Generative Filmmaking in the Age of Hypercinema

Catalog description

The history of generative art dates back to the 20th century, with Dada and Fluxus artists using chance games and techniques to create spontaneous works of art. Today, generative art and entertainment continues to evolve with advances in artificial intelligence, but how do these advancements impact media making and the film and television industry? Video diffusion models, artificially intelligent avatars and generative soundtracks are among the emergent AI tools that can be used to create a film. This IMA and Film course will allow students to explore new tools in the creation of hypercinema. From RunwayML and Stable Diffusion to real time avatar puppeteering and virtual production, this course will provide a hands-on survey of generative media in the film industry. How does generative AI change the way we tell stories? How do we deal with the ethical issues surrounding the use of generative media in film production? How will generative AI lead to dramatic changes in production and postproduction, distribution, and intellectual property ownership in the film industry? Class time will be split between lectures surveying the field of generative media and hands-on production using brand new tools and platforms.