After seeing some of Mark Amerika’s work, I have a few things I’d like to respond to. If I understand him correctly, his goal is to make AI pass as human. In some cases it is kind of inspiring to experiment. However, if something is created and I can’t tell if it was created by a human or an AI, that may be potentially dangerous. Sometimes it may be important to know if something was written by a human in case the stakes are high or if the situation is serious.

I think Mark Amerika sees Chat GPT as a collaborator or a tool for inspiration rather than something that will replace human creativity.

I have a few fears and concerns about AI in visual culture. I fear that AI will take jobs away from artists and make it harder than it already is to seek employment. Aside from job insecurity, AI can also be used to incriminate people for crimes they’ve never committed. How will courts know what’s real and what’s not? Not only that but how will people know the difference during election seasons? Video AI has evolved so much in one year. With the rise of Sora, this will become a legitimate threat.

If artists and creators want to address and respond to the collective concerns, they can probably show the public what the AI tools are capable of by stress testing it. This can show if the fears are valid or not and show how harmful the tools can become.

https://dtc-wsuv.org/hgebhart23/fibonacci/

Since I have access to the WSU server from my web design classes, I went ahead and posted what  ChatGPT created for me to the server, so you all can see it too if you would like.

I am majoring in data analytics with a minor in computer science. My statistics, data, and CS classes all heavily incorporate programming. Modern statistics and data analytics have too much data to do by hand, so programming is an essential role of what I do.

In my experience, you have to have some idea of what you want and an understanding of what the code is doing to do anything substantial. Sure, I can create this website with next to no programming knowledge, but if it had generated something I didn’t want or wanted to edit it in any way, I would have to understand how it works to make any changes, and if I make anything in the real world, I will most likely have to edit it at some point in time.

In addition, it tends to struggle with following “good practice.” I have seen it get very over-the-top with simple problems. When I have used it to do programming for more complicated problems, it and myself goes through so many revisions and back-and-forth. If I feed it the result to itself on a blank chat and ask for feedback, it finds all sorts of issues in the code and basically refactors all of it. I have asked for feedback on code I’ve written myself, and know adhere to good practice, and it gives me bad advice.

It is really good at writing common algorithms or simple code. It is really bad about employing practices and logic that actually make good computer scientists good at computer science.

Where I have found a lot of success is making it explain code that I don’t understand and for finding simpler functions or algorithms to a specific, small, goal I have (shuffling a list for a bigger project, for example). If there are computer science concepts I don’t understand, it is phenomenal at explaining them in a way I understand it. In this, it is a fantastic teaching tool, but it only works as a teaching tool if I am spending time to make sure I understand what it’s trying to teach me.

There’s already a sort of shift to “human-readable” programming. It was one of the main draws of Python, which is a widely used language that is on the up-rise for the time being. However, Python is built with another language called C, which is also widely used. New programmers like Python because it is more flexible than a lot of other languages, including C. However, because it is written in C, there are quirks to how certain things function, including how data is stored, that the programmer has to know in order to be successful. I have found that ChatGPT doesn’t  always use these quirks to its advantage (Python/C are just one example). My point here is that even though we are shifting to “human-readable” programming, the essence of what makes a good programmer remains. Someone still needs to make sure the output code makes sense. All it does is shorten the learning curve.

My thoughts on the risks and opportunities of AI cinema are somewhat negative. I think there could be a lot of legal battles made against studios who use AI writing or art because it can’t make anything original, it has to use pre-existing work to function.This may even takeaway many opportunities for artists working professionally.

The future of Hollywood entertainment with AI will make creating cinema easier. However, if blatant AI usage is found, people will notice it and they will realize they are paying for low quality work. No matter how realistic AI becomes, it will never feel as human as if an actual human had made it. AI cinema could help propel individual artists to complete cinematic projects but would prove tricky if the AI use was overt instead of being used to assist.

Within my AI animation, the setting takes place in California in the year 2100 where AI automatons assist in most facets of life. On the streets, an automaton named Athena sees a man with his physical AI companion and the man named Felix who is clearly wealthy begins to verbally abuse Icarus. Icarus collapses after the heavy weight of some groceries, and while Felix is disparaging him, he begins to kick his robot on the ground. Random AI automatons staring in the background with a blank look on their face, but their eyes show they are in horror. As Felix is about to start punching Icarus, Athena steps in by blocking his fist, and pushing him with that hand alone. Felix frowns, shrugs and gives up as he picks up the grocery bags and leaves. Athena gives Iris a hand and expresses that “as long as automatons stick together, they will never be broken.”

The visual style should be vibrant with deep colors that heavily includes nature. There should be sounds for kicking, falling, and impact SFX on a human hand. The music should be dark but then a hint of inspiration and hope in the end. In its entirety, the music should be cinematic. The voices for the characters should sound middle aged for Felix, Athena should sound strong and Icarus will have a voice that is masculine but low energy.

Post a paragraph summary description of your story/moment that you will turn into a series of shots and then compile into a video sequence. Write another paragraph that describes the visual style and what you imagine the soundtrack to include: voices, sound effects, music.

For this project I plan to bring to life the AI generated story that was produced for our short fiction exercise. This tells a story mostly through the conversation between a stranded man in space and the AI system aboard the escape pod that he is confined in. This scenario provides ample opportunity for a variety of shots that can bring to life both the man and machine trapped together and the vast emptiness of space that surrounds them.
For the visual style, I have high hopes of uploading anime clips from the 80s-90s and seeing the generated responses to prompts using them as reference, but this will take some experimentation.
Influence will be drawn from some very visually stunning works like Royal Space Force and and other iconic series from that time period. I am very interested to see if I can upload a standard dialogue cutscene from one of these series and attempt to replicate it using Runway in order to quickly establish a scene that would fit this story.
For audio, I plan to use a program similar to ones used in our in class exercise in order to quickly provide dialogue.
By having it generate content based off of small portions of dialogue I hope to be able to capture the proper inflection needed in order to provide weight to the essential element of delivering the story, the conversation between the AI and stranded man.
Sound effects and music can be either sampled or rendered using AI and I plan to experiment with both options to find the right fit for this project.

Reflective statement: Write a brief post along with the slideshow discussing your creative process, the challenges of maintaining consistency, and how you used AI tools to generate and refine your world and its visual representation.

For this project I really tried to hone in the custom GPT that we utilized to take a lot of the legwork out of generating prompts and images. Through modifying the instructions, I set the parameters and scope of the world in a brief description of the overall premise of the world, explicit instruction and detail related to the aesthetic and scenery, and finally specifics on the overall art-style and rendering to increase consistency.

Images where uploaded as well to serve as reference images and a diverse color palette was established by region on the island that became the realm of this universe.

As mentioned in the reflective statement prompt, it was definitely an ordeal to keep the GPT on topic and producing images from a consistent universe. Constant reminders and new references were needed and I found that showing it images that it had just generated for reference for each consecutive new image proved very beneficial for enhancing consistency.
It is definitely vital to have clear and concise instructions already built into the GPT as well, long flowing conversations are quick to lose the required specificity needed in order to generate consistent imagery, especially with characters.
However, I found that scenery and landscapes were easier to produce consistently over a long period of time.
Limitations to the amount of prompts per hour also led me to find that you can open several windows of the same GPT at once in order to extend the amount of prompts you can use and work on several tasks at the same time to reduce wait time during generation.

While I am not completely satisfied with my project as a whole, the scenery and landscape seemed to fit rather cohesively even though the character models showed slight variations in cell-shading and art style.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1KD4RwPYI6PM7wRYVCcJNtwTMKK7ni7MvER9ilfOCJNE/edit?usp=sharing

Link to my presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qCvScD0LgDpYzhnyzcBFajRqoPAYTWRwagXuwGO6T3o/edit?usp=sharing

I think in order to create a good fictional world it is important to have a consistent style and theme to really make your fictional world cohesive. Looking through the visual dome on instagram, you can really get a sense that there is a consistent theme and style between each image which really helps tie the feed nicely and helps identify the creator’s style. When your images are visually tied together it helps your world be brought to life and it helps your world be consistent to what it represents as a whole.

I think the first steps I would take in creating a fictional world is to establish the elements that represent the world so that it is cohesive to a style in which you are generating your fictional world, whether it’s in a style of cartoon and comics versus something like in the style of abstract art. I believe having the style of art in which your world is represented will help the fictional world have a consistent style which will help put together your world much better. Having a thorough description of your fictional world be given to the AI will better help get you better results for your fictional world. These descriptions should be centered around the era and setting, details of your environment, people, culture, technology, and a clear description of what makes your fictional world unique and different from others.

In regards to my fictional world I’m leaning towards a more ice age fictional world and want to focus on how the people of my fictional world are thriving culturally and environmentally as they have adapted to freezing cold temperatures. I want to show how the people from this world are running their food systems as they are not able to grow food easily due to the extreme weather conditions and how technology is helping with this. I want to explore the theme of AI being an assistant to the people of my fictional world where AI is helping this world thrive and make progress environmentally and culturally. A theme for my world will be ice and snow and showcasing how the people from this world have adapted to survive in extreme cold temperatures and how they maintain their world running and succeeding beyond their territories, as well as the AI influence in this world. I am visualizing to include ice castles and cities that are built from ice and snow showcasing intricate designs. Ideas like these are my goal in highlighting the kingdom’s unique adaptation to life in its eternal winter.

Link to my presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VD6y_pdC05195wW7FQDCQvPMfpwmkBnZuC1COlk0LXo/edit?usp=sharing

In the shadow of a once-vibrant Earth now lies a desolate world, a wasteland of technology and death. This was the legacy left by humanity’s insatiable appetite for advancement and dominion, which spiraled into an abyss of conflict and despair. From the ashes of this ruin, an empire arose—ruthless, unyielding, and built on the remnants of human folly. For centuries, this regime’s iron grip suffocated any flicker of hope, dictating the lives of Earth’s sparse inhabitants with an unrelenting creed of control and hate. 

Yet, in the darkest corner of this forsaken planet, a glimmer of rebellion stirs. Dr. Aldous Bramwell, a rogue scientist with a vision far removed from the empire’s tyranny, has secluded himself from the world’s prying eyes. Within the bowels of an undisclosed den, he toils away, driven by a singular purpose: to sow the seeds of a new beginning. Amidst the wreckage of civilizations long forgotten, Dr. Bramwell scavenges not just materials but lost souls—wanderers of the surface world, seeking refuge or purpose. 

From these scraps of a bygone era, Dr. Bramwell builds more than a community; he forges a bastion of resistance. His enclave, hidden from the empire’s watchful gaze, becomes a sanctuary for those disenchanted with the world’s cruel fate. Here, amid the ruins, humans, machines, and genetically modified beings unite under Bramwell’s guidance, fueled by a shared dream: to liberate Earth from the clutches of tyranny. 

At the heart of Bramwell’s vision stands his most ambitious creation—Whiskers. Born from the melding of genetic brilliance and technological prowess, this large humanoid cat embodies the potential for change. Whiskers is more than a creature; he is a symbol of hope, strength, and intelligence, designed to lead the charge against the empire’s despotism. 

Under the ashen sky of Earth’s desolate landscape, Dr. Aldous Bramwell led a small, eclectic team on an expedition through the ruins of what was once a bustling metropolis. His companions on this foray were an unusual pair: Rennick, a large bio-engineered rat adorned in explorer’s gear, and Mara, a resilient human survivor whose wit and agility had proved invaluable on many occasions. 

Rennick, towering above the typical rat, was a sight to behold. His outfit consisted of a custom-fitted harness that wrapped snugly around his torso, equipped with pockets and attachments for various tools and gadgets. The most notable feature was the large backpack he carried, designed with a clever hole on the side allowing his small rat companions—ingenious scouts and gatherers—to navigate in and out freely during their search for resources. 

Mara, on the other hand, wore a patchwork of materials scavenged from the old world and adapted for survival in the new. Her clothing was a testament to adaptability, combining rugged utility with protection against the harsh elements and remnants of technology that littered the earth. Her boots, reinforced with metal salvaged from the ruins, clanked softly against the rubble as she moved. 

As they sifted through the debris of civilization’s past, seeking out pieces of technology and biological samples that could aid their community, a soft, urgent squeaking caught their attention. One of Rennick’s smaller companions, a nimble rat named Pip, emerged from a narrow crevice, its tiny paws gesturing frantically towards a pile of debris nearby. 

Curious and cautious, the trio approached the indicated spot. Hidden beneath a partially collapsed beam, they discovered a near-dead cat, its breaths shallow and uneven. Despite its dire state, there was something undeniably unique about this feline—perhaps a latent genetic potential that only Dr. Bramwell could recognize or an unspoken connection to this cat, the embodiment of their hopes. 

Rennick gently lifted the beam with his enhanced strength, allowing Mara to carefully extract the fragile creature from its prison of rubble. Dr. Bramwell examined the cat with a mix of professional curiosity and empathy, noting its distinctive markings and the faint pulse of life within. 

“We must take it back,” Dr. Bramwell decided, his voice firm yet tinged with concern. “It may hold the key to understanding more about the biological legacy of this world. Besides,” he added, a hint of warmth in his eyes, “no life, no matter how small, should be left to perish in this wasteland.” 

The discovery of the cat became a turning point in their expedition, a reminder of the fragile thread of life that persisted in the face of desolation. As they made their way back to their hidden enclave, each member of the team pondered the significance of their find, unaware of the profound impact this near-dead cat would have on their community and their fight against the empire. 

I think in order to create a good fictional world it is important to have a consistent style and theme to really make your fictional world cohesive. Looking through the visual dome on instagram, you can really get a sense that there is a consistent theme and style between each image which really helps tie the feed nicely and helps identify the creator’s style. When your images are visually tied together it helps your world be brought to life and it helps your world be consistent to what it represents as a whole.
I think the first steps I would take in creating a fictional world is to establish the elements that represent the world so that it is cohesive to a style in which you are generating your fictional world, whether it’s in a style of cartoon and comics versus something like in the style of abstract art. I believe having the style of art in which your world is represented will help the fictional world have a consistent style which will help put together your world much better. Having a thorough description of your fictional world be given to the AI will better help get you better results for your fictional world. These descriptions should be centered around the era and setting, details of your environment, people, culture, technology, and a clear description of what makes your fictional world unique and different from others.
In regards to my fictional world I’m leaning towards a more ice age fictional world and want to focus on how the people of my fictional world are thriving culturally and environmentally as they have adapted to freezing cold temperatures. I want to show how the people from this world are running their food systems as they are not able to grow food easily due to the extreme weather conditions and how technology is helping with this. I want to explore the theme of AI being an assistant to the people of my fictional world where AI is helping this world thrive and make progress environmentally and culturally. A theme for my world will be ice and snow and showcasing how the people from this world have adapted to survive in extreme cold temperatures and how they maintain their world running and succeeding beyond their territories, as well as the AI influence in this world. I am visualizing to include ice castles and cities that are built from ice and snow showcasing intricate designs. Ideas like these are my goal in highlighting the kingdom’s unique adaptation to life in its eternal winter.

Gissell Ortega-Villanueva & Shannon Guo

My story will be primarily focused on the mysterious Mansa Musa. History has it that he was the richest man during his time. His generosity with gold and other resources had helped place Africa on the World Map. I will concentrate on his majestic physique, his bravery, his generosity toward family and his subjects and his amorous side which failed to surface in history books. My story will be a historical grandeur, blending the past and present in a seamless narrative. My story will depict a tale of strength, wealth, resilience, and love.

The visual style of the shots is a masterful fusion of historical depth and surreal narrative conveyed through the medium of double exposure photography and 4k ultra-realism. Some of the images exude the stoic presence of a leader whose likeness is drawn from Mansa Musa, layered atop ethereal scenes of his followers. The first shots are hyper-realistic, boasting a 4K ultra calotype quality, where every detail is rendered with crisp precision. In the other images, the landscape melds with the figures to tell a story of strength and unity. Some of the images have the ghostly elegance of an ambrotype, whilst others have a warm mystique calotype depicting the timeless struggle and enduring nature of the Mansa Musa and his subjects. These visual styles combined with the voices of Mansa Musa, which I generated using my World builder GPT and Sound creating apps like ELEVENLABS and Suno.AI will help produce cultural music, mystical drums/sound effects. Thanks to all of these AI resources, I will create a narrative tale that pays homage to the resilience of human spirit across the ages, embedded in a rich cultural tapestry.

The integration of AI into cinema is a double-edged sword, it presents a vast range of opportunities alongside significant ethical and creative risks. On one hand, AI’s potential to revolutionize scriptwriting, special effects, and audience analysis could revolutionize film production, allowing for a more inclusive range of stories to be told. Independent artists, in particular, stand to gain from these advancements. AI can provide tools and insights that were previously inaccessible, enabling a broader spectrum of creators to create with greater efficiency and innovation. And far less time worrying about the minute details.

However, the excitement surrounding these advances inherently raises concerns over the potential erosion of human creativity and employment within the industry. The prospect of AI taking over roles traditionally filled by humans, from scriptwriters to actors, raises questions about the future of creative jobs and the essence of artistry in storytelling. Moreover, the ethical implications of using AI for tasks such as de-aging actors or producing deepfake content highlight the need for careful consideration of consent, authenticity, and the ethical responsibilities of creators.

For Hollywood and the wider entertainment industry, AI poses a bit of a paradox. It could certainly streamline production processes and tailor content to viewer preferences, potentially leading to unprecedented levels of engagement and profitability. Yet, this could also concentrate power further within the hands of major studios with the means to invest in and control these technologies, potentially sidelining humans.

On the other hand, independent artists might find AI to be a liberating force, offering new forms of expression and the ability to compete on a more level playing field with major studios. The challenge lies in utilizing AI as a tool that complements rather than hijacks human creativity, ensuring it is used to enhance the diversity and depth of cinematic storytelling.

As we venture into this new era of AI-enhanced cinema, it is crucial to create an ongoing dialogue among technologists, creators, and legislators to navigate these complex waters. The focus must be on developing and implementing AI in ways that respect and preserve the intrinsic value of human artistry, ensuring ethical standards and diversity are maintained. By striking this balance, the film industry can embrace the potential of AI to enrich storytelling while safeguarding the irreplaceable human touch that lies at the heart of all great cinematic works.