Author: Marianna Cruz

https://dtc-wsuv.org/mcruz21/final-ai-project/

Project Summary

Vision Statement: To revolutionize the entertainment landscape by enabling instantaneous, mood-based viewing recommendations using cutting-edge AI technology, thereby transforming how viewers interact with media platforms.

Project Idea: This project will develop a proprietary AI system that analyzes viewers’ current mood and personality traits to recommend the most suitable media content instantaneously. This will decrease decision fatigue and enhance user satisfaction on entertainment platforms.

Needs Assessment

1. Market Analysis: Research indicates a growing demand for personalized media consumption. Viewers are often overwhelmed by choices on streaming platforms, leading to decision paralysis.
2. Technology Gap: Current recommendation engines primarily suggest content based on past viewing habits or popular trends, not real-time emotional states.
3. AI’s Role: By integrating generative AI technologies, we can create dynamic models that understand nuanced human emotions and suggest content that aligns with the viewer’s current mood, enhancing user engagement.

Skills and Technology Overview

Required Technologies:

• Natural Language Processing (NLP) to interpret user inputs about their mood.
• Machine Learning algorithms for mood prediction models.
• AI-driven content recommendation systems.

Current Skills:

• Basic understanding of AI and machine learning principles.

Development Needs:

• Advanced training in NLP and emotional AI.
• Expertise in developing and deploying scalable AI systems.

Learning and Development Plan

• Online Courses: Enroll in specialized courses on Coursera and Udacity focusing on AI, NLP, and recommendation systems.
• Workshops: Attend workshops by AI experts and participate in tech conferences.
• Project-Based Learning: Develop prototype models in stages to gain practical experience.
• Budget: Allocate $2,000 for educational resources and workshops.

Application and Impact

Application: The developed AI system will be integrated into media streaming platforms, offering mood-based recommendations.

Impact:

• Beneficiaries: Directly benefits users by enhancing their viewing experience.
• Societal: Reduces viewer stress and decision-making time, potentially increasing overall content consumption and satisfaction.

Project Timeline

• Months 1-3: Learning foundational AI skills.
• Months 4-6: Developing mood prediction models.
• Months 7-9: Integration with a media platform for testing.
• Month 10: Launch pilot project.
• Month 12: Evaluate impact and refine technology.

Budget

• Learning Materials: $2,000
• Software Subscriptions: $500 for AI development tools and platforms.
• Miscellaneous: $500 for unforeseen expenses.
• Total: $3,000

Evaluation and Reflection

• Evaluation Metrics: Measure user engagement rates, satisfaction scores, and recommendation accuracy.
• Milestones: Successful model development, integration, and user feedback improvement.
• Reflection: Regular team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and brainstorm solutions.

This business plan provides a clear roadmap for using AI to enhance the entertainment viewing experience, outlining the steps needed to develop, apply, and evaluate the necessary technologies and skills.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1O46SECM9cSqdvIgBuMJj0Wc0L3368r6lJm0XpUllboQ/edit?usp=sharing

Business Concept

The core of the business would be to use generative AI to create multiple versions of media content—such as commercials, movie trailers, or music videos—that are specifically tailored to various personality types. This customization would ensure that the content resonates more deeply with diverse audiences, enhancing engagement and effectiveness.

AI Tools and Implementation

1. Personality Recognition AI: Develop or integrate AI tools capable of analyzing and classifying personality traits from available data points like social media activity, consumer behavior, and even direct inputs from users through interactive platforms.
2. Generative AI for Content Creation: Use advanced generative AI models, like GPT and DALL-E, to generate textual content (scripts, dialogues) and visual content (scenes, characters) that align with the identified personality traits. For instance, a commercial aimed at extroverts might be more vibrant and fast-paced, while one for introverts might focus on detail and subtlety.
3. Adaptive AI Algorithms: Implement AI algorithms that can learn from audience feedback to continuously improve the personalization of the content. This could involve modifying aspects of the content that did not engage well with its intended audience.

Unique Selling Proposition

To stand out in a market where AI tools are widely accessible, the business would focus on the depth of personalization and the scientific approach to understanding personality types. Leveraging psychological research and cutting-edge AI to create highly targeted content could be your competitive edge.

Project Plan Outline

1. Research and Development:
   • Conduct in-depth research on personality psychology and AI capabilities.
   • Develop or license AI tools for personality analysis and content generation.
2. Prototype:
   • Create a pilot project, such as a series of commercials for a single product targeted at different personality groups.
   • Test these commercials with focus groups to refine AI algorithms.
3. Budgeting:
   • Initial funding will focus on technology acquisition, talent recruitment, and marketing.
   • Set aside resources for ongoing AI training and development.
4. Marketing and Sales:
   • Develop marketing strategies that highlight the effectiveness of personality-customized content.
   • Target industries and clients who are most likely to benefit from increased engagement, like marketing firms, entertainment industries, and educational content providers.
5. Scaling:
   • Expand the content portfolio to include other types of media.
   • Explore licensing the technology to other companies as a B2B service.

Conclusion

By focusing on creating deeply personalized content using sophisticated AI, your business can cater uniquely to the vast spectrum of human personalities. This not only improves user engagement but also opens up new possibilities in how media and entertainment are conceptualized and delivered. The key to success will be in the accurate analysis of personality types and the effective generation of tailored content that genuinely resonates with different audiences.

I noticed a problem on my site and wanted to fix it so here is the uploaded link!

https://dtc-wsuv.org/mcruz21/world-site/

https://dtc-wsuv.org/mcruz21/pumpkin_toss/

I had fun collaborating with Andrew, Miryssa, and Pamela on this game toss:) I helped contribute part of the starting ideas, as well as helping with the overall look of the game. When we were in the early stages of the game I added some moving grass to make it look like the pumpkin was on a field but then I also was the one to suggest having a photo background and made a background image using AI tools instead of the moving grass.

In the evolving landscape of digital media, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal tool for creating dynamic and compelling content, particularly in the realm of video generation. My final project and accompanying essay aim to explore the intricate relationship between AI, art, and imagination, highlighting how these elements synergize to craft visually stunning narratives. The essay will delve into the mechanisms of AI video generation, underscoring the importance of artistic creativity and imaginative vision in pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve. By examining cutting-edge techniques and the role of human creativity in guiding AI, the essay seeks to shed light on the future possibilities of digital storytelling.

For the practical component, my final project will be an innovative video that brings to life forgotten or fading memories through AI-generated images. These images will transition into moving visuals, creating a fluid, dream-like montage that captures the essence of nostalgia and the ephemeral nature of memory. This project will not only serve as a technical demonstration of AI’s capabilities in animating still images but also as an artistic exploration of how technology can evoke deep emotional responses. By focusing on personal memories, ranging from the profoundly nostalgic to the seemingly mundane, the video aims to resonate with viewers on a universal level, reminding them of their own forgotten moments.

The combination of theoretical insights and practical application in this project will contribute to a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between AI and human creativity. It will demonstrate how art and imagination are not just supplementary to technological advancement but are fundamental in shaping the future of video generation and storytelling.

1. When AI work is generated, how many revisions does it go through before a final design is chosen?
2. How much of human ideas are considered into a design?And are they even the first to be thought of? Or is is a joint collaboration with human ideas starting and using AI to generate them?
3. What happens when using AI to come up with ideas doesn’t work out?

In my group with Miryssa, Andrew, and Pamela, we are planning to do slingshot game with a pumpkin kind of inspired by Angry Birds. As of right now we are working on the technical stuff of the game and slowly adding the design elements. I have begun adding the visual elements to the game and will continue to do so so that it looks aesthetically pleasing.

https://dtc-wsuv.org/mcruz21/world-site.html

https://dtc-wsuv.org/mcruz21/%231/assignment1.html

https://dtc-wsuv.org/mcruz21/%231/assignment2.html

https://dtc-wsuv.org/mcruz21/%231/assignment3.html

The concept of “True Random” in generative art is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between the unpredictable forces of nature and the structured world of art and technology. This method distinguishes itself by harnessing truly random numbers generated from natural chaotic data sources, such as atmospheric noise or the unpredictable patterns of lava lamps, instead of relying on computer-generated pseudorandom numbers. The key difference between truly random and pseudorandom numbers lies in their origin; true randomness is derived from inherently unpredictable physical phenomena, while pseudorandomness is produced by algorithms that can, theoretically, be predicted given enough information about their initial state.

Integrating true randomness into generative art introduces an element of the uncontrollable and the unforeseeable into the creative process. This opens up a rich dialogue about the essence of creativity, originality, and the role of the artist. When artists use truly random numbers, they relinquish a degree of control, allowing nature to become a direct contributor to the artwork. This collaboration with the chaotic elements of the universe injects a unique, irreplicable quality into each piece, emphasizing the singular moment in time it was created.

The utilization of true randomness might prompt one to ponder the philosophical implications of randomness versus determinism in art. It challenges the notion of the artist as the sole creator and raises questions about the influence of unseen forces on creative outcomes. Moreover, the difference between using random and pseudorandom numbers in generative art might not be immediately visible to the eye, but it significantly impacts the conceptual and intrinsic value of the artwork. It shifts the narrative from one of human-engineered aesthetics to a broader, more inclusive story of the interplay between human intention and the unpredictability of nature.

Furthermore, the idea of true randomness in art speaks to the broader cultural and technological context of our times, where discussions about data privacy, the limits of algorithmic predictability, and the search for genuine randomness in cryptography and banking are prevalent. By drawing a parallel between these utilitarian applications and the creation of art, this approach not only enriches the artistic landscape but also engages with critical contemporary issues.

For someone intrigued by the intersections of art, technology, and the fundamental unpredictability of the universe, the concept of true randomness in generative art offers a compelling lens. It challenges our perceptions of control and creativity, inviting us to consider the beauty of surrendering to the chaos that underpins our world, making the exploration of true randomness in art not just a technical experiment, but a profound philosophical journey as well.

The advent of AI in software, game, app, and web development heralds a transformative era, characterized by a dual narrative of unparalleled opportunities and significant challenges. On one hand, AI’s capability to automate mundane tasks promises to elevate productivity and foster a more inclusive environment where developers, regardless of expertise, can contribute meaningfully. Tools like GitHub Copilot exemplify this shift, offering code suggestions that not only expedite development processes but also lower the entry barrier for novices. This democratization could lead to a surge in innovation, as a diverse array of creators brings fresh perspectives to the table. Moreover, AI’s potential to enhance creativity by generating novel ideas and optimizing existing ones could usher in a new wave of groundbreaking digital products.

However, this optimistic outlook is tempered by concerns over job displacement, the need for skill realignment, and the implications of relying on AI for critical decision-making. As routine coding tasks become automated, there’s apprehension that professionals will need to pivot towards roles that prioritize oversight and creative input, necessitating ongoing education and adaptation. The reliability of AI-generated outputs also raises questions about quality control, especially considering the potential for inherited biases and security vulnerabilities that could propagate through AI systems.

For me, navigating this landscape means embracing a philosophy of lifelong learning and adaptability. Focusing on developing skills that complement AI, such as creative problem-solving and ethical considerations in technology use, will be paramount. As AI reshapes the field, staying abreast of advancements and understanding the nuances of AI integration will be crucial for harnessing its potential responsibly.

In essence, AI’s integration into development disciplines signals a pivotal shift, promising to redefine the creative process while challenging existing paradigms. Balancing the opportunities with the inherent risks will be key to leveraging AI’s capabilities effectively, ensuring that the future of development is both innovative and inclusive.

Gilded Darkness Quick Summary

“A roaring 1920s supernatural noir where monsters rule, alliances fray, and an impending human threat looms over the Pacific Northwest’s hidden underworld.”

YouTube Link:

Consistent Visual Style

SETTING/LOCATION: 1920s Portland, a bustling city, even bigger than New York, fog and storm clouds are the consistent weather, goldish neon lights are everywhere. The Pacific Northwest is booming, leaving the famous coasts such as California and New York in the dust. 

CHARACTER DRESS: Famous monsters, like Frakenstein and Dracula are in luxurious mobster clothing each with their own aesthetics and colors having gold as a common accessory , humans are in casual 1920s wear but are distinct from the wealthy monsters. 

LIGHTING: rich golden and lavender hues, deep shadows for dramatic effect, sharp lights, reds, greens, 

COLOR: a palette of golds and lavender for lighting, black and dark green for buildings, dark blueish purples for the sky, darkish reds for fog and weather elements like clouds as well

CAMERA/FILMSTOCK:  “Deep colors with a balance of light and shadow, crisp, clean images with a film noir style 

ASPECT RATIO: 16:9, for 1080 HD video.

STYLE REFERENCE: Great Gatsby film, Chicago film, The Roaring Twenties film from 1939, Mobsters film, Scarface, The Godfather part II, Peaky Blinders

SOUNDTRACK AND MUSIC STYLES: 1920s swing and jazz with dark and gloomy themes, gothabilly, 1920s blue jazz

VOICE STYLES: Dracula who’s narrating –> strong Romanian accent, deep voices, maybe some Italian and Latino accents? 1920’s New York Accent as well. 

SOUND EFFECTS: Horror sounds such as sceams, wolf howling, rain, thunder, ghostly whispers, etc. 

Story 

In the shadowed embrace of the Pacific Northwest, from the fog-laden streets of San Francisco up to the rain-soaked alleys of Seattle, an alternate 1920s era unfolds where monsters rule and humans tread carefully. The heart of this power pulses strongest in Portland and Vancouver, cities transformed into the epicenters of an underworld empire, where the night belongs to those who lurk in the shadows. This world is not confined to myths; it stretches across the West Coast, a testament to the monsters’ deep-rooted dominion. Here, monsters rule the night, and humans navigate the perilous balance between servitude and survival. The city is a chessboard, its pieces the notorious clans of the underworld: vampires, werewolves, mummies, and more, each guarding their territories with ferocious loyalty. 

The vampires, led by the enigmatic Dracula, hold court in the lavish, neon-lit ballrooms of the city’s heart, their influence running deep in the veins of Portland’s high society. Dracula’s power is undisputed, his clan a mix of seduction and danger, engaging in politics as smoothly as they do in bloodletting. Yet, their supremacy is constantly challenged by the werewolves, creatures of raw strength and primal rage, led by the fierce Alpha, Lycan. The werewolves control the city’s outskirts, the docks where illicit goods flow as freely as the tensions between them and the vampires.

In the dust-covered corners of Portland’s ancient museum, the mummies, wise and ancient, plot their moves silently, their leader, Anubis, a strategist matching Dracula’s cunning with timeless patience. Meanwhile, the forests and rivers that edge the city whisper the legends of the Missing Link and other creatures of lore from Mexico and South America, guardians of nature and the old ways, their alliances as shifting as the rivers they protect.

Amidst this delicate balance of power, the Invisible Man leads a network of spies and informants, selling secrets to the highest bidder, his loyalty as transparent as his form. The ghouls, scavengers of the night, wait in the shadows, their allegiance given to those who can feed their endless hunger.

Humans, though often seen as mere pawns in this grand game, hold their own power. Some, daring or desperate, make deals with these monstrous rulers, gaining protection, power, or wealth, in exchange for services or sacrifices. But these alliances are tenuous – a human who falls out of favor with a monster clan might find themselves prey, hunted in the streets they once walked freely.

Yet, this balance of power is threatened not by internal strife, but by an external force more daunting than any clan rivalry. The United States government, a stronghold of human authority, has set its sights on reclaiming the night, armed with technology and a resolve to eradicate the monster presence from the Pacific Northwest. This looming threat forces old adversaries to contemplate an uneasy alliance, pitting ancient power against modern warfare in a conflict that could redefine the boundaries of their existence.

As the government’s intentions become clear, the monster clans face a choice: continue their age-old feuds and face annihilation or unite against the common enemy that seeks to destroy them all. The story reaches a crescendo in Portland, the heart of the monster empire, where a clandestine meeting of the clans takes place. Leaders of each clan gather, their figures casting long shadows under the moon’s glow. Here, under the guise of night and the watchful eye of the city that has served as their stronghold, they must decide their fate.

This tale of the Pacific Northwest is a complex tapestry of fear and power, where the night holds more than just shadows,where every alliance is a step towards survival or destruction, and where humans and monsters navigate a fragile coexistence. The approaching threat of the government forces reveals the true nature of survival, challenging the very essence of what it means to rule the night. In this alternate 1920s world, the fight for dominance is not just about territory but about the right to exist in a world that stands on the brink of change.

More Story Context:

In the shadowed tapestry of this alternate 1920s Pacific Northwest, where monsters and mythic beings carve out territories and form uneasy alliances, ghosts, demons, devils, and biblically accurate angels occupy a unique niche, weaving through the narrative of power and survival with their own agendas and roles.

Frankenstein’s Faction: This collective is led by Frankenstein’s monster, often simply called the Creature, who has risen to become a formidable leader among the supernatural beings. Known for their ingenuity and resilience, this faction is composed of reanimated beings and brilliant outcasts, including scientists shunned by the human world. They occupy the murky boundary between life and death, utilizing their knowledge of science and alchemy to strengthen their ranks and defend their territory. The Creature, with his towering presence and surprisingly deep sense of morality, seeks a place for his kind in a world that fears them, advocating for peace and coexistence while preparing for war.

The Invisible Guild: Mastered by the Invisible Man, this guild consists of beings who can bend light or cloak themselves in shadows, rendering them unseen by most. They serve as spies and assassins, their existence almost a myth among both humans and monsters. This guild prizes information and secrecy above all, trading in the currency of secrets and silence. Their leader, once a scientist who sacrificed his physical form for power, uses his invisibility to manipulate events from behind the scenes, ensuring his guild’s survival through intelligence and subterfuge.

The Coven of the Night: The witches and warlocks of the Coven of the Night draw on ancient magics, their powers rooted in the natural and mystical forces of the world. They are healers, seers, and warriors, using their spells and potions to influence the tides of power within the supernatural community. Their leader, a powerful witch known as Morgana, sees the future in the stars and the past in the flames, guiding her coven with wisdom and strength. They are sought after for their abilities and feared for their knowledge, making them key players in the balance of power.

The Headless Legion: Inspired by the legendary Headless Horseman and similar specters, this eerie faction is made up of headless or otherwise disfigured monsters who have banded together under the banner of the Horseman. They patrol the night, bound to no one land but claiming the dark roads and fog-laden paths as their own. These spectral riders are the heralds of doom, feared by all who know the tales. Their leader, the Horseman, is a relentless force, seeking vengeance for a life cut short and commanding his legion with ruthless efficiency.

**Ghosts** haunt the landscape, bound not by territory but by memory and emotion. They drift through the cities and wilderness, witnesses to the unfolding drama between the living and the supernatural. Some seek to redress the wrongs of their past lives, meddling in the affairs of both humans and monsters to sway outcomes according to their inscrutable wills. Others serve as messengers and spies for the various factions, their intangible nature allowing them to gather secrets like whispers on the wind.

**Demons**, unaligned with the monster clans and operating under their own complex hierarchies, engage in the darker trades of the supernatural world. They broker deals with humans and monsters alike, offering power, knowledge, or the fulfillment of desires in exchange for souls or other valuable commodities in the spiritual economy. Their presence adds a layer of danger to the already perilous streets, for a demon’s bargain is always a double-edged sword.

**Devils**, with their easy access to Hell, serve as the gatekeepers between the worlds, their influence extending into the deepest shadows of the underworld. Their clubs and speakeasies become neutral grounds where all can gather—humans seeking forbidden knowledge, monsters seeking alliances, and angels seeking to understand the mortal realm. These establishments, hidden in plain sight, throb with the pulse of jazz, the air thick with smoke and secrets. Here, the devils play host to the night’s children, their motives as enigmatic as their origins.

**Biblically Accurate Angels**, striking beings of awe and terror with their many eyes and wings, descend to Earth with missions inscrutable to mortal and monster minds. They observe, intervene, and guide according to divine directives unknown to the inhabitants of the Pacific Northwest. At times, their paths cross with those of monsters and humans, their interactions ranging from violent confrontations over sacred sites to whispered alliances against common threats. Their presence is a wild card, capable of tipping the balance in unforeseen ways.

The Infernal Syndicate: At the helm of the night’s most exclusive speakeasies and underground clubs stand the devils, orchestrating the flow of both pleasure and power within the city’s supernatural and human elite. Their establishments serve as neutral ground, where all manner of beings can mingle under the guise of entertainment and indulgence. The leader of this infernal assembly, known simply as Mephistopheles, is a devil of charm and wit, with a penchant for making deals that are impossible to refuse. His influence extends deep into both the mortal and immortal realms, making him a pivotal figure in the precarious balance that defines the city’s hidden world.

In this world, where the veil between the natural and supernatural is thin, these beings without gangs or territories play pivotal roles. They influence the course of events from the shadows, their actions rippling through the lives of all who inhabit this alternate reality. The ghosts, demons, devils, and angels add layers of complexity to the already intricate dance of power, their agendas weaving through the narrative like threads of silver and shadow, enriching the story of this haunted 1920s Pacific Northwest.

The integration of AI Cinema tools into the filmmaking process presents a nuanced landscape of risks and opportunities, shaping the future of Hollywood entertainment and the prospects for independent artists in profound ways.

The risks associated with AI-driven content creation primarily revolve around the potential loss of emotional depth and authenticity in storytelling. AI-generated scenes may lack the nuanced emotions required for sad or dramatic sequences, diminishing the viewer’s emotional engagement. Additionally, there’s the danger of AI producing narratives that don’t fully make sense or are too derivative, recycling concepts that have already been explored, which could stifle originality in storytelling. Another concern is the potential for digital edits made by AI to appear awkward or uncanny, breaking the immersion that is critical for the cinematic experience.

On the flip side, the opportunities offered by AI in cinema are compelling, particularly in script editing, offering suggestions to overcome creative blocks, executing complex digital edits, and enhancing project management. AI tools can assist writers in refining their scripts, suggesting improvements or alternative plot developments. For artists facing creative blocks, AI can provide a source of inspiration, presenting ideas or visual concepts that might not have been initially considered. Moreover, AI’s capacity to handle intricate digital edits that are challenging to create manually can revolutionize visual effects, making them more accessible to filmmakers with varying budgets. In project management, AI can streamline workflows, optimize schedules, and manage resources efficiently, enabling smoother production processes.

For the future of Hollywood entertainment and independent artists, AI Cinema tools symbolize a potential paradigm shift. When used appropriately and authentically, these tools can act as powerful allies, augmenting the creative process rather than supplanting human creativity. By leveraging AI to handle repetitive, labor-intensive tasks, creators can focus more on the artistry and storytelling aspects, potentially leading to richer, more diverse cinematic experiences. The challenge lies in integrating AI in a way that respects the artistic integrity of filmmaking while embracing the technological advancements that can support and enhance the creative vision of filmmakers.