The Impact of the Digital Cinema Revolution on the Film Industry
The film industry has undergone significant changes since the advent of the digital cinema revolution. In this podcast episode, William Joseph Hill, an author, filmmaker, and actor based in Hollywood, discusses the transformation of the film industry, the role of emerging AI in the creative arts, and the potential impact on employment.
The Future of Traditional Movies
Despite the advancements in technology, Hill believes that there will always be a place for traditional movies. Certain genres, such as martial arts films, require the authenticity of real actors performing the action sequences. However, Bill notes that weak performers may face challenges as AI technology continues to improve and replace human actors in certain roles.
Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Fighter-William-Joseph-Hill/dp/1082737933
You can also listen to the interview here or on all major channels.
Bill highlights the use of Chat GPT, an AI-powered chatbot, in his current work on the sequel to his film Cyber Fighter. He emphasizes the difficulty of creating captivating storylines that align with the established narrative, making AI assistance invaluable in the creative process.
Unreal Engine and Virtual Sets
Bill mentions that Cyber Fighter started as a feature screenplay, but he realized he could utilize Unreal Engine, a game engine primarily designed for video games, to build locations in CG (computer graphics). Unreal Engine’s ability to create virtual sets has revolutionized the movie production process.
With virtual sets, filmmakers can shoot live-action footage against a green screen and seamlessly integrate it with computer-generated environments. This technology not only speeds up the production process but also allows for greater flexibility in camera movements and scene creation.
The Role of AI in the Creative Arts
The conversation then shifts to the role of emerging AI in the creative arts and its potential impact on employment. While the exact future is uncertain, Bill believes that AI will play a significant role in the industry. However, he acknowledges the concern of job displacement and questions who would want to do the work if AI can perform it more efficiently.
If you’re interested in supporting William’s movie, Cyber Fighter, you can listen to the book on Audible. Bill has planned a trilogy, and he believes it has the potential to be a truly remarkable film.
Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Fighter-William-Joseph-Hill/dp/1082737933
In conclusion, the digital cinema revolution has brought about both opportunities and challenges for the film industry. Traditional movies will continue to have a place, but AI technology is increasingly being integrated into the creative process. Unreal Engine’s virtual sets have transformed movie production, enhancing efficiency and flexibility. As AI continues to progress, there are concerns about potential job displacement, but the creative arts industry is poised for a fascinating future.
Show notes can be found below
In the Elevator With William Joseph Hill
00:00:03 – 00:08:45
William Joseph Hill is an author, filmmaker and actor in Hollywood. We’re going to talk about how the film industry has changed since the digital cinema revolution. What role he sees emerging AI playing in the creative arts and whether people are going to stay at work or not?
Traditional Movie Characters
00:08:45 – 00:10:24
There’s always going to be a place for traditional movies. I think especially, like, with a martial arts movie, you’re going to want to see real people doing the fighting. The weak performers will be the ones that are really suffering, whereby they get replaced by AI.
Talking Tech Can’t Replace The Writer
00:10:24 – 00:13:35
Chat GPT has been helpful to me because right now I’m working on the sequel for Cyber Fighter. To create something that’s really captivating, that’s actually poised to fit the storyline that you’ve created, is extremely difficult.
How Cyber Fighter Used Technology to Level Up His Film
00:13:35 – 00:16:26
Bill: Cyber Fighter started off as a feature screenplay, so I always wanted to make a feature film out of it. With Unreal Engine, he realized he could build locations in CG. It’s a brilliant business model because they’ve cornered the market on 3D software.
Unreal Engine
00:16:26 – 00:18:30
Unreal Engine is a game engine designed for video games. What filmmakers have found Unreal Engine is great for is what they call virtual sets. And you can shoot your live action on a green screen, and if the camera moves, you can also match it. It’s basically speeding up the whole movie production process.
Will AI Replace People in the Creative Art?
00:18:30 – 00:21:22
What role do you see emerging AI playing in creative art? Is it going to put people out of work? Who the hell wants to do that work?
William’s Fight for the Future
00:21:22 – 00:25:29
Bill: If you want to support William’s movie, you can. go and listen to the book on Audible, if you like. Cyber Fighter. The minimum on this is like a trilogy, so I’ve got a trilogy planned. I think this is going to be a really good movie.
