The world of entertainment is undergoing a major transformation with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and filmmaker Paco Torres highlighted this shift during a workshop at the 23rd Pune International Film Festival (PIFF). The session focused on AI-driven content creation in films and how AI can work alongside human creativity instead of replacing it.
Torres, a renowned director and creative technologist, is known for blending innovative storytelling techniques with AI. He emphasized that the industry must focus on ethical AI rather than purely capitalist motives.
“The future of media will be wild,” said Torres pointing out the vast potential AI holds for revolutionizing filmmaking. He encouraged creators to embrace this shift rather than fear it, introducing the concept of ‘event + reaction = outcome’ as a mindset for adapting to change.
“Don’t be afraid of the wave, surf the wave,” he advised, urging filmmakers to ride the momentum of technological advancements instead of resisting them.
To showcase AI’s creative power, Torres presented a one-minute short film, ‘Chai & Secrets,’ which was made using AI tools such as ChatGPT, MidJourney, Krea, Kling, and CapCut. He demonstrated how AI can assist filmmakers in ideation, visualization, visual enhancement, and editing, making content creation more efficient and accessible.
While AI enhances efficiency, Torres warned against over-reliance on perfection, stressing on the importance of spontaneity. “Perfection will kill spontaneity. We are moving into a continuous learning process because learning will make you unstoppable,” he said.
Despite AI’s growing capabilities, he reassured the audience that the human mind remains unmatched. “No AI can compete with the human brain, as AI is a Copilot, We Are the Pilot ” said Paco Torres.
He also spoke about the increasing demands of professionals in the film industry, highlighting the pressure to work longer hours to remain competitive. “We are in a new world, a new operating reality, working more hours to remain competitive. The key is learning how to do more for less,” he added.
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As the workshop concluded, Torres expressed his deep connection with PIFF. “Pune International Film Festival is like a family to me,” said Paco.