into the production planning system.
2. Regular review of the data and adjustment of production strategies based on the findings.
3. Liaising with marketing teams to incorporate the results into promotional strategies.

Best Practice 2: Optimisation of budgets and schedules through AI

AI can optimise complex production budgets and schedules by simulating different scenarios and minimising risks. Tools such as "Cinelytic" or "StoryFit" use machine learning to assess financial risks and make predictions about the potential success of a film.

Procedure:

1. Enter the project parameters (budget, time frame, actors) in the AI tool.
2. Analysing the simulation results and adapting the production plan.
3. Regularly update data during production to make adjustments in real time.

Best Practice 3: AI for selecting film locations

With AI, producers can select the best locations based on logistics, weather conditions, tax incentives and aesthetics. Algorithms such as those from "FilmHedge" offer data-based recommendations that take both creative and financial aspects into account.

Procedure:

1. Create a list of potential filming locations and enter them into the AI tool.
2. Analysis of the recommendations based on the specific requirements of the film.
3. Selection of the optimal filming locations and preparation of the necessary authorisations and logistics.

2. Directors: Merging vision and technology

Best Practice 1: Virtual scene planning with AI

Directors can use AI to visualise virtual scenes in advance. With the help of tools such as "Previs" or "NVIDIA Omniverse", they can create 3D models of locations and characters and test various camera settings before the actual filming begins.

Procedure:

1. Creation of a digital storyboard of the most important scenes.
2. Use of AI to create virtual scenes and carry out camera tests.
3. Review and adjustment of the recordings based on the results of the simulations.

Best Practice 2: AI for analysing actor performances

Directors can use AI to analyse and evaluate the emotional nuances of actors' performances. Tools such as "Emotion AI" from Affectiva can capture subtle emotional signals that are difficult for the human eye to recognise, helping the director to select the best takes.

Procedure:

1. Recording the scenes and entering the film material into the Emotion AI tool.
2. Analysing the actor's performance based on emotional and non-verbal cues.
3. Selection and fine-tuning of the final scenes based on the AI's recommendations.

Best Practice 3: Automated cutting suggestions through AI

AI can make editing suggestions by sifting through huge amounts of raw material and suggesting the best cuts based on the desired mood, pace and emotional highlights of the film. Tools such as "Adobe Sensei" offer these functions and save directors valuable time in the editing room.

Procedure:

1. Import of the entire film material into the editing programme with integrated AI.
2. Definition of the desired film parameters (tempo, mood, genre).
3. Review and adjustment of AI-generated suggestions by the director to ensure creative polish.

3. Screenwriters: Taking the art of storytelling to the next level

Best Practice 1: AI-supported story generation

Screenwriters can use AI to generate new storylines, characters and dialogue. Tools such as "ScriptBook" and "DeepStory" analyse existing scripts and offer suggestions for twists, dialogues and character developments that can improve the narrative flow.

Procedure:

1. Enter the existing script or a list of ideas into the AI tool.
2. Analysing and selecting proposals for new storylines and character developments.
3. Integration of the selected ideas into the script and revision of the script to maintain the creative flow.

Best Practice 2: AI for analysing audience expectations

AI can analyse large amounts of audience feedback and social media to identify patterns that provide insight into audience expectations. This helps scriptwriters to write stories that are both creative and appealing to the masses.

Procedure:

1. Collection of data from film reviews, social media and other sources.
2. Analysing this data with an AI tool to identify the audience's likes and dislikes.
3. Adapt the script based on these findings without compromising the creative vision.

Best Practice 3: Automated language optimisation

AI tools such as "Grammarly" or "Hemingway Editor" can help screenwriters to make dialogue more precise and appealing. They analyse the text for clarity, tone and emotional impact and offer suggestions for improvement.

Procedure:

1. Input the dialogues into the AI tool for analysis.
2. Reviewing the proposals and adapting the texts to achieve the desired tone and emotional depth.
3. Repeatedly reviewing and fine-tuning dialogue to ensure it is authentic and effective.

4. Actors: perfection and versatility through AI

Best Practice 1: AI-supported role analysis

Actors can use AI to empathise more intensively with their roles. Tools such as "Character.AI" analyse character profiles and offer actors deeper insights into the motivations, emotions and behaviour of their characters.

Procedure:

1. Enter the character profile and script in the AI tool.
2. Analyse and study the proposed character studies to better understand the role.
3. Applying the knowledge gained during rehearsals and filming to refine the performance.

Best Practice 2: AI to improve voice and speech techniques

Actors can use AI tools such as "Voice AI" to train their voice, learn dialects or express different emotions precisely. These tools provide personalised feedback and help actors to improve their vocal skills.

Procedure:

1. Recording speech samples and analysing them with the AI tool.
2. Implementing feedback and practising specific techniques to improve vocal performance.
3. Regular training and refinement of the voice to increase versatility and expressiveness.

Best Practice 3: Virtual acting coaches

AI-powered virtual coaches offer actors personalised training sessions and help them to improve their technique. These AI coaches can analyse facial expressions, gestures and physical expressions and suggest targeted improvements.

Procedure:

1. Performing acting exercises in front of a camera connected to the AI coach.
2. Analysis of the recordings by the AI coach and feedback on body language, expression and technique.
3. Implementation of feedback in the acting process in order to achieve a more intensive and authentic performance.

Artificial intelligence as a creative catalyst

AI is changing the film industry in fundamental ways, allowing producers, directors, screenwriters and actors to rediscover and expand their creativity. While there are some concerns about the role of AI in the arts, it is proving to be a valuable addition that enables the creation of innovative and engaging films that excite audiences in new ways.

By integrating the 9 steps of the KIROI strategy into their way of working, arts organisations can ensure that the implementation of AI is not only technically effective, but also culturally and ethically responsible. From staff training and development to fostering a creative, AI-enabled environment, the future of the arts scene is exciting and full of possibilities.

Find out more about the KIROI strategy