4 answers
Tennessee
Student
South Orange, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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With AI Generated content on the rise, what will make human filmmakers indispensable How can I start developing those qualities now as a freshman entering a Communications School in the fall? #Spring26?
I am an upcoming freshman at American University in DC, where I play to double major in Film and Business of Entertainment. I have a passion for creating and telling stories which emphasize the value of music, art, and human passion in order to shape how people connect with one another and the world around them. As AI generated content becomes increasingly popular across all media platforms, I am interested in learning how to become an indispensable creative who's work cannot be replaced by technology.
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4 answers
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
119
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Think of Generative AI as just one of many tools you can use. Start making your own films with live action, Generative AI, and any other resources that help bring your stories to life. Learn from what you do, grow from feedback, and keep learning as you go. Remember, people are the ones who create original ideas and stories that touch the hearts of the audience. Be one of those people!
Connect with other filmmakers who are using these technologies. See what you like or don't like about their films and learn from that. If you can, find a mentor to guide you.
Wishing you the best on this exciting journey!
Connect with other filmmakers who are using these technologies. See what you like or don't like about their films and learn from that. If you can, find a mentor to guide you.
Wishing you the best on this exciting journey!
Kelly Donnellan
Associate Professor
26
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Tennessee,
This is a fantastic question, and you’re thinking about this exactly the right way. If you want to be indispensable as a filmmaker in an age of AI, I would focus on two big things:
STYLE vs. INTERPRETATION
Style is how you execute something:
- Where you put the camera
- How you move it
- How you frame and cut
STYLE can be learned. AI can replicate style. Interpretation is different.
INTERPRETATION is:
- How you see the story in your head
- What you choose to emphasize
- What something *means* to you
You could give two directors the exact same script, and even if the shots are technically similar, the interpretation could be completely different. That’s where you come in.
AI can generate images, but it doesn’t have a lived human experience. It doesn’t have a personal point of view. Its “interpretation” is based on patterns, not meaning.
Your interpretation, your perspective, your instincts, your lived experience, is what makes your work unique. That’s what makes you irreplaceable.
The other big thing: SOUND
This is something a lot of people overlook, but it matters a lot:
Sound is incredibly important to storytelling!
If your audience can’t:
- Hear the dialogue clearly
- Understand what’s being said
- Feel the environment of the scene
They will disengage immediately. People will forgive imperfect visuals.
They will not forgive bad sound.
So if you want a skill that will make you stand out (and honestly, make you employable):
- Learn how to record good production sound
- Learn how to use a boom mic
- Learn how to capture clean dialogue on set
- Create immersive sound design in post-production environments
People who can do this well are always in demand.
HOW TO START NOW
As a soon to be college freshman, you’re in a great position to build these skills:
- Make things constantly
- Pay attention to what feels real vs. what feels “off”
- Experiment with different ways of interpreting the same material
- Take sound seriously from the beginning
FINAL THOUGHT
Don’t try to compete with AI on speed or output.
Focus on what it can’t do:
- Human interpretation
- Emotional truth
- Thoughtful creative choices
That’s what makes your work matter!
This is a fantastic question, and you’re thinking about this exactly the right way. If you want to be indispensable as a filmmaker in an age of AI, I would focus on two big things:
STYLE vs. INTERPRETATION
Style is how you execute something:
- Where you put the camera
- How you move it
- How you frame and cut
STYLE can be learned. AI can replicate style. Interpretation is different.
INTERPRETATION is:
- How you see the story in your head
- What you choose to emphasize
- What something *means* to you
You could give two directors the exact same script, and even if the shots are technically similar, the interpretation could be completely different. That’s where you come in.
AI can generate images, but it doesn’t have a lived human experience. It doesn’t have a personal point of view. Its “interpretation” is based on patterns, not meaning.
Your interpretation, your perspective, your instincts, your lived experience, is what makes your work unique. That’s what makes you irreplaceable.
The other big thing: SOUND
This is something a lot of people overlook, but it matters a lot:
Sound is incredibly important to storytelling!
If your audience can’t:
- Hear the dialogue clearly
- Understand what’s being said
- Feel the environment of the scene
They will disengage immediately. People will forgive imperfect visuals.
They will not forgive bad sound.
So if you want a skill that will make you stand out (and honestly, make you employable):
- Learn how to record good production sound
- Learn how to use a boom mic
- Learn how to capture clean dialogue on set
- Create immersive sound design in post-production environments
People who can do this well are always in demand.
HOW TO START NOW
As a soon to be college freshman, you’re in a great position to build these skills:
- Make things constantly
- Pay attention to what feels real vs. what feels “off”
- Experiment with different ways of interpreting the same material
- Take sound seriously from the beginning
FINAL THOUGHT
Don’t try to compete with AI on speed or output.
Focus on what it can’t do:
- Human interpretation
- Emotional truth
- Thoughtful creative choices
That’s what makes your work matter!
Geraldine Siciruca
Teacher assistant
5
Answers
Keller, Texas
Updated
Geraldine’s Answer
Hello! Look, I can't predict the future, and I don't have absolute certainty as to whether or not Artificial Intelligence will completely replace us. But, speaking from experience, I can tell you that AI today is what computers were in their infancy.
It is true that the computer displaced the typewriter, but what good is a supercomputer if the human operating it doesn't know how to get the most out of their work tool?
I tell you this from the perspective of my own field: education. There is also a lot of talk that we teachers will lose our jobs because of technology. But you know what? I started using AI as an ally—to help me facilitate class activities and to generate innovative ideas for my assessment tools. The result? My classes are now vastly more dynamic and interactive.
I apply exactly the same principle to filmmaking: AI may pose a challenge to certain automated tasks, but human creativity will always surpass a mere compilation of rapidly processed information.
Your vision, your emotions, and your creativity are the driving force. As a future filmmaker, your scripts—when utilizing AI as a support tool—will be far better than you can imagine. Don't be afraid of the tool; learn how to harness its full potential. I hope to see your work on the big screen someday! Best of luck!
It is true that the computer displaced the typewriter, but what good is a supercomputer if the human operating it doesn't know how to get the most out of their work tool?
I tell you this from the perspective of my own field: education. There is also a lot of talk that we teachers will lose our jobs because of technology. But you know what? I started using AI as an ally—to help me facilitate class activities and to generate innovative ideas for my assessment tools. The result? My classes are now vastly more dynamic and interactive.
I apply exactly the same principle to filmmaking: AI may pose a challenge to certain automated tasks, but human creativity will always surpass a mere compilation of rapidly processed information.
Your vision, your emotions, and your creativity are the driving force. As a future filmmaker, your scripts—when utilizing AI as a support tool—will be far better than you can imagine. Don't be afraid of the tool; learn how to harness its full potential. I hope to see your work on the big screen someday! Best of luck!
Caleb Dillon
Screenwriter
5
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Caleb’s Answer
Your double major in Film and Business is a good start - you're already thinking outside the box and about the business end of filmmaking, instead of just the creative end, which is extremely competitive and notoriously hard to break into. As a business-oriented person, you can be instrumental in lots of ways, from handling deals, locking down financing, organizing projects, the list is endless, and unlikely to be threatened by AI anytime soon.
Two thoughts - firstly, re: AI, even generative AI, is still a predictive tool, so while it can technically write a screenplay, it can't tell a cohesive story with nuance, compelling characters, and original ideas. So generating your own stories will always be a commodity. IMHO, screenwriting will always be a valuable skill. That being said, the screenwriting game is always hard to break into, so...
Producers will always be in demand - their job is the least technical, and involves the most human elements I can think of - everything from finding material to putting together a creative team, to overseeing the project, to shepherding it through all stages of production. This is sometimes referred to as a creative producer, but really it's just a producer who loves and understands story. So you might help friends organize their projects, support a musician's work you believe in, act as a manager, or even help lock down the rights to a musical biopic and then write it!
Combining your particular talents is a great way to make yourself indispensable - focus on the human and creative side of the biz.
Good luck!
Two thoughts - firstly, re: AI, even generative AI, is still a predictive tool, so while it can technically write a screenplay, it can't tell a cohesive story with nuance, compelling characters, and original ideas. So generating your own stories will always be a commodity. IMHO, screenwriting will always be a valuable skill. That being said, the screenwriting game is always hard to break into, so...
Producers will always be in demand - their job is the least technical, and involves the most human elements I can think of - everything from finding material to putting together a creative team, to overseeing the project, to shepherding it through all stages of production. This is sometimes referred to as a creative producer, but really it's just a producer who loves and understands story. So you might help friends organize their projects, support a musician's work you believe in, act as a manager, or even help lock down the rights to a musical biopic and then write it!
Combining your particular talents is a great way to make yourself indispensable - focus on the human and creative side of the biz.
Good luck!