AI Can’t Believe It

The concept is simple, to use AI technology as much as possible in the development of a short animated film while still producing something distinctly human, enjoyable, and emotional. This is only possible with a collaborative effort between humans and artificial intelligence. As AI advances at lightning speed, we must figure out where it fits into our creative world and workflow.

I worked with ChatGPT to develop a script based on an old concept I had when I was still at SCAD. It had changed over the years but was always missing something. After spending a good amount of time with ChatGPT, editing, and reworking things, I developed a script I feel is a vast improvement over the original concept.

The following is an excerpt of the still-in-development script:

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE - DAY

A small asteroid drifts through the void of space, surrounded by space junk. Suddenly, a small shuttle crashes onto the surface.

CUT TO:

EXT. WRECKAGE OF THE SHUTTLE ON ASTEROID: Out of the wreckage emerges a young black woman in a space suit, LUCIA, carrying a small plant growing in a container. Smoke fills the air from the wreckage.

CAMERA CUTS IN on Lucia as she looks up at the vastness of space, tears streaming down her face. We see her name on her suit.

LUCIA

(crying)

“We made it, little one. We're alive.”

CUT TO:

INT. CRASHED SHUTTLE - DAY

Lucia is shown repairing the damaged control panel of the shuttle, her fingers deftly working with wires and tools. She wipes the sweat off her forehead and picks up a tablet.

CAMERA PANS to show the seedling in the foreground as Lucia is using the tablet.

LUCIA (V.O.)

"Day 1. I've managed to repair the communication systems, but I'm still unable to contact any rescue team. I'm alone here with only my plants and the stars… and hope."