Yesterday, I was chatting with a friend about the difficulties of AI technology infiltrating traditional film and television circles. Much of it stems from mindset issues, as well as the technical challenges of AI itself. For example, many people look down on ComfyUI because the Flux model currently lacks sufficient texture quality, and ComfyUI itself isn’t simple enough. Some even mock people who delve deep into AI technology, believing that aesthetics is the only thing that matters.
My view has always remained the same: technology and aesthetics are one and the same – just look at Hollywood, which is highly industrialized. Without technological development, there would be no modern cinema. I believe we should give AI technology more time, both in waiting for it to mature and in applying current technology.
Let me put it this way: currently, no AI technology application is more difficult than programming, and certainly nowhere near as complex as programmable 3D development software like Houdini. ComfyUI doesn’t require people to look at code directly, instead using node-based programming, which is already quite easy to pick up. Moreover, with ready-to-use websites like RunningHub available now, even ComfyUI installation is no longer necessary.
These websites also offer application-ized ComfyUI workflows, where you simply upload images into designated boxes, so current AI technology is really not difficult at all. Users just need to let go of some prejudices about technology and embrace the latest developments – something that anyone working in the arts should be able to do.
AI technology applications are already extremely simple and user-friendly compared to many other technologies, especially since major companies all want to expand their user base. Their designs will only get simpler. Finding the balance between technology, art, and literature is what creates good work.
So, what are the benefits of getting hands-on experience with AI technology yourself? The benefit is knowing where current AI’s limits are and developing a feel for creation – this is completely different from directing engineers to operate the tools. The tools people use change them; being shaped by a tool’s characteristics will change artistic expression.
Up to this point, I have been working alone without assistance from others in technical exploration, so I have had to handle this aspect myself. Therefore, to achieve the desired output effects, I’m open to all technologies, sometimes using over ten AI software programs simultaneously. In this case, overall coordination ability becomes a necessary skill.
However, in the process of making AI films, I’ve also discovered that when technology hasn’t reached a certain level, it’s best not to force it. Just as character speech was still problematic before, avoid forcing long-form narratives. The consequence of doing so is that the resulting films quickly become unwatchable, or you spend a lot of time and energy only to produce poor-quality work.
We also need patience for the development of AI technology. I believe it may take another year or two for AI technology to reach a mature and stable platform. Currently, it’s developing rapidly, so creating short films or smaller feature-length works is more effective. If you insist on making extremely long works, they’ll likely become unwatchable after three months. This means that current AI filmmaking requires extremely compressed production times.
The timing of entry and the technical positioning points aren’t just about luck – they’re something you feel after being in this industry long-term. Therefore, waiting for technology to mature isn’t just waiting; you need to keep creating and communicating throughout the process, maintaining an open mindset to feel the pulse of the times and ultimately catch the best moment to enter.
Technology isn’t just a tool – it’s an ideology. It profoundly influences cultural transmission and affects artistic results. I don’t understand why anyone would mock technology; that’s really quite strange. That’s why I’m writing this blog post: to give AI technology some patience, both in its application and in waiting for the technology to mature.
Some people say this is technology alienating humans. I believe this is an example of technology shaping humans. Technological civilization doesn’t happen overnight; its development depends on scientific communities and the culture that supports them. AI filmmaking represents a cultural shift brought about by technological advancements.
It’s probably because I have a technical background that I say this. However, I also have a literary background, and my artistic skills are decent, although they require continued refinement. Some people believe that in the AI era, the requirements for people’s comprehensive abilities have actually strengthened – humans haven’t become useless. Instead, people need to coordinate the entire creative process; everyone is developing toward becoming an artistic director.
Follow me as we explore AI filmmaking together.
