Film Production Tools

The growing presence of artificial intelligence in filmmaking raises questions that extend beyond technological capabilities, efficiency and production costs. As AI tools become increasingly capable of generating cinematic imagery, narratives and performances, what happens to the role of the filmmaker, the creative process and the human experiences that give art its meaning? Drawing on my practice as a filmmaker, artist and educator, this session explores AI not simply as a means of producing content, but as a technology that challenges us to reconsider authorship, creative agency and the value of making art. Through practical examples and personal filmmaking experiences, we will examine the possibilities of hybrid workflows, combining physically filmed material with generative AI to overcome production limitations, expand creative possibilities and explore new cinematic approaches. Alongside these opportunities, we will critically consider the ethical implications of AI-assisted filmmaking, including consent, creative labour, artistic ownership and the potential loss of human connection and discovery within the creative process. At the heart of the discussion is a distinction between producing an outcome and experiencing the journey of creation. Can AI enhance artistic expression without diminishing the personal exploration, collaboration and unexpected discoveries that make filmmaking meaningful? Combining presentation, practical examples and audience discussion, this session invites participants to question prevailing narratives around AI, challenge their own assumptions and consider how artists can actively shape their relationship with emerging technologies rather than simply adapt to them.