2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Australian Screen Production, Education and Research Association (ASPERA) invites submissions for its 2024 annual conference, exploring Filmmaking Intelligences - the future of authentic, creative and artificial approaches in teaching and research. This conference aims to delve into the multifaceted landscape of contemporary screen production, in vocational and higher education, research, and the screen industry, with a focus on the dynamic intersections and transformative potential of authentic, creative and artificial intelligence. The Creative and Authentic Voice in filmmaking encapsulates the unique vision, experiences, and sensibilities of the creator. It is the essence that distinguishes one filmmaker’s work from another’s, shaping narratives with a distinctive touch. Artificial Intelligence, on the other hand, brings a new dimension to the creative filmmaking process. By leveraging vast datasets and neural networks, AI systems can generate story outlines, suggest dialogue, and even create visual elements. AI’s ability to analyse patterns and generate content may help filmmakers with predictions about audience preferences. Does the integration of AI in filmmaking offer unprecedented tools to enhance creativity, streamline production, and explore the potential for AI to act as a creative collaborator? The potential for AI collaboration introduces a new dynamic between the human filmmaker and the machine, blurring the lines between creator and co-creator; challenging traditional notions of authorship, beyond the boundaries of cinematic expression. Moreover, AI's ability to process and analyse vast amounts of data enables informed decision-making at various stages of production, from script development, pre-visualisation, scene generation, camera movements, post-production and marketing strategies. Filmmakers may harness this knowledge to craft narratives that resonate deeply with their target audience, ultimately enhancing the impact and reach of screen projects. Authenticity remains a critical component in this evolving landscape. While AI generates content, it is the human touch that infuses film with genuine emotion, cultural context, and a unique perspective. Does a creative and authentic voice act as a guiding force, ensuring that technology serves the vision, rather than overshadowing it? How will filmmakers navigate the delicate balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and preserving their own artistic and creative integrity? Will this intersection democratise filmmaking? AI tools may lower barriers to entry, enabling aspiring filmmakers with limited resources to create compelling content. How will AI empower storytellers from diverse backgrounds to share their narratives, enriching the cinematic landscape with a multiplicity of voices? How can educational institutions harness these affordances through curriculum design in vocational and higher educational settings? In the quest for authenticity, AI also presents an opportunity to address issues of representation and diversity. AI driven insights allow filmmakers to make informed decisions about casting, character development, and cultural nuances: ensuring that a broader range of experiences is authentically represented on screen. The convergence of Filmmaking, Artificial Intelligence, and the Creative and Authentic Voice marks a transformative moment in the history of cinema. It empowers filmmakers with powerful tools, expands the possibilities of storytelling, and challenges conventions of authorship. Through careful navigation of this intersection, filmmakers have the potential to create works that resonate more deeply, reach wider audiences, and reflect a broader spectrum of human experiences. This dynamic interplay between human creativity and technological innovation promises a future where the art of filmmaking knows no bounds.