Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the ongoing 14th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), a four-day forum titled "Cinematic Futurity" was held from Friday to Monday to provide a platform for industry pioneers and tech innovators to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and filmmaking.
Speaking about the great potential of AI in storytelling, Wu Dayong, executive dean of iFlytek Research Institute, said that it is important to improve productivity with the practical application of AI.
"The technology behind the text-to-video generation is progressing rapidly. With just a few instructions, it can create seamless video clips. I believe that 2024 represents a significant year for the development of AI models. However, it's important to also consider their practical applications in various industries. Collaborating with individuals who possess industry expertise can ensure that AI products effectively enhance productivity within this sector," Wu said.
Tulagu, a film director and also the founder of SkyMaper, a high-tech film production company, said AI technology is helping more young people to engage in filmmaking, which is a great opportunity to promote Chinese culture.
"Technology has always been a powerful tool to help us realize our own narratives. A movie often features scenes that go beyond imagination or real life, necessitating the use of new technology for completion. This dynamic compels technology to continually adapt to evolving creative visions, propelling progress. Therefore, for film directors, I believe it's imperative to initiate learning how to integrate AI and its logic in our work. Investing more in technology and research development tools is essential to enable both myself and fellow directors to visualize our ideas effectively. As accessibility and simplicity increase, more young people can engage in filmmaking. This presents a significant opportunity to promote Chinese culture and amplify Chinese voices on a global stage," Tulagu said.
The 14th Beijing International Film Festival opened on April 18 will run through to April 26.
Launched in 2011, the festival aims to boost exchanges among global industry players. It has been attracting increasing international attention thanks to China's booming film market.