CREATIVE DIRECTION & INDUSTRY STORY TELLING ft. ALBERT BOZESAN // Civitai Creative Session

The video begins with an introduction to the generative AI art community hosted on citi.com. The speaker, Tyler, welcomes viewers and encourages engagement through likes and subscriptions. A special guest, Maddie Shimura, introduces herself as working in partnerships and as an Executive Producer of AI film and TV at civi. The guest of honor, Albert Bazon, is welcomed to introduce himself. Albert, based in Munich, Germany, works for Storybook Studios, an AI film production company. He shares his background as a writer and media person who discovered AI and its potential in 2012, leading him to become a pioneer in teaching and creating AI-generated content.

Albert discusses his initial foray into AI as a means to enhance his writing and concept illustration for TV and film. He found AI's image generation capabilities to be a game-changer, allowing for rapid iteration and visualization of ideas. The conversation shifts to his latest project, 'Space Vets,' an AI-generated children's animation series. Albert explains the series' premise and the team's goal to use AI extensively in its production, aiming to create a cohesive narrative rather than just a collection of impressive clips.

The discussion delves into the production process of 'Space Vets,' highlighting the extensive use of AI in creating textures, 3D models, and visual elements. Albert shares insights into the workflow, from concept art to final render, and the tools used, such as Blender and Cinema 4D. He also discusses the human decisions involved in creative direction and style selection, emphasizing the importance of quick iteration and the integration of AI with traditional art techniques.

Albert explains the importance of building a workflow that combines AI with traditional production methods. He discusses the 'Space Vets' team composition, including the director, Sebastian Unger, and the roles of production management, editing, and other key contributors. The conversation touches on the challenges of training and onboarding team members in AI technologies and the value of having a balanced team with both AI and traditional entertainment backgrounds.

The focus shifts to the importance of storytelling in any production, regardless of the technology used. Albert emphasizes that story should be central and shares the inspiration behind 'Space Vets,' including personal connections to veterinary work and a love for Star Trek. The conversation explores the process of developing a script and characters that resonate with children, leveraging the unique aspects of children's shows to create engaging narratives.

Looking forward, Albert discusses the potential for AI to revolutionize animation and entertainment, particularly in the area of audio tools. He expresses a desire for more open-source development in voice technologies and reflects on the current state of AI-generated voices, which still require significant human input to convey emotion effectively. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations of using AI in film production and the importance of respecting the original creators' work.

The discussion delves into the ethical and legal considerations of using AI in film production, particularly regarding the use of specific AI models trained to mimic particular artists or styles. Albert shares his views on the responsible use of AI, emphasizing the importance of transformation and originality in creative output. He also addresses the challenges of licensing and the potential implications for voice actors and other creative professionals.

Albert provides insights into the technical infrastructure used for AI film production, discussing the use of an in-house AI farm for data privacy and security reasons. He contrasts this with the reliance on online services for certain aspects of audio production. The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining control over the production process while leveraging the benefits of AI technologies.

The conversation explores Albert's inspirations as a filmmaker and the impact of AI on his craft. He shares his admiration for classic entertainment and the importance of understanding storytelling fundamentals. Albert discusses the value of learning from biographies of writers and the application of storytelling techniques in the creation of engaging narratives, with or without AI.

Albert reflects on the reception of AI within the film industry, noting the difference between online criticism and real-world acceptance. He emphasizes the importance of community and open dialogue in fostering acceptance and understanding of AI's role in filmmaking. The conversation also touches on the challenges of integrating AI with traditional filmmaking techniques and the potential for AI to democratize the creation of content.

The discussion concludes with thoughts on the future of filmmaking and storytelling in the context of AI advancements. Albert considers the potential for AI to enable even greater personalization and creativity in content, while also acknowledging the importance of human experiences and emotions in driving storytelling. He shares his vision of a future where AI is seamlessly integrated with human creativity to produce compelling and resonant narratives.

In the final segment, Albert shares his closing thoughts and provides information on where to find more about his work and Storybook Studios. He invites viewers to engage with 'Space Vets' and follow the studio's ongoing projects. The conversation ends with a look ahead to future guest creator streams and a reminder for the community to continue exploring and creating with AI.