Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we produce and consume multimedia content. Cinema is no exception, and AI is already having a significant impact on all stages of film production, from scriptwriting to distribution, while also raising concerns about the future of the industry and of cinema as an art form.

Current Scenario

The use of AI in cinema is still in its early stages, but it is growing rapidly. According to a PwC report, AI could generate up to $150 billion in revenue for the film industry by 2030.

Activities in which AI is used

AI is used in cinema for a variety of activities, including:

• Scriptwriting: AI can be used to generate ideas for scripts, evaluate the quality of existing scripts, and even write complete scripts.
• Creation of special effects: AI is used to create realistic and engaging special effects that would otherwise be too costly or difficult to produce.
• Shooting and editing: AI can be used to automate certain filming and editing tasks, freeing film professionals to focus on more creative activities.
• Distribution and marketing: AI is used to personalize viewing and marketing experiences, in order to reach a wider audience.
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Advantages of AI

The use of AI in cinema offers a number of advantages, including:

• Increased productivity: AI can automate certain tasks, freeing film professionals to focus on more creative activities.
• Cost reduction: AI can reduce production costs, making films more accessible to the public.
• Improved quality: AI can be used to create realistic and engaging special effects that would otherwise be too costly or difficult to produce.

Drawbacks and risks

The use of AI in cinema also presents some drawbacks and risks, including:

• Job losses: AI could lead to the loss of jobs for certain film professionals, such as screenwriters, editors, and special effects technicians.
• Bias: AI could be used to create biased content, such as films that perpetuate stereotypes or discrimination.
• Loss of control: AI could give filmmakers less control over the final outcome of their films.

Examples of film productions that have used AI Here are some examples of film productions that have used AI:

• In Italy:
  • Around the World in 80 Days (2022): the film used AI to create realistic special effects, such as simulating the storm in the Sargasso Sea.
  • The Monster of Florence (2023): the film used AI to create a realistic portrait of the serial killer known as the Monster of Florence.
  • The Silence of the Sirens (2023): a dramatic film that used AI to automate the editing process.
  • The Bad Poet (2020), directed by Gianluca Jodice, used AI to create a digital reconstruction of Gabriele D’Annunzio.
  • The Good Dinosaur (2015), produced by Pixar Animation Studios, was the first animated film to use AI to create special effects.
  • The First King (2019), directed by Matteo Rovere, used AI to create special effects for the battle scenes.
• Worldwide:
  • The Irishman (2019): the film used AI to de-age the protagonists, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.
  • Avatar: The Way of Water (2022): the film used AI to create realistic landscapes and creatures.
  • The Mandalorian (2019–): a science fiction television series that used AI to create special effects.
  • The Matrix Resurrections (2021): a science fiction film that used AI to create special effects.
  • Tenet (2020), directed by Christopher Nolan, used AI to create special effects for time inversion scenes.
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Conclusions

The use of AI in cinema is a growing trend that is already having a significant impact on the film industry. AI offers a number of advantages, including increased productivity, cost reduction, and improved quality. However, it is also important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and risks, such as job losses, the spread of bias, and the loss of creative control for filmmakers.