AI as a Catalyst, Not a Replacement
In a world where access to high-end gear and generous budgets can gatekeep storytelling, two Filipino creatives are proving that artificial intelligence can widen the playing field. Portrait No. 72, a short film created with the help of generative AI, demonstrates a collaborative approach that treats technology as a supportive tool rather than a threat. The creators emphasize that AI’s real value lies in enabling artists who may not have ready access to resources to bring ambitious ideas to life.
Demystifying AI in Creative Production
Rather than outsourcing the entire process to machines, the filmmakers describe a workflow where AI handles time-consuming tasks — from initial concept visuals to post-production tweaks — while human insight guides narrative decisions and emotional nuance. This division of labor is key: AI accelerates production, but it does not replace the creative instincts that drive a story forward. For these filmmakers, AI is a partner that helps them experiment with visuals, mood, and pacing without the steep financial risk.
Accessibility as a Core Principle
Portrait No. 72 is framed around a simple truth: creative power should be accessible. The project showcases how a small team—potentially with limited equipment—can leverage generative AI to simulate scenes, generate textures, or craft character expressions. By lowering technical barriers, AI becomes an equalizer for artists who previously faced insurmountable hurdles. The result is a finished film that feels cinematic without demanding exorbitant resources.
From Concept to Screen: A Practical Workflow
The filmmakers outline a practical approach: they begin with a strong story concept and visual mood boards, then use AI tools to prototype scenes, generate lighting cues, and refine color palettes. Human editors and directors make the final creative judgments, ensuring the narrative remains intimate and human-centered. This iterative process allows for rapid experimentation, enabling the team to test ideas before committing time and money to more costly production stages.
Ethics, Authenticity, and Creative Ownership
As with any use of generative AI in art, questions of ethics and authorship arise. The creators of Portrait No. 72 acknowledge these concerns and advocate for transparent crediting and clear boundaries about how AI models influence the final work. They argue that when used thoughtfully, AI can augment imagination rather than dilute it, helping artists articulate perspectives that might otherwise stay unexplored due to resource limitations.
Impact on a Wider Creative Community
By sharing their process, the filmmakers invite other independent creators to experiment with AI in a responsible way. The message is hopeful: AI is not a substitute for human creativity but a tool that expands what’s possible for storytellers who operate on shoestring budgets. In regions where funding is scarce, AI could unlock new avenues for shorts, web series, and student films, broadening the cultural conversation and enabling more diverse voices to be heard.
Looking Ahead: A More Inclusive Filmmaking Landscape
The narrative around AI and creativity is evolving. When wielded with intention and a clear ethical framework, generative AI can democratize production workflows and empower talents who would otherwise remain on the periphery. Portrait No. 72 stands as a testament to this potential: a short film born from collaboration, curiosity, and technology that respects both the craft and the people who practice it.
