- by Archit Dhulla (PAP Cohort-2)
Today, films are not merely about telling a story but about delivering visual experiences that leave audiences in awe. From superheroes soaring through the skies, mythical beasts bellowing on the big screen, to awe-inspiring vistas, much of what we witness on the screen is driven by Visual Effects (VFX) and Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). However, a new kid on the block is turning the tables—Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI.
Movie makers are now leveraging AI to produce their work cheaper,
quicker, and more innovative. One of the most thrilling spaces where AI is
leaving a significant mark is in the production of movie trailers. Let us see
how VFX, CGI, and AI collaborate to produce the blockbuster trailers we
all enjoy watching.
What Are VFX and CGI?
Prior to jumping into AI, one should know VFX and CGI.
•
VFX (Visual Effects)
refers to processes by which imagery is created or manipulated outside
the context of a live-action shot. In simple words, it's adding or changing
things in a movie that can't be done in real life—like explosions, aliens,
or entire fantasy worlds.
•
CGI (Computer-Generated
Imagery) is a subset of VFX. It's the process of making images and
animations with computer programs. Consider dinosaurs in Jurassic Park
or spaceships in Star Wars—those are CGI.
Combined, VFX and CGI enable filmmakers to create stories that
transcend the boundaries of filming in the real world.
The Rise of AI in VFX and CGI
AI is turning into a game-changer in most sectors, and films are
no different. In VFX and CGI, AI assists by:
•
Accelerating repetitive
work: AI can automate lengthy processes such as rotoscoping (isolating
objects from scenes) and color correction.
•
Creating realistic
imagery: AI systems can generate human-like figures, creatures, and even
worlds from the ground up.
•
Cutting costs: AI is time-saving,
which is money-saving, particularly for high-budget productions that
can shell out millions on the effects.
But one place Generative AI is truly making some waves is the
creation of movie trailers.
What Is Generative AI?
Generative AI (Gen AI) refers
to AI systems that have the ability to make or generate new content such as Images,
Videos, Music or Text by learning from existing data. Popular tools
like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion are examples of generative AI
in action.
In filmmaking, Generative AI can create concept art, design
virtual sets, and even generate dialogue or scripts. And now, it's being
used to create movie trailers, too.
The Role of Generative AI in Creating Movie Trailers
1. Trailer Editing with AI:
Classically, editing a trailer means that editors need to search
through several hours of raw footage in order to select the best scenes. AI
changes the scenario for faster and more intelligent work. With
AI tools, the following becomes possible:
1)
Analyze raw footage.
2) Locate the most gripping or emotional scenes.
3)
Cut and rearrange clips
according to a specific mood or theme.
For instance, IBM Watson was utilized to make the trailer
for the horror film Morgan in 2016. Watson watched hundreds of horror movie
trailers, realized what made them suspenseful, and chose scenes to make its own
trailer.
2. Generating Voiceovers and Sound Effects:
Generative AI is also capable of producing voice overs without a human voice actor. AI voice generators are able to create professional-quality narration in various tones and languages.
Even music and sound effects are capable of being
produced by AI. Platforms such as AIVA and Amper Music generate
original music that adapts to the atmosphere of a trailer, ranging from
suspenseful horror to epic adventure.
3. Creating
Visuals and CGI Elements:
AI can generate full scenes or CGI effects that can be added to
trailers. For instance:
1)
AI can create realistic
backgrounds or virtual sets.
2) It can refine CGI characters by making them appear more
realistic.
3)
Up-scaling tools powered by AI enhance the quality of low-quality footage.
This minimizes the time required to produce a trailer that is
polished and exciting.
4.
Personalized Trailers:
Generative AI can even create personalized trailers for
different audiences. Imagine watching a trailer tailored to your interests. AI
analyzes user preferences and generates a version of the trailer that
highlights the aspects you'd enjoy most, like horror scenes for one viewer and
action for another.
Netflix and other streaming
platforms are experimenting with Al-driven personalization to attract
viewers with custom content.
Benefits of Using Generative AI in Movie Trailers
1) Speed: AI can produce trailers in days rather than weeks.
2) Cost-effectiveness: Eliminates the need
for huge editing teams and costly post-production.
3) Consistency: Provides quality by
learning what is successful in good trailers.
4) Innovation: Opens up new avenues for storytelling and trailer-making.
The Future of AI in VFX, CGI, and Trailers
We're only just getting started with AI in the world of movies. We
can look forward to having trailers completely made by AI, interactive
trailers, or trailers that change in real-time as you're watching them.
Generative AI will probably keep extending the limits of
creativity for cinema, allowing filmmakers and studios to reach out to people
in fresh and interesting ways.
Final Thoughts
VFX and CGI have always been a marriage of imagination and
technology. With Generative AI entering the scene now, it is quicker, wiser,
and more imaginative than ever to create breathtaking visuals and stunning
trailers.
The next time you see a movie trailer, consider how much AI may
have contributed to making those thrilling moments a reality. From choosing the
ideal clip to composing music and even creating the graphics, AI is fast
emerging as the behind-the-scenes hero of the movie industry.
