Filmmaking / Directing

We know undeniably AI is now a prominent subject,

Q; What happens when AI meets CGI?

 and even more important..

Q; When both mentioned factions meets Actors and more. In other words,

“to approach the inevitable”?…

Q; How prepared then and “anticipated” are you?

I present to you: How do you filmmakers see these entire subjects and relations being included in your budget and planning?

I have long awaited anticipations!

With so much going on in the industry my predictions are the presented, obviously and certainly are going to be unavoidable subject and subjects

PS: look at the video in the link therefore just to get a synopsis of what I am eluding to.

https://www.stage32.com/lounge/promotion/The-Fourth-Conceptual-Video

It’s a little demonstration of in-house techniques with what is to come and also advertising a fourth and final video for a fellow stage 32 member and project.

Implementation theoretically into industry, for discussions and budgeting for a film. What type of software talent etc. to employ, also comes to mind, with cost factors. Regardless of quality in the video. However, that being said with more time the CGI input can become even more realistic and ultimately for big budget productions. 

Besides the topic of In-house techniques applied CGI and AI are going to be a much explored future with benefits budget-wise and where focus will have to be paid in productions etc.

Industry matters are intensifying in many aspects. How things are done etc, only this time it’s not just "AI" but "AI" meets "CGI" meets Actor, Stunt Personals and more!

It is so commendable also for stage 32 officials highlighting the different educational posts and more, which includes VFX vs CGI vs SFX,, so that assessment can be attained for relevance and clarifications.

https://www.stage32.com/lounge/post_production/VFX-vs-CGI-vs-SFX-What-s-...

Software costs and talent by hiring or personal skills and training all to be considered!

Eager to see the discussions and comments.

Until next…As the saying goes…Happy filmmaking!

Regarding Adobe Firefly specifically, which Adobe touts as a tool for "smarter, safer and better filmmaking in the age of AI" - I did an AI powered quick research into professional attitudes and here is the result:

Prompt: What seems to be the current mood of professional filmmakers and other media creatives, as expressed on social media and forums like reddit, regarding Adobe Firefly's AI features? The general, as well as the weight of people who are optimistic or positive, versus those who are pessimistic or negative.

Answer (Gemini AI):

The current mood among professional filmmakers and media creatives on platforms like Reddit regarding Adobe Firefly's AI features is mixed and highly polarized, but with a significant and vocal weight toward pessimism and caution.

General Mood Summary

The general mood is characterized by a conflict between recognizing the potential utility of AI for specific, mundane tasks and deep, systemic anxiety about job security, artistic integrity, and the quality of the generated output.

Weight of Optimism/Positivity:

The positive sentiment is generally focused on Firefly features that act as practical, workflow-enhancing tools for existing projects, not those that generate entirely new content.

Workflow Enhancements (Asset): The most desired and positively viewed features are specific utility tools like:

Expanding the frame/clip length ("Generative Extend").

Quick and decent object removal/inpainting.

Accelerating pre-visualization, moodboarding, and storyboarding (e.g., Firefly Boards).

Speed and Efficiency (Asset): Some view it as a "fancy plugin" or an "incredible skill" that can help a skilled creative deliver projects faster, potentially increasing output. They believe the AI is a tool that enhances the editor, not a replacement for high-level creative skills like understanding story, pacing, and performance.

Weight of Pessimism/Negativity:

The pessimistic sentiment carries significant weight, often expressing fundamental philosophical and commercial concerns, alongside criticism of the current quality.

Job Threat and Devaluation (Threat): The largest source of pessimism is the fear that AI will:

Wipe out entry-level, concept artist, storyboard artist, and lower-level social media editing jobs.

Devalue creative work as business owners/managers use AI to automate services they would typically pay a professional for.

Cause budgets to shrink as workflows are streamlined by AI.

Quality and Creative Integrity (Negative): Many professionals find the quality of the purely generative content (especially text-to-image/video) to be lacking, calling it "junk," "soulless, bland," and "far from perfect." Specific criticisms include:

Generated humans look "deranged," and the realism is "off."

Resolution is often too low for professional, high-end work.

The features are seen as distractions from improving core software issues in old Adobe codebases.

Ethical and Systemic Concerns (Negative): A strong current of negativity revolves around the moral and commercial implications of generative AI:

Concerns that the AI is "foundationally built on stolen data" and contributes to a "corporate weapon aimed at the working class."

Frustration that Adobe is prioritizing generative AI features for "growth and shareholder value" over the needs of established professional customers.

https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2025/09/30/smarter-safer-better-filmmaking-age-ai

A strong theme can leave a lasting impression. Here’s how to amplify it:

1. Weave it Subtly: Let the theme emerge naturally through the story.

2. Create Relatable Characters: Audiences connect through shared emotions.

3. Use Visual Metaphors: Symbolic imagery reinforces your message.

4. Leverage Sound and Music: Set the tone and evoke the theme emotionally.

5. End with Impact: Leave viewers reflecting on your core message.

How Pzaz Helps: Storyboarding tools ensure every detail supports your theme.

What film nails theme for you, and how did the director make it stick?

Slow Movies

As an older grumpier man about town, I'm always on the lookout for great scripts and films that SLOW DOWN the world outside. Peaceful movies, movies that calm the soul and ease the brain...

My three would be:

1) The Tree of Life

2) Spirited Away

3) Anything by Paolo Sorrentino

Anyone got any others that they love to watch or even read that are calm, peaceful and soothing movies that slow the world down....(Not necessarily feel-good)?

Who else is thinking about using AI to make an entire film

Hey Stage 32 Fam,

Welcome to our very first Creative Growth Check-In! Each week, we’ll open this thread as a space to reflect on how we’re actively challenging ourselves to grow, whether that’s creatively, professionally, or personally.

Growth doesn’t always look like finishing a script or shooting a scene. Sometimes it’s the quieter work that helps us become more resilient, prepared, and confident as creatives.

This week, I’ve been challenging myself to learn more about the different audiences on various social media channels and how they may engage with creative content differently. As creatives, marketing ourselves, building a brand around our work, and growing an audience is an important (and often overlooked) part of the process. It’s easy to leave things like that until the end, but by the time you have a finished project, you want an audience ready to receive it.

I’ll be honest, it’s overwhelming to educate myself on, but I feel empowered by what I’ve learned and inspired to try new approaches.

Now it’s your turn: What are you doing (or hoping to do) this week that challenges you to grow?

Even if you’re unsure or struggling, your voice belongs here. Drop a reply, we’ll be here to cheer you on.

I love these comparison videos. I like to study how a scene is broken up into shots, what is added beyond the page, who's narrative POV we follow, camera choices, pace, tone of speech and pauses... emotional shifts.

https://youtu.be/I78MOuEMqZo

I’m happy to share that my short film One Way: There’s No Turning Back has been re-released on my new channel Shiva Scope Originals.

The film earlier received an overwhelming response from viewers, but as a filmmaker, I deeply value the perspective of working professionals. Your insights and constructive feedback would mean a lot, as they can help me grow and refine my craft further.

I’d truly appreciate it if you could watch the film and share your thoughts: https://youtu.be/JxNxK1qbxmQ

Looking forward to learning from your experience and engaging in meaningful discussions.