Dave Clark on Blending AI with Live Action in Horror

Dave Clark is a filmmaker and creative force who's directed commercials for major brands along with multiple narrative films, including his 2019 feature, 'After She Wakes.'

Dave recently released a must-watch short film called ‘Another’ which is not only terrifying and beautifully made, but a great example of blending AI with live action filmmaking.

This film exemplifies Dave's significant contribution to the AI filmmaking landscape, showcasing how AI should not replace humans or any facets of the filmmaking process. Instead, it can serve as an incredible creative tool, adding unique and exciting dimensions to the work. Dave has been a pioneer in the AI filmmaking conversation, demonstrating what accessible AI tools like Midjourney, Magnific, and Runway are capable of when combined with a skilled and discerning eye for cinema. His understanding of cinema and filmmaking has seriously enabled him to get really incredible results.

Obviously, in the context of filmmaking, AI is a hotly debated topic of controversy, but regardless of whatever side of the fence you’re on, I’d encourage you to listen to this episode. Dave is a very legit, honest to goodness filmmaker first who loves the entire process from being on set, to working with actors, to picking lenses, all of it, and he champions a future where AI is just another tool in the toolbelt and not a replacement for anyone. Dave was also recently brought in by SAG to deliver a presentation on AI and filmmaking to over 1,000 Screen Actors Guild Members.

In this episode Dave get into the practical applications of AI in previsualization and post-production, and its ability to bring high-quality VFX within the reach of indie filmmakers. He stresses the importance of balancing AI tools with traditional filmmaking techniques, ensuring the human touch remains central in storytelling and cinematic aesthetics.

Dave also shares his process for creating ‘Another’ his short film that integrates AI with live action and together we explore how AI can act as a creative partner, offering fresh insights and accelerating the writing and development phase without overriding the unique voice of the writer.

Overall Dave provides valuable insights into how filmmakers can navigate this new landscape, using AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, their creative processes.

Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Dave Clark:

Use AI for previs and pitching. AI tools can greatly assist in previsualizing film shots, helping directors pitch their movies and helping DPs plan out scenes efficiently by trying out an infinite number of different shots, concepts, lighting, camera, and lens combinations. This is one of many use cases where AI does not replace the work humans do, but enhances it.
Be subtle about using AI. In Another, Dave's short that integrated AI with live action, the AI element is apparent, but very subtle. He was super selective in what he used AI for and for everything else, he stuck to traditional filmmaking with real actors, a DP, crew, etc. It's tempting to push the boundaries of AI but that can look silly. I recommend checking out Another to see how nuanced and therefore effective Dave's approach was.
Don't be a hater. There is a ton of hate around AI and it's use in filmmaking which is entirely understandible. I'm not going to go into the ethical discussions around whether or not it's theft because regardless of it being a valid argument, it's a rabbit hole and the truth is AI is coming and it's coming fast. The best approach is to seek to understand these tools because they're going to be part of the process just like CGI. Yes, of course, always advocate for using the tools ethically, but to ignore them, protest them, or shame others for using them isn't helping anybody.

AI Projects:

AI Tools Discussed:

ChatGPT
Midjourney
Stable Diffusion
Stable Video
Runway
Pika
Leonardo
Comfy UI
Topaz
Magnific
Curious Refuge AI Filmmaking Course

Dave Clark on Blending AI with Live Action in Horror

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