Commentary: AI is changing how films are made, not what makes them worth watching

The controversy surrounding AI-generated films, such as the Trace Project screened during Singapore’s National Day, serves as a useful reminder about AI’s role in the creative industries, according to director Phillip Lim. While many people are understandably uneasy about AI entering the creative world, it is essential not to equate criticism of an AI-generated film with a dismissal of AI in filmmaking altogether.

A subpar film does not simply become a good film merely because it was produced using new technology. In fact, the controversy highlights a fundamental point: AI can facilitate content creation, but it does not guarantee the production of quality work.

The director, who has spent over 30 years in the film and television industry, currently produces a short film using AI assistance. However, his film is not AI-generated. He employs AI to create storyboards during the virtual production process, a technique he uses due to the complexity and collaboration involved. He does not believe AI has replaced storyboard artists in his case; instead, AI helps him visualize his ideas more efficiently.

Lim acknowledges legitimate concerns about job loss due to AI, particularly regarding copyright, training data, and the use of actors' likenesses. However, these issues are distinct from whether a work is enjoyable to watch. Throughout history, technological advancements have transformed how films are made without fundamentally altering what makes a film worth watching. Ultimately, audiences care more about the creative decisions made and the emotional connection a film establishes rather than how it was produced.