In today’s cinematic landscape, many films that receive nominations for the prestigious Academy Award in the ‘Visual Effects’ category often leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning during production. Whether it is the de-aging of Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro in ‘The Irishman’ or for producing digital personas like Hulk and Thanos in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, artificial intelligence has instrumental in the accomplishments of several award-winning motion films. However, can AI be leveraged for other facets of the film production process? Of course, it can be. In this blog post, AICoreSpot explores the several ways in which artificial intelligence can be leveraged in the film industry. 

Utilizing artificial intelligence in filmmaking 

Film makers can utilize artificial intelligence in several facets of the filmmaking process, starting from pre-production to the post-production phase. Therefore, AI is advantageous in simplifying nearly every activity that takes places in the production of a film. Filmmakers can leverage AI in filmmaking in the following ways: 

• Authoring scripts 

Leveraging computational power in the script writing process is starting to gain acceptance and prevalence in Hollywood. Machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms can be leveraged to develop new scripts or author synopses and character names for films that have already been released into the wild.  

For producing a fresh script, a machine learning algorithm is input with massive amounts of data in the form of scripts from various other movies or literature that needs to be transformed into the motion film format. The artificial intelligence algorithm can devise fresh scripts by learning from the information provided to it. It can interpret, analyse, understand, and sort the story in literature to devise its own variant of a script consisting of critical events in the story. 

Also, AI can be leveraged in the analysis of individual scripts that will be made into a motion picture. The algorithm can undertake analysis of the script and devise its own questions and doubts. This provides time savings and additionally saves up on valuable resources as the algorithm can undertake analysis of scripts much quicker than human beings. For example, upon analysis of a script, the AI algorithm can devise questions such as “Why did the character speak this dialogue at this juncture?” or “Why is this scene featured here?” This can assist filmmakers create movies of high quality. 

• Simplification of pre-production 

Pre-production is a challenge, to say the least. It involves looking up locations, casting performers, and other activities like planning the shoot schedule. Artificial intelligence can assist streamlining the processes included in pre-production. For instance, AI can assist planning schedules for shooting and other pre-production activities. It can undertake analysis of the dates available for the several actors involved and plan the schedules based on that data. Therefore, the film shoot schedule can be devised to provide utmost efficiency. As artificial intelligence technology can comprehend scripts and screenplays, it can identify the locations detailed in them. It can then provide suggestions on real-world sites where the crew can go and capture the scenes. This again, provides a lot of time savings that is spent in identifying locations and in principal photography. 

Also, the technology can be utilized for casting. AI can assist producers and casting directors opt for the right performers. Artificial intelligence algorithms can be leveraged in the analysis of the historical performances of actors. It can undertake analysis of the geographical regions where their movies were successful, and the performers have a large fanbase. Producers can then give shape to promotional material and marketing campaigns on the basis of such data. 

Casting performers 

Casting performers by leveraging artificial intelligence is not restricted to the pre-production stage. The technology can be leveraged to add actors into the films digitally. The algorithm can be inputted with massive amounts of data detailing the facial features of actors expressing several emotions. The information can then be useful to overlay the electronic resemblance of the performer onto a body double, retaining the expressions of the original actor. This technology serves its purpose to shoot scenes of performers posthumously. The technology can also be utilized to develop digital characters or to de-age performers. This eradicates the requirement for casting several performers for the same role at the different phases of life. It also retains the integrity of the character as one actor plays the part, instead of several actors playing it, which could dilute their on-screen presence. 

Music composition 

Artificial intelligence has already incited somewhat of a revolution within the music industry, and it can be leveraged in audio scores and compositions utilized in films, too. With the help of reinforcement learning, the artificial intelligence algorithm can undertake analysis of information from various compositions. It can identify patterns in music compositions and gain knowledge on patterns that make quality music or are typically related with a specific genre. The AI framework can develop fresh music patterns on the basis of the information that has undergone analysis. It can additionally develop templates for background scores on the basis of the scenario or the genre that is expected. For instance, the artificial intelligence algorithm can comprehend patterns leveraged in jumpscare audios to develop templates that can be used in such scenarios in the latest films. 

Leading tech enterprises are utilizing artificial intelligence in developing music autonomously or helping musicians in composition. For instance, Sony produced Flow Machines, an AI framework that put out the song “Daddy’s car”. 

Movie editing 

Movie trailers are the key to enticing audiences into the theatres. Therefore, it is a requirement that studios develop trailers that are compelling for the viewing audiences, creating adequate intrigue for them to purchase a ticket. Artificial intelligence can be utilized to help editors in developing trailers for movies. For instance, IBM Watson was leveraged to develop a trailer for the movie Morgan. The artificial intelligence algorithm can comprehend spheres of high action or increased emotion and highlight them for a human editor to develop the finalized trailer.  

Likewise, artificial intelligence can help editors during edits of feature-length films. The artificial intelligence algorithm can detect the primary characters with face recognition technologies and assist in sorting out these scenes for human editors. The editor can then concentrate his efforts on these scenes consisting of the primary plotline of the film to complete a first draft in a prompt fashion. 

Movie promotions 

Promoting movies have become as critical as developing the movie itself. The performance of a movie can be largely dependent on the marketing and promotion strategies leveraged. Artificial intelligence can be deployed during the promotion of films to make sure that the film is a box-office success. An artificial intelligence algorithm can be utilized to undertake analysis of the viewership base, the hype connected to the film, and the performer’s popularity across the planet. Film studios can then shape their marketing strategies based on the regions where high ROIs are expected. They can coordinate special screenings and fan meet-ups at specific locations to enhance the audience’s involvement in the film. 

Movie studios can also go about marketing their films to individuals on the basis of their preferences. They can leverage an individual’s data available on the public domain, such as from social media websites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to develop customized, targeted adverts. For instance, if an individual is following a specific actress and is demonstrating a high level of engagement with her social media postings, the production house can develop targeted adverts for these individuals for promotion of their next movie with the same actress. 

The possibilities that artificial intelligence brings to the world of filmmaking are thrilling indeed. Filmmakers are, however, reasonably worried that artificial intelligence can totally supplant human beings in the film industry, taking over all responsibilities, from acting to direction. But they can have the assurance that artificial intelligence within the domain of filmmaking will only operate as a support system while humans are going to be in the driver’s seat. Movie makers ought to seek ways to integrate technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to increase the quality of the films produced, entertaining the billions around the planet and therefore generating billions in revenue.