Master your craft, not your tool.
In this era of rapidly advancing technology and the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, the world of telling stories cinematically is experiencing a significant transformation. Screenwriting, visual effects, editing, budgeting, marketing, and other disciplines are evolving fast. AI tools offer great productivity potential and egalitarian opportunities for creative expression, but it’s crucial that we don’t completely delegate the craft at the center of our medium, storytelling.
The ability to craft compelling yarns and spin engaging narrative tales is a human superpower, and it’s imperative that we don’t allow our storytelling skills to atrophy.
Technology has undeniably revolutionized the filmmaking industry, offering new possibilities and efficiencies in various areas. Visual effects tools, for example, have become increasingly sophisticated, allowing filmmakers to create breathtaking worlds, creatures, and action sequences. Editing software has become more intuitive and streamlined, enabling precise storytelling and seamless transitions. Cinematographic tools have advanced, providing filmmakers with greater control over lighting, composition, and camera movements.
While these advancements are impressive and provide filmmakers with incredible creative tools, it is important to balance the use of technology and the craft of storytelling. Let technology enhance your ability to bring your creative visions to life, not overshadow or dictate the narrative. Here are some key considerations for achieving balance:
Story First, Technology Second: Always prioritize the story over the use of technology. Develop a strong narrative foundation before exploring the tech tools that can enhance it. Ensure that the technology employed supports and enhances the emotional core of the story.
Embrace the Fundamentals: Tools, platforms, and attention spans may evolve, yet the fundamentals of storytelling remain. Focus on understanding the key elements of storytelling, such as dynamic character arcs, relatable conflicts, engaging structure with rising stakes, and thematic resonance.
Study the Masters: Dive into the works of renowned filmmakers and storytellers who have left a lasting impact on the industry. Analyze their techniques, character development, and thematic exploration. Learn from their successes and failures to enrich your own storytelling toolkit.
Maintain Human Connection: Filmmaking is ultimately a collaborative endeavor. Maintain a strong connection with your cast and crew, fostering an environment of creativity, trust, and collaboration. The human element is essential for breathing life into our stories and fostering authentic and engaging performances.
Collaborative Energy: Riffing with AI language models has its place, but the synergy that emerges from collaborating with like-minded humans is unparalleled. By cultivating strong relationships within your filmmaking community, you can tap into a collective energy that fuels creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.
Seek Feedback and Collaboration: Engage in constructive feedback sessions with fellow filmmakers, writers, and creatives. Embrace collaboration as an opportunity to refine your storytelling skills and gain different perspectives. The exchange of diverse ideas and insights will elevate your work.
Audience Engagement: You're making this movie for an audience, right? So engage with your viewers through screenings, Q&A sessions, and social media interactions. Their feedback and reactions can provide valuable insights and inspire new ideas for future projects. Never cast blame. Always seek to entertain.
Adaptability and Learning: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Stay updated on emerging technologies, industry trends, and new storytelling techniques. By being open to learning, you will not only find ways to enhance your storytelling but discover new and relatable themes.
Future-proofing Your Skills: As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to stay curious and explore new techniques, tools, and platforms. Embrace emerging formats, such as virtual reality or augmented reality, and discover how they can enhance your storytelling without being overly distracted by mastering the technology of the moment.
Experiment and Innovate: With a strong understanding of storytelling principles and tools, feel free to experiment and innovate within your craft. Explore unconventional narrative structures, unique character dynamics, and thematic approaches that push boundaries and captivate audiences.
So focus on developing your storytelling skills, nurture your networks of like-minded humans, and together, embrace the techno onslaught. Inevitably, artificial tools will facilitate and even automate the creative endeavors of filmmakers—a challenge and an opportunity.
“Homo sapiens is a storytelling animal that thinks in stories rather than in numbers or graphs and believes that the universe itself works like a story, replete with heroes and villains, conflicts and resolutions, climaxes and happy endings. When we look for the meaning of life, we want a story that will explain what reality is all about and what my particular role is in the cosmic drama. This role makes me a part of something bigger than myself and gives meaning to all my experiences and choices.”
