A thought-provoking masterclass titled ‘The New AI Cinema: A Discourse on Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)’ at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) yesterday explored the revolutionary impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the film industry. Filmmaker and festival director Shekhar Kapur, alongside technologists Shankar Ramakrishnan and V. Muralitharan, collectively asserted that AI is poised to redefine global cinema by dismantling traditional barriers and offering unprecedented creative freedom.
Shekhar Kapur, known for films like ‘Bandit Queen’ and ‘Elizabeth’, initiated the discourse by calling AI “the most democratic medium for filmmaking.” He emphasized that AI has effectively removed traditional barriers and gatekeeping that previously dominated the industry.
- Empowerment Example: Kapur shared an engaging anecdote of his cook creating a script for ‘Mr. India 2’ using ChatGPT, illustrating how AI tools bring accessibility and empowerment even to ordinary individuals outside the industry.
- Creative Freedom: Kapur stated that AI will offer unprecedented creative freedom and expressed confidence that India’s large young population will accelerate the nation’s leadership in future film technologies.
Technologists Shankar Ramakrishnan and V. Muralitharan elaborated on the practical applications of AI tools:
- LLMs in Pre-Production: They highlighted the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to assist filmmakers in crucial pre-production tasks such as scripting, storyboarding, and designing shot descriptions, including lighting and camera requirements.
- Practical Showcase: The duo showcased their own AI-assisted film, ‘The Turban and The Rock’ (written by Raja Rao), demonstrating how various AI platforms and models were seamlessly integrated into its creation.
- Clarifying AI vs. VFX: Kapur clarified the distinction between AI and VFX, explaining that VFX involves digital manipulation of visuals, whereas AI uses machine-learning models to automate, enhance, or generate elements of the filmmaking process.
During the session, the panelists noted that AI can significantly support documentary filmmaking, archival restoration, and film education. An AI-generated short documentary titled ‘The Lost Legends’ was also screened to showcase emerging capabilities.
Despite his avid support for AI’s profound impact, Kapur stressed a crucial caveat: cinema’s essence is rooted in human emotion. While AI can accelerate and assist processes, real artists remain essential for conveying genuine feeling and depth on screen.
Key Highlights:
- A masterclass at IFFI featuring Shekhar Kapur and AI technologists declared that AI will redefine global cinema, calling it the “most democratic medium for filmmaking” by removing traditional industry barriers.
- Kapur highlighted that AI tools like ChatGPT empower ordinary people (sharing an anecdote of his cook scripting ‘Mr. India 2’) and asserted that India’s young population will accelerate its leadership in future film technologies.
- Technologists showcased how LLMs like Google Gemini assist with scripting, storyboarding, and shot design, and screened their AI-assisted film, ‘The Turban and The Rock’.
- While embracing AI’s role in accelerating processes and supporting documentary/archival work, Kapur stressed that human emotion and real artists remain essential for conveying genuine feeling and depth in cinema.