The birth of filmmaking in the late 1800s marked a revolutionary moment in history, as it transformed live theater into recorded entertainment. Using principles from earlier mechanical devices like zoetropes and phenakistiscopes, filmmakers were able to capture motion on film and project it for audiences to enjoy. This first revolution in filmmaking introduced the concept of time, enabling people to watch recorded performances as if they were happening in real-time.
The second and third revolutions focused on immersion and realism. While early filmmakers struggled with synchronizing sound with motion, advancements in technology eventually allowed for longer audio tracks to be synced with films. Additionally, new advances in chemistry and dyes for film stock brought vibrant colors to the screen, making movies more immersive and reflective of real life.
The fourth revolution democratized both the creation and consumption of films. The development of commercially available camcorders and video cassette players brought filmmaking into homes, allowing ordinary people to capture significant moments from their lives. This led to the personalization of film creation and smaller, targeted audiences.
The fifth revolution occurred with the advent of the internet and smartphones. The World Wide Web and platforms like YouTube provided a space for people to share and consume videos. This led to an explosion of video content, accessible anytime and anywhere. The combination of film, internet, and smartphones transformed the way we create and consume videos.
Now, we stand on the cusp of the sixth revolution in filmmaking: AI. With the release of AI video generators like Luma AI Dream Machine, creators can transform their imagination into film within minutes or seconds. Unlike previous revolutions that focused on external factors like capturing live action or using external tools for animation, AI allows creators to directly visualize their internal thoughts and ideas. It is a powerful tool that aids human creators in expressing their vision and creativity.
While there are limitations to AI video generation, such as clip length and character consistency, these issues can be overcome. People are already creating feature-length films and TV shows using AI models, working around the limitations to achieve their desired results. AI models are also being used to generate portions of films, demonstrating their potential to shape the future of filmmaking.
Of course, the use of copyrighted data in training AI models raises ethical questions. While creators may feel aggrieved by the use of their work without permission, the reality is that every new technology and art form is inspired by what came before. AI scraping is not fundamentally different from prior scraping techniques used by web companies. AI is simply another tool in the toolbox for human expression, and it is up to creators to utilize it responsibly.
In the end, AI is inevitable in filmmaking. As George Lucas said, “It’s like saying ‘I don’t believe these cars are going to work. Let’s just stick with the horses.’ And you say, ‘yeah, you can say that, but that isn’t the way the world works.'” AI is a tool that propels us forward, allowing us to push the boundaries of creativity and storytelling. It is a revolution that empowers creators and expands the possibilities of filmmaking.