Filmmaking practice-as-research: a case study in pursuit of subtext through AI generated dialogue

Gray, Paul

Abstract

Practice led research in filmmaking and screenwriting that explores the potential for creating meaningful dialogue with subtext, through the use of AI chat bots. The presentation will include a short film alongside a case study paper, exploring the processes involved in creating a screenplay that is written in ‘collaboration’ with artificial intelligence. Using the recent preview release of OpenAI’s chatGPT, and the beta version of character.ai, initial results have demonstrated the limitations of the technology, where fairly sophisticated levels of engagement are required in order to avoid the overly expositional characteristics of preliminary responses. While further iterations have resulted in attempts at symbolism and metaphor, the question raised is whether continuous refinements can result in the creation of dialogue with nuanced subtext, and whether this can be relevant to the subjective intentions of the screenwriter, and subsequently the performances of actors. While the film form and the methodologies used employ the application of AI technologies and raise questions around authorship, the subject matter of the film has an agenda for cultural impact and social change, tackling mental wellbeing of men in Scotland, and themes of suicide and grief.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: MeCCSA 2023
• Start Date: Sep 4, 2023
• End Date: Sep 6, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jan 24, 2024
• Keywords: AI, artificial intelligence, film, screenwriting, Virtual production, Wellbeing, Culture & Communities
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3492004
• Related Public URLs: https://www.gcu.ac.uk/aboutgcu/academicschools/gsbs/aboutus/departments/mediajournalism/MECCSA2023