AI integration in film production focuses on hybrid workflows

The film and television industries are increasingly exploring hybrid workflows that integrate artificial intelligence with traditional production methods. Rather than replacing human craftsmanship, AI is being utilized to enhance pre-production, post-production, and visual experimentation.

Creative technologist Thomas Harrington Rawle, working under Research Arts, utilized custom AI-assisted workflows for the experimental film ‘AUTOMATIC’. The project combined traditional CGI, compositing, and color grading with custom software designed to make technical processes more intuitive, allowing for rapid experimentation with mechanics and abstract forms.

Coco Mao, co-founder and CEO of OpenArt AI, noted during the Access Canada Summit that while digital creators and marketing agencies are early adopters of AI video tools, the professional film and TV industry has been slower to integrate these technologies. Mao emphasized that AI is currently most effective for pre-visualization and post-production, stating that the difficulty of imitating human acting means a mix of live production and AI enhancement is the likely future for the industry.