Where no filmmaker has gone before: The impact of artificial intelligence on the film industry

This article discusses the transformative role artificial intelligence (AI) is anticipated to play in the film industry, specifically concerning its capacity to enhance and redefine the parameters of cinematic realism. As the integration of AI in the cinematic field gains momentum, an exploration of its implications on the perceived realism in film is essential. The article first outlines the historical trajectory of realism in cinema, mapping its evolution and its core principles with respect to technological advances; we then introduce AI as a disruptive technology poised to reshape this trajectory. The focus of the article lies in examining how AI, through its advanced image recognition and synthesis, data analysis and deep learning capabilities, has the potential to revolutionize traditional methods of film production, post-production and distribution, significantly impacting the authenticity of cinematic narratives. The article then discusses potential drawbacks, such as the risk of over-reliance on technology and the ethical implications of AI utilization, offering a balanced perspective on this emergent phenomenon. The article aims to inform film scholars, industry professionals and enthusiasts about the profound transformations AI is set to bring, propelling the discussion towards the future of film in the era of AI.