11.01.24 Future Film Fridays
Happy November 1st and welcome back to #FutureFilmFridays! This week, I flagged nearly 30 articles that pinged my brain at the intersect of tech, AI, and the evolving landscape of entertainment, narrowing it down to just the must-reads. Let’s dive into what’s shaping the future of Hollywood.
1. Filmmakers’ Take on Cinema’s Future 🎬
In this meta take, Empire polls top filmmakers on their thoughts about the future of filmmaking. A tease of a larger article available in print, it’s full of filmmakers shouting out other creatives, plus a mention of Bong Joon Ho’s upcoming sci-fi film Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson as multiple clones.
2. Netflix Introduces ‘Moments’ Feature for iOS Users 🎥
Netflix now allows users to save, share, and rewatch their favorite scenes through a new ‘Moments’ feature in its iOS app. Will this impact how creators approach storytelling, perhaps offering bonuses for widely shared clips, or is it simply an engagement booster?
3. Chick-fil-A’s Dive into Branded Entertainment 🍗
I keep seeing online discussions about brands being the future of entertainment. I was an active participant in the late 00s and early 10s of branded entertainment, responding to numerous RFPs for scripted web series that incorporated product placement. But now brands are doubling down on content creation, building out defect studios, with Chick-fil-A making moves into streaming entertainment via its Play app, produced at Trilith Studios. Paired with new AI tools, it’s easier than ever for brands to craft high-level productions. Be sure to check out Sugar23 founder Michael Sugar’s ‘The Way Upfronts’, a purely brand focused content showcase.
👉 Read about Chick-fil-A’s new strategy
4. YouTube Adds Gamification to Shorts and Livestreams 🕹️
YouTube is finally gamifying its Shorts and Livestreams, adding an interactive layer to the creator-viewer connection. I ‘may’ have predicted this in my 2019 sci-fi short LIVE, so check it out if you haven’t seen my filmmaker debut!
5. Research Examines AI’s Impact on Human Creativity 🧠
I love finding research studies that explore AI and creativity. (Last week it was that excellent essay in The Conversation). A University of Toronto study explored the impact of large language models on human creativity during tasks. The findings weren’t encouraging, suggesting that while generative AI can aid brainstorming, relying on it may limit human creativity, especially for complex tasks. As someone who integrates AI for speculative fiction brainstorming, I found these results surprising.
6. SAG-AFTRA’s Agreement for AI Voice Model 🎙️
Recognizing that AI is here to stay, SAG-AFTRA has aligned with EthoVox to develop a foundational AI model specifically for voice. This partnership aims to protect artists’ voices while navigating the emerging space of generative audio tech.
7. The Russo Brothers Hires a Chief AI Officer 🤖
Powerhouse filmmaking duo the Russo brothers have just hired a Chief Science Officer specializing in machine learning. Where studios were racing to appoint Chief Metaverse Officers three years ago, they’re now moving toward Chief AI Officers. No surprise, as the Russo brothers have been bullish on AI’s role in Hollywood since 2023.
8. China’s AI Unicorn MiniMax Powers the Talkie App 🗣️
MiniMax, best known for its popular AI video tool, is now behind Talkie, an AI-driven “companion app” ranking as the fourth most downloaded in the US. This fast-growing market for ‘entertainment’ AI companions is sparking calls for immediate regulation.
9. Runway’s 3 Adds Game-Changing Camera Controls 🎥
I saw this update this morning on Matthieu Lorrain’s page: Runway’s 3-Alpha just launched new camera controls, addressing a major filmmaker frustration with AI-generated video — control over framing and movement. This development could be a big shift in the way filmmakers use AI in production.
That’s all for this week! The other big ‘non-tech’ news was Gavin Newson’s proposal to double production tax credits here in Hollywood. This is a vital step to ensure the future of an LA based entertainment industry. Another step to ensure our future? #VOTE.
The future is moving fast. See you there.
