Jane Rosenthal & Cristóbal Valenzuela Discussion | AI Film Festival New York 2024 | Runway

Runway
28 May 202419:51

TLDRThe AI Film Festival New York 2024, set to begin on June 5th, promises innovation with its opening documentary on Demis Hassabis, founder of Deep Mind, and his journey from gaming to AI development. The festival will also feature an AI-generated film, marking the first acceptance of a film without its third act, to be completed live at the event. Discussions revolve around the evolution of filmmaking due to technology, the impact of smartphones on film creation and distribution, and the rapid advancements in AI's role in storytelling. The Tribeca Festival, now in partnership with Runway, will showcase AI-generated shorts, exploring the potential of AI in various creative processes and fostering dialogue about its future in cinema.

Takeaways

  • 🎬 The AI Film Festival New York 2024 is set to begin on June 5th, featuring a documentary on Dean Von Fenberg and films about AI, including the story of Demis Hassabis and Deep Mind.
  • 📱 The evolution of filmmaking has been significantly impacted by technology, especially the ubiquity of smartphones, which have enabled easier creation, casting, and distribution of films.
  • 📹 The quality of phone cameras has improved to the point where they are being used by cinematographers and in professional film production, as seen in Apple's advertisements.
  • ⏱ The speed of editing and post-production has increased dramatically with digital technology, allowing for more experimentation but sometimes sacrificing thoughtful reflection.
  • 🤖 AI has been used in films for years, but the tools available to artists now are more sophisticated and are opening up new possibilities for creativity.
  • 🎨 The barrier to entry for creating art has been lowered with technology, allowing more people to express themselves and tell stories in their own way.
  • 🔍 The importance of having a clear vision and passion for a story remains key to standing out as an artist, regardless of technological advancements.
  • 🎭 The Tribeca Festival has expanded beyond film to include games and other media, showcasing the multidisciplinary nature of modern artists.
  • 🎮 The festival has seen game creators wanting to become filmmakers, indicating a crossover and integration of different storytelling mediums.
  • 🤝 A partnership between Tribeca and Runway has been announced, featuring a program of AI-generated shorts at the Tribeca Festival, promoting dialogue about AI's role in filmmaking.
  • 📅 The AI shorts program will take place on June 8th and is open to the public, aiming to engage creators from diverse backgrounds in discussions about AI in film.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the upcoming AI Film Festival New York 2024?

    -The main topic includes a documentary on Dean Von Fenberg, films about AI such as the story of Demis Hassabis from Deep Mind, and a film created by a filmmaker-comedian entirely in AI, which will have its ending generated at the festival.

  • What significant change in filmmaking has been mentioned due to technological advancements?

    -The significant change mentioned is the use of smartphones, like iPhones, for creating, casting, and distributing films, which has become possible due to the continuous improvement in phone camera quality.

  • How has the editing process evolved since the early days of filmmaking?

    -The editing process has evolved from using physical celluloid film and sprocket cutters to digital editing with instant access to multiple cuts, allowing for faster and more experimental editing techniques.

  • What is the impact of AI on the current and future state of filmmaking according to the discussion?

    -AI is not new to filmmaking, but the speed and sophistication of AI tools are increasing, which is exhilarating for artists. It's expected to open doors for more people to experiment with storytelling and potentially create new forms of expression and mediums.

  • What is the significance of the film 'The Irishman' in the context of this discussion?

    -The Irishman is mentioned as an example of a film that took a long time to make and utilized technology for its creation. It also serves as a point of comparison to discuss how technology could have impacted its production if certain advancements had been available earlier.

  • What role does the AI Film Festival play in fostering dialogue about AI's role in filmmaking?

    -The AI Film Festival showcases AI-generated films and hosts Q&A sessions with filmmakers to engage in discussions about the role of AI tools in the filmmaking process and to encourage creators from diverse backgrounds to explore AI in their work.

  • What is the significance of the partnership between Tribeca and Runway in the context of the AI Film Festival?

    -The partnership signifies a programming collaboration where Tribeca will showcase a curated selection of AI-generated shorts at their festival, highlighting the integration of AI in various aspects of film creation.

  • How does the use of AI in filmmaking affect the barrier of entry for aspiring artists?

    -The use of AI lowers the barrier of entry by providing tools that are accessible to a wider range of people, allowing them to tell their stories in new and innovative ways without the need for traditional filmmaking resources.

  • What are some ethical considerations mentioned regarding the use of AI in the creative process?

    -Ethical considerations include ensuring responsible use of AI, protecting copyright, and giving credit to original material used in AI-generated creations to maintain integrity in the information disseminated.

  • How does the discussion view the potential of AI in enhancing or changing the storytelling capabilities of artists?

    -The discussion views AI as a tool that can enhance storytelling by providing new ways to express ideas and create content. However, it emphasizes that the core of a good story remains the same, requiring heart, passion, and a strong vision from the artist.

  • What is the role of curiosity in the evolution of creative expression through AI as discussed in the script?

    -Curiosity is identified as a driving force for creatives to explore and experiment with AI tools, leading to the development of unique voices and innovative approaches in storytelling and artistic expression.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Festival Innovations and AI in Filmmaking

The speaker discusses the upcoming festival starting June 5th, highlighting its innovative approach with a documentary on Dean Von Fenberg and films about AI, including one on Demis Hassabis from Deep Mind. The festival embraces new technology, such as AI-generated films, and reflects on how technology has transformed filmmaking, from the advent of the iPhone to editing techniques. The speaker emphasizes the importance of experimentation and the rapid evolution of the craft due to technological advancements.

05:02

🚀 The Evolution of Technology in Film and Its Impact

This paragraph delves into the continuous evolution of technology in filmmaking, referencing the use of AI in films like 'Tron' and 'Jurassic Park'. The speaker expresses excitement about the new tools available to artists, which not only speed up the creative process but also lower the barrier to entry for aspiring creators. The discussion also touches on the importance of storytelling, emphasizing that a good story comes from passion and a strong vision, rather than relying solely on technology.

10:05

🎮 The Intersection of Film, Games, and New Media

The speaker talks about the changes in the festival's approach to media, including the integration of gaming and interactive storytelling. There's a focus on the multidisciplinary nature of modern artists who are crossing over between different mediums. The paragraph explores the patterns of creativity and the use of new tools by these artists, who are at the forefront of experimenting with AI and other technologies in their work.

15:06

🤖 AI's Role in the Future of Film and Creativity

The final paragraph discusses AI's limitations and potential in the context of filmmaking, acknowledging that while AI is improving, it still struggles with certain details like human fingers and toes. The speaker anticipates more sophisticated AI models leading to interesting works in the future. There's also a call for responsibility in AI use, copyright protection, and fostering a dialogue about AI's role in creativity. The announcement of a partnership between Tribeca and Runway for an AI Film Festival showcases a commitment to exploring AI's impact on the film industry.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI Film Festival

The AI Film Festival is a thematic festival dedicated to showcasing films that incorporate artificial intelligence in their creation or subject matter. In the script, it is mentioned that the festival is starting soon and will feature films about AI, such as a documentary on Demis Hassabis, the co-founder of DeepMind, and a film by a filmmaker-comedian entirely created with AI. The festival's focus on AI reflects the growing intersection of technology and film-making.

💡DeepMind

DeepMind is a leading artificial intelligence company that is known for its contributions to the field, including the development of AlphaGo and AlphaFold. In the script, Demis Hassabis, the co-founder of DeepMind, is mentioned as a subject of a documentary being featured at the festival, highlighting his journey from gaming to founding DeepMind and his passion for AI.

💡AlphaGo

AlphaGo is a computer program developed by DeepMind that is famous for defeating the world champion Go player, Lee Sedol, in 2016. The script mentions AlphaGo as part of the discussion about the festival's past events, indicating the festival's history of engaging with AI and its impact on various fields, including gaming and film-making.

💡AI-generated film

An AI-generated film refers to a movie that has been created or significantly influenced by artificial intelligence, either in its scriptwriting, editing, visual effects, or sound design. The script discusses a film by a filmmaker-comedian that is entirely done in AI and whose ending will be generated at the festival, showcasing the innovative use of AI in the creative process.

💡Film-making evolution

The evolution of film-making refers to the changes and advancements in the way films are created over time, often driven by technological innovations. The script discusses how technology, such as smartphones and AI, has transformed the craft, allowing for easier creation, editing, and distribution of films, and enabling more people to experiment and create content.

💡Smartphone filmmaking

Smartphone filmmaking is the practice of using smartphones to create films, which has become more prevalent due to the improvement in camera quality and editing apps. The script mentions how smartphones, like iPhones, are being used by cinematographers and in commercial spots, demonstrating the accessibility and convenience that technology brings to film-making.

💡Digital editing

Digital editing refers to the process of editing film or video using digital tools and software, as opposed to traditional celluloid editing. The script contrasts the old method of editing on celluloid with the modern digital approach, highlighting the speed and efficiency of current editing techniques that allow for more experimentation and creativity.

💡Cinematography

Cinematography is the art of capturing and creating visual images on film or video, often involving the use of lighting, camera angles, and composition to convey a story or mood. The script mentions cinematographers using smartphones for shooting, indicating a shift in the tools used in this art form and the adaptability of professionals to new technologies.

💡Tribeca Festival

The Tribeca Festival, now known as Tribeca, is a prominent film festival that has expanded beyond films to include other forms of media and storytelling. The script discusses a programming partnership between Tribeca and the AI Film Festival, where AI-generated shorts will be showcased, indicating the festival's commitment to innovation and diverse storytelling mediums.

💡AI in storytelling

AI in storytelling refers to the use of artificial intelligence to assist in the creation of narratives, characters, or plot developments. The script touches on the potential of AI to open doors for new artists and to innovate in the way stories are told, suggesting a future where AI could play a significant role in shaping narratives across different media.

💡Misinformation

Misinformation refers to the spread of false or misleading information, which can be exacerbated by technology and AI. The script briefly addresses the responsibility of artists and creators to ensure that their use of AI does not contribute to misinformation, emphasizing the ethical considerations in the application of AI in creative works.

Highlights

The AI Film Festival New York 2024 is set to start on June 5th, featuring films about AI and its impact on various industries.

The festival is opening with a documentary on Dean Von Fenberg, showcasing his journey from gaming to founding Deep Mind and his work on AlphaFold and AlphaGo.

A unique film created by a filmmaker and comedian, entirely done in AI, will have its ending generated at the festival for the first time.

The rapid evolution of technology, especially smartphones, has democratized film creation, allowing for easier writing, casting, and distribution.

The quality of films shot on smartphones has improved significantly, with professionals like cinematographers using them for high-quality productions.

The shift from editing on celluloid to digital editing has revolutionized the speed and ease of filmmaking.

The use of AI in filmmaking is not new, but the speed and tools available for artists to create and experiment are continually improving.

AI and technology advancements are opening doors for people who never considered themselves artists to experiment with new forms of expression.

The barrier to entry for storytelling has significantly lowered, emphasizing the importance of having a good idea and the passion to tell it.

The festival will explore the role of AI in filmmaking, including its impact on traditional storytelling and the potential for new mediums.

A good story, regardless of technology, should have heart and the ability to inspire, change minds, or provide entertainment.

Tribeca Festival has evolved to include games and interactive storytelling, showcasing the multidisciplinary nature of modern artists.

The partnership between Tribeca and Runway's AI Film Festival will feature AI-generated shorts, fostering dialogue about AI's role in filmmaking.

The human-powered AI shorts program is open to the public, aiming to engage creators from all backgrounds in discussions about AI tools in film.

AI is currently not adept at creating realistic human elements like fingers and toes, but improvements in models are expected to enhance capabilities.

Responsibility in AI usage includes ensuring proper copyright protection and giving credit to original material used in AI creations.

Encouraging experimentation and education around AI in filmmaking can help alleviate industry fears and promote acceptance of new technologies.

The Tribeca Festival's programming partnership with Runway's AI Film Festival will take place on June 8th, featuring a curated selection of AI shorts.