A.I. in Screen Trade

WGA Strike Update: June 7, 2023

The 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has now passed the one-month mark, with complexities emerging around the concept of supporting the strike, the recent actions of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), and the impact on some of the industry’s most beloved productions.

Conceptions of Strike Support: There are ongoing debates about what it truly means to “support” the strike. Strike captain Caroline Renard expressed disappointment in the lack of engagement from wealthier industry figures who haven’t been held to the same standards as lower-level writers participating in the strike. Amy Pascal, for example, publicly voiced her support for the strike, though her comments about the situation have been criticized for obscuring the role of producers in resolving the issue.

Inter-Guild Solidarity and the DGA’s Recent Deal: The DGA recently reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which includes stipulations on wages, work hours, residuals, and the role of artificial intelligence. While the DGA agreement has been celebrated as “historic” by its negotiation committee, it has also raised concerns among writers that the strike might endure for an extended period. The WGA, however, has reiterated their determination to hold out for the contract they believe they deserve, appreciating the solidarity shown by sister guilds but asserting their independent strength.

The Impact on Productions: The strike has noticeably impacted television shows, including popular series like “Succession” and “I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson.” Comments from “Succession” star Jeremy Strong and writer Lucy Prebble emphasize the importance of writers and critique the idea that AI could ever replace human creativity.

The DGA Agreement’s Highlights: The DGA’s new three-year collective bargaining agreement provides wage increases and cuts workday hours for assistant directors. It also bans live ammunition on sets, introduces a pilot program for safety supervisors, and addresses the use of artificial intelligence, stipulating that AI cannot replace duties performed by members. Additionally, the agreement introduces changes in the payment of residuals for global streaming video on demand based on the number of international subscribers.

As the WGA strike continues, all eyes will remain on the negotiating table, anticipating what the next steps might be and how they will shape the future of the industry. The DGA’s recent agreement could serve as a benchmark, but the WGA has made clear that it won’t settle for less than what its members deserve.

The Art and Impact of Non-Linear Storytelling in Modern Cinema

Non-linear storytelling disrupts the conventional chronological sequence of events, presenting them instead in a fragmented, disjointed, or alternating manner. It grants filmmakers an expanded canvas to explore diverse narrative techniques and themes, and engage audiences on deeper cognitive and emotional levels.

The Historical Foundations of Non-Linear Cinema

Non-linear cinema has a long history, with roots dating back to the silent film era. Early examples include D. W. Griffith’s “Intolerance” (1916) and Abel Gance’s “Napoléon” (1927). The French avant-garde took the concept further, with René Clair’s “Entr’acte” (1924), and Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí’s “Un Chien Andalou” (1929) using the technique to create open-ended interpretations about the Church, art, and society. Jean-Luc Godard’s works since 1959 were also influential in the evolution of non-linear film, with his statement, “I agree that a film should have a beginning, a middle, and an end but not necessarily in that order” becoming emblematic of the form.

This is not to say that non-linear storytelling is an invention of early cinema. Far from it. Ancient epics such as Homer’s “Odyssey,” a mosaic of flashbacks and past tales, were employing such a narrative structure millennia ago. Even more prominent examples are found in early 20th century literature, with giants like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce shattering traditional narrative norms with novels such as “Mrs. Dalloway” and “Ulysses,” respectively.

Non-Linear Narratives and the Evolution of Modern Cinema

Fast forward to the late 20th and early 21st century, we see an amplified exploration of non-linear narratives in the film industry. Directors like Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu have championed this narrative structure, transforming it from an experimental technique into a mainstream device.

Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” (1994) utilizes non-linear storytelling to create a collage of interconnected stories, allowing the audience to piece together the narrative puzzle. Nolan, on the other hand, utilized this device to deliver the cerebral “Memento” (2000), where a protagonist suffering from anterograde amnesia struggles to solve his wife’s murder – a narrative that unfolds in a reverse chronological order. Iñárritu’s “21 Grams” (2003) fragments its narrative into numerous interwoven story threads, forming a highly emotive and existential study of life, death, and morality.

Many films released in the 2010s and 2020s have continued to leverage non-linear storytelling, further solidifying its place in contemporary cinema. Movies such as “The Social Network” (2010), “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012), “Captain Marvel” (2019), and “The French Dispatch” (2021) exemplify the varied and innovative uses of the technique in recent years.

Cognitive and Emotional Impact on the Audience

The use of non-linear storytelling affects audience engagement on multiple dimensions. It makes the viewer an active participant, pushing them to construct the narrative rather than passively receiving it. This interaction fosters a deeper engagement with the film, enhancing recall, emotional connection, and overall enjoyment. The non-linear narrative often plays with our understanding of time, memory, perception, and causality – concepts that resonate strongly with our lived experiences.

Moreover, non-linear narratives often have a profound emotional impact, thanks to their unconventional storytelling techniques. The viewer, while unearthing the narrative, experiences the character’s journey in a more personal and intimate manner. By exploring character arcs, plotlines, or themes out of sequence, the filmmaker can place emphasis on certain emotional beats, thereby heightening the overall emotional resonance of the film.

Some critics argue that it can lead to an overly complex and confusing narrative, making it difficult for the viewer to follow or engage with the story. Moreover, when used ineffectively, it can come off as a gimmick or a stylistic indulgence rather than a meaningful narrative tool.

Balancing the unconventional structure with clarity is key to effective non-linear storytelling. It’s about providing enough information and emotional cues to keep the audience invested, while also preserving the sense of mystery and intrigue that makes this narrative approach so compelling.

The Future of Non-Linear Storytelling in Cinema

As we look forward to the future of cinema, it’s clear that non-linear storytelling is more than just a passing trend. With advancements in technology and an ever-evolving audience appetite for innovative storytelling techniques, the possibilities for non-linear narratives are virtually limitless.

The rise of streaming platforms and episodic storytelling presents an exciting opportunity for non-linear narratives. With the luxury of extended runtimes and viewer’s ability to control pacing, streaming platforms could serve as fertile ground for more intricate and expansive non-linear stories.

Moreover, as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies continue to mature, we may see an entirely new canvas for non-linear storytelling, where the viewer isn’t just a passive observer but an active participant in the narrative unfolding around them.

Conclusion

Non-linear narratives provide unique storytelling opportunities that can amplify the emotional impact of a film, enhance the depth and complexity of its characters, and create intricate, engaging plots. The use of non-linear storytelling can also enhance a film’s rewatchability, as viewers may gain new insights or understanding of the story upon subsequent viewings.

Despite certain limitations and critique, it’s clear that non-linear storytelling has an integral role in the future of filmmaking, presenting exciting opportunities for narrative innovation. As cinema continues to evolve, so too will the ways we tell and engage with stories, breaking from the constraints of linear narrative to explore the myriad possibilities of the non-linear form.

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Crafting Compelling Villains: The Sinister Symphony of Screenwriting

In the traditional cinematic form storytelling, a hero, no matter how compelling, is often only as good as the villain they face. This oppositional force is not merely a character, but a critical narrative element that helps define the hero, propels the plot, and imbues the story with philosophical and thematic richness.

Consider the likes of Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz in “Inglourious Basterds”), Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem in “No Country for Old Men”), or Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike in “Gone Girl”). These iconic figures linger in our collective memory not because they merely present obstacles for the protagonists but because they embody potent themes, stimulate fascinating character dynamics, and, paradoxically, reflect our own human condition.

The Villain as a Mirror

A compelling villain often serves as a dark mirror to the protagonist, embodying qualities that the hero must confront or overcome. This dynamic adds depth to both characters and provides an emotional resonance that transcends the plot itself.

Consider the relationship between Batman and the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight”. The Joker is not just a criminal mastermind, but a philosophical antithesis to Batman. His nihilistic worldview challenges Batman’s crusade for justice, forcing our hero to grapple with his own principles and the very nature of his quest. Screenwriter Jonathan Nolan reflects on this dynamic, stating, “We wanted to look at the idea of a villain as a foil to Batman, not just as an antagonist. The Joker pushes Batman to his limits, making him question everything he stands for.”

The Villain as a Catalyst

The villain also serves as a catalyst for the story, driving the plot and creating the circumstances that challenge the hero. This active role prevents the villain from being a mere obstacle and makes them an integral part of the story’s progression.

Consider Thanos from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His quest for the Infinity Stones sets the entire plot of the “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame” in motion. His actions force the heroes to band together, confront their own failures, and ultimately sacrifice to save the universe. His character provides the necessary conflict that tests our heroes and drives their evolution.

The Villain as a Symbol

Villains can also embody thematic or symbolic elements, adding a layer of complexity to the story. They often personify specific fears, societal issues, or philosophical questions, allowing the story to explore these themes in a tangible and dramatic way.

Think of the shark in “Jaws” or the xenomorph in “Alien”. While they may not possess the depth of character found in human villains, they embody primal fears and societal anxieties. The shark represents the terror of the unknown lurking beneath the surface, while the xenomorph is a symbol of the other—alien and terrifying. Their presence elevates these films from simple monster movies to profound explorations of fear and survival.

Crafting Your Villain

When crafting your villain, it’s essential to consider these aspects. A villain who merely poses a physical threat to the protagonist can lead to a flat narrative. Instead, think about how your villain can challenge your protagonist emotionally and philosophically. Can they reflect the protagonist’s flaws or fears? Can their actions force your protagonist to grow or change? How can they embody the themes you wish to explore?

Writing guru Robert McKee advises, “Consider what values your villain will challenge in your protagonist. The greater the values at stake, the greater the story’s power.” In doing so, you not only create a compelling antagonist but also enrich your protagonist and your overall narrative.

In conclusion, the crafting of compelling villains is a vital aspect of screenwriting. It requires a deep understanding of character dynamics, plot development, and thematic resonance. As we delve into the shadows to bring our villains to life, we illuminate the core of our story, drawing the audience into a deeper exploration of our narrative world.

Let’s consider the wisdom of several accomplished authors and their insights into crafting compelling villains. George Langelaan, author of the short story ‘The Fly’, reminds us that villains can be more complex than just rascals or devils to be condemned. “As a writer, I take such a liking to villains that I try to give them a jolly good time and, in the end, to let them off as lightly as possible,” he said, illustrating that villains can be treated with humor and leeway, sometimes even escaping punishment.

Patricia Highsmith, known for her novels about the anti-hero Tom Ripley, urges writers to challenge stereotypes about villains. “Murderers, psychopaths, prowlers-in-the-night are old hat, unless one writes about them in a new way,” she said, demonstrating the value of innovation in crafting your villain’s character.

And Thomas Harris, the creator of Hannibal Lecter, points to the captivating power of villains, saying, “Often the villain will demand more ‘airtime’ because they are so fascinating.” This suggests that your villain, even if they start as a minor character, could potentially take center stage due to their inherent interest and complexity.

Crafting compelling villains is a complex task that involves not only creating a formidable opposition for your protagonist but also a character that is complex, multi-dimensional, and intrinsically linked to the themes and conflicts of your story. It’s a journey into the shadows of humanity, but one that, if done right, can illuminate your story in ways that resonate deeply with your audience.

WGA Strike Update: June 2, 2023

The ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, now marking its one-month anniversary, continues to be a complex event, with many industry members expressing their support and participating in various ways. Key figures like strike captain Caroline Renard have voiced their concerns over the behavior of some wealthy industry players, who they perceive as not taking the strike as seriously as lower-level writers.

Notable film producer Amy Pascal has declared her support for the strike, but her statements have caused some controversy due to perceived obfuscation of the producers’ potential role in resolving the strike. She mentioned that work on a potential fourth Tom Holland Spider-Man movie is on hold due to the strike, emphasizing that all parties are supporting the effort and awaiting resolution.

The strike has spurred a show of solidarity among various industry guilds. The Directors Guild of America, in its final week of scheduled negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, received a joint statement of solidarity from the WGA, Screen Actors Guild, and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

In a more visible display of the strike, picket lines have appeared in Google Maps images of Amazon Studios and Sony Picture Studios.

The strike has had implications for television production as well. The series finale week of the popular show “Succession” has served as a platform to emphasize the importance of writers, with show creator Jesse Armstrong and actor Jeremy Strong highlighting the crucial role of human creativity and deep thinking in scriptwriting, pushing back against the notion that AI could replace human writers.

The strike has seen support from notable comedians as well, like Seth Meyers, who took to social media to express his support for the strike, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young writers.

However, the strike has also brought financial distress for many industry members. The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) reported a significant increase in calls and requests for financial assistance since the strike began on May 2. Of the more than 500 members of the entertainment community who have contacted MPTF since the strike’s inception, over 64% have inquired about services related to the work stoppage, particularly financial assistance.

MPTF, a 102-year-old charitable organization, had faced financial difficulties six months ago due to extraordinary Covid-related expenses. However, a successful fundraising effort and generous industry support have enabled it to remain functional and provide essential services to members of the entertainment community affected by the work stoppage and other crises.

According to Jennifer Jorge, MPTF’s Director of Community Social Services, the majority of industry members contacting MPTF are seeking financial assistance due to the strike. However, she points out that financial stress often indicates other forms of distress, such as in relationships or physical and mental health. Therefore, the MPTF also offers a broad spectrum of programs and services, including dealing with mental health needs, loss of health insurance, and other life-altering events.

These developments underscore the multifaceted impact of the strike and the widespread support it has garnered. While the strike continues to put pressure on industry leaders and provoke conversations about the importance of writers, it also highlights the financial and emotional toll on those involved in the industry.

[Please note that this article is a summary of the situation as it stands at the time of writing, June 2, 2023, and the situation may have changed by the time you read this.]

Unpacking the Potentials of Artificial Intelligence in Screenwriting

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has progressively pervaded numerous sectors, including the world of screenwriting. As AI writing and AI screenwriting become more sophisticated, they offer unprecedented possibilities for creative storytelling, leading to a remarkable evolution in the craft. This article delves into the potential of machine learning screenwriting, the application of AI scriptwriting, and the emergence of AI-generated scripts. We will also explore the role of screenwriting software and how AI film writing is transforming the landscape of the screen trade.

The Rise of AI Screenwriting

AI screenwriting is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field. Over the last decade, we have witnessed the introduction of AI writing technologies that can generate coherent and contextually relevant narratives. Using machine learning algorithms, these AI scriptwriting tools are capable of learning narrative structures, character archetypes, and genre conventions from vast amounts of screenplay data. They can then apply these patterns to create new and potentially innovative scripts.

Screenwriting software, often employing AI technology, has been pivotal in transforming the way scripts are written. These tools can automate tedious aspects of the process, such as formatting, allowing writers to focus on the creative aspects of their work. However, the advent of AI screenwriting has amplified these benefits, enabling software to contribute creatively to the scriptwriting process.

The Advent of AI-Generated Scripts

The development of AI-generated scripts represents a significant step forward in AI screenwriting. These scripts are not merely the output of procedural generation; they are the product of machine learning models trained on extensive screenplay databases. The potential here is tremendous – from generating a quick first draft to offering unique plot twists and character interactions that a human writer might not think of.

However, it’s essential to note that while AI-generated scripts can provide a starting point or a source of inspiration, they still require human input and refinement. The nuance of human emotion, the depth of character arcs, and the subtlety of thematic resonance – these are elements that, at least for now, AI struggles to replicate with the same finesse as a human writer.

AI Film Writing and Story Generation

Another exciting development is AI film writing, where AI is used to generate entire film scripts. This approach involves more than just creating dialogue; it also involves constructing narrative arcs, developing characters, and setting scenes. AI story generation is a complex task that requires the AI to understand narrative coherence, character consistency, and emotional progression.

AI film writing is still in its early stages, but some intriguing experiments have already taken place. For instance, AI has been used to write short films and even full-length features, albeit with varying degrees of success. The results have ranged from the surreal and nonsensical to the surprisingly coherent and emotionally resonant.

Artificial Intelligence in Screenwriting: A Tool, Not a Replacement

As we navigate the thrilling potentials of AI in screenwriting, it is important to remember that AI is a tool and not a replacement for human creativity. It can provide inspiration, speed up the writing process, and even challenge us to think outside our usual creative boundaries. However, the essence of storytelling – the human connection, the empathy, the shared experiences – is something uniquely human.

AI-generated scripts, AI film writing, and AI story generation can provide us with new ways to tell stories and new perspectives to explore. But the interpretation, refinement, and ultimate delivery of these stories remain a profoundly human endeavor. AI screenwriting, in its current form, is not a threat to the screenwriter’s craft but an exciting new tool in the screenwriter’s toolbox.

Conclusion

The rise of artificial intelligence in screenwriting is opening up exciting new possibilities for the craft. From machine learning screenwriting to AI scriptwriting and AI-generated scripts, these technologiesoffer unprecedented opportunities for creativity and efficiency. However, they do not replace the need for human insight, empathy, and judgment in crafting compelling narratives.

AI screenwriting is an area where the potential for innovation is vast. The emergence of AI-generated scripts can bring new perspectives, encourage unexpected plot twists, and inspire fresh narrative structures. AI film writing has the potential to revolutionize the way films are scripted, bringing about a seismic shift in the industry.

AI story generation also offers a new approach to developing narratives, allowing writers to explore diverse plots and character arcs quickly and efficiently. However, it’s important to remember that AI is a tool, not a replacement for the human touch that is so essential in storytelling.

The advent of AI in the screenwriting domain is an exhilarating development, offering exciting new avenues for creativity. However, it also calls for a re-evaluation of the screenwriter’s role and an understanding of how to best utilize these new tools. While the future of artificial intelligence in screenwriting is bright, it will undoubtedly be a collaborative journey, with humans and AI learning from and enhancing each other’s strengths.

In conclusion, the impact of artificial intelligence on screenwriting is profound and wide-ranging. It offers an exciting array of possibilities for writers, from increased efficiency to innovative narrative structures. However, it is crucial that we approach these potentials with a balanced perspective, recognizing the strengths of AI while also acknowledging the irreplaceable value of human creativity and insight. The future of screenwriting, thus, lies in the harmonious coexistence of man and machine, each amplifying the other’s abilities to tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences.