AI Filmmaking has been one of the most discussed topics in the entertainment industry over the last two years, ever since GPT and Sora began releasing their learning models to the world. Every filmmaker has faced a critical question: Is AI Filmmaking our greatest tool or our biggest threat?
Now, before I get into this, I am not going to trash either argument. I think from an indie filmmaker’s perspective, you need whatever tool you can get your hands on. But from a business perspective, we are playing with fire. Let me explain.
The Evolution of AI in Filmmaking
About ten years ago—maybe even longer—I used to joke with my friends that someday, we’d be able to write a screenplay, input it into a program, and hit render. When I first saw generative video applications emerging, I would text my friends and say, See? I was right! Not that I’m a genius, but I’ve always believed that technology would eventually allow us to do some pretty amazing things.
Now, this article may spark debate, as there are valid arguments on both sides of the AI Filmmaking discussion. But I want to share my perspective. I have made ten feature films—brass-knuckle, low-budget, indie films. I didn’t come from a wealthy family, nor did I have industry connections. Still, I’ve won Emmys, walked red carpets, and run a successful video production agency in Las Vegas.
Over my 24 years in filmmaking, I’ve seen tools come and go—some becoming industry staples while others faded into mediocrity. Below are some thoughts I’ve observed in the sometimes polarizing debate over AI Filmmaking. And we thought politics was a sticky topic?
The Power and Potential of AI Filmmaking
First and foremost, the potential of artificial intelligence and generative AI in motion pictures is profound. This tool will undoubtedly enable independent filmmakers like myself to achieve incredible results. AI Filmmaking is democratizing storytelling visually and will soon open up unimaginable possibilities.
Generative AI is improving every minute. As language models evolve, we’re seeing a surge of content creators producing videos for social media, YouTube, and beyond. But the big question I have is: Can AI Filmmaking be industrialized?
The Loss of Authenticity in AI-Generated Films
One of my biggest concerns with AI Filmmaking is that, while it offers incredible flexibility and creative freedom, it also devalues the artistry of motion pictures. We’ve seen this happen before with the rise of CGI.
Thirty years ago, filmmakers had to build physical sets and models—many more effective than today’s computer-generated effects. Take The Hunt for Red October, for example. That film, shot in a warehouse, relied on practical effects rather than CGI underwater sequences, yet it remains one of the most visually compelling submarine films ever made. Compare it to modern CGI-heavy films, and you’ll see that today’s visuals often feel artificial, even cartoonish. And this is coming from someone who is currently making an animated feature film!
Does Perfection Lead to Mediocrity?
A significant issue with AI Filmmaking is the loss of imperfections—the very thing that gives films their humanity. If everything is flawless, it becomes unremarkable. Perfection, by definition, can lead to mediocrity.
The visible struggle is one of the greatest aspects of independent filmmaking—whether in horror, sci-fi, or comedy. Audiences can see the budget limitations on the screen and appreciate the effort behind the production, which adds an emotional connection.
For example, I’m currently working on my first animated feature film—a comedy about talking trash cans trying to save the world. Aside from some motion capture facial recognition software, I don’t use text to video/images models. Everything else is handcrafted: 3D modeling, texturing, and lighting each scene as if I were in a real-world environment. While experimenting with AI to generate scenes, I quickly realized it stripped away the soul, the funk, and the imperfections that make art unique.
The Future of AI Filmmaking: A Commodity or a Curse?
This is where I might ruffle some feathers. While I don’t have a crystal ball, I have 25 years of industry experience and a strong sense of where things are heading. AI Filmmaking will undoubtedly allow creators to bring their ideas to life in stunning ways. Within the next three years, audiences likely won’t be able to distinguish AI-generated content from traditionally filmed productions.
However, once AI Filmmaking becomes widely used by creators, I worry that audiences will no longer see it as something worth paying for. There will be an oversaturation of AI-generated content, leading to a muted entertainment landscape where filmmakers struggle to capture attention.
For content creators, this might be a dream come true. However, for traditional filmmakers, monetization will become increasingly difficult.
The Cost of AI Filmmaking: Will It Be Accessible?
The best AI Filmmaking tools capable of producing truly remarkable work will likely be prohibitively expensive. Major studios are already developing proprietary AI models, and once these tools reach mass production, we’ll see the return of industry gatekeeping.
This reminds me of the early days of digital cinema. Initially, digital cameras promised to democratize filmmaking. But soon, companies like RED and ARRI capitalized on the movement, introducing products that were even more expensive than film. The same pattern occurred with editing software and lighting equipment.
In short, there is no free lunch in the movie business!
The Impact on the Independent Film Market
I was at AFM (The American Film Market) this November, and from what I saw, the industry is already on the back foot. The global independent film market is already dealing with a compression of production and inflated costs, and while new tech may promise a boon in production, I am afraid it will be short-term. I believe the independent film industry will face significant challenges in responding to AI-generated films, especially as the novelty wears off. Buyers may hesitate to invest in AI productions, questioning their artistic and commercial value. Why would a distributor spend hundreds of thousands—or even millions—on a film when they could simply hire a team to generate an AI movie for a fraction of the cost?
This shift will likely make it even harder for independent filmmakers to secure funding and distribution.
The Future of Actors and Writers in AI Filmmaking
I love human beings. After witnessing last year’s industry strikes, it became clear that something must be done to support those in the business—particularly background actors, day players, and writers, not just A-list celebrities.
While AI Filmmaking offers exciting possibilities, I worry about the long-term impact on human involvement in storytelling. Will AI replace the need for actors? Will screenwriters become obsolete? These are real concerns that demand attention.
Will Audiences Grow Tired of AI Films? Yes.
In the short term, AI-generated content is a novelty. People will scroll through social media, marveling at the visuals. But in the long run, audiences may grow tired of AI perfection and crave the authenticity of human-created films. This makes me think of books. When the Kindle Reader and iPad were introduced, some said paper books were dead, but flight after flight, I still see people reading paper books, and not just old people! We humans will always need textures, imperfections, and pain to feel grounded and connected. That’s something that perfection and tech can never fully give us.
Final Thoughts: Storytelling Will Always Be King
As I wrap up, I urge you to never lose sight of the core of filmmaking: storytelling. No matter what tools you use—live-action or animation—focus on crafting meaningful stories. If you can do that, you’ll have a fighting chance in this unpredictable entertainment landscape.
That’s all I’ve got for you today. Peace out.
-Kelly