Can you share more about your experiences with the Asian education system that inspired "Black Høle"? How did these experiences shape the narrative and themes of the film?
Davis Chang: During my childhood, life felt like an endless cycle between school and cram school, as if the week never stopped from Monday to Sunday. There was no time to ponder why we were learning these things or to develop an understanding of other aspects of life.
We were endlessly required to obey elders and authorities, and only when we were filled with a vast amount of "knowledge" were we recognized as good children. My standards were set at 100%, and any performance below perfection was reprimanded. In some subjects, we were physically punished with palm strikes or forced to squat. My own feeling was that most children at that time were like products on a factory assembly line, trained to be identical cogs fitting into the societal framework. Those who successfully graduated were like livestock that had been sifted through, crowned with a cursed crown on the podium, and declared qualified tools that would never think independently again in this world. I chose to use black and white, with a texture reminiscent of thick, dissolving oil paint, to depict the confusion, dissatisfaction, and doubts accumulated in the hearts of those children.
Your film combines hand-drawn storyboards with AI-generated visuals and animations. Can you walk us through the creative process of integrating these different elements? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Davis Chang: Our creative process began with meticulously hand-drawing the storyboards. These storyboards served as the foundation and reference for the next stage. We then input these storyboards into Midjourney, using them as reference images while blending them with our own black-and-white oil painting style to create the final visuals. Leveraging the latest features at the time, such as image-to-animation and dynamic brushes, we brought these visuals to life. One significant challenge we faced was producing certain camera angles with the AI.
For example, we struggled to generate a specific overhead shot of a basketball hoop. No matter how we adjusted the dynamic elements, the desired effect was unattainable. In the end, we had to adapt by altering the storyboard to fit what was feasible with the available technology.
How did you choose to work with Midjourney AI for visuals and Runway ML for animations? What specific features of these technologies were crucial in achieving the film's distinctive style?
Davis Chang: We chose Midjourney for visuals because it is currently one of the easiest and highest-quality image generation services available. Its features, such as the ability to use reference pictures and blend different image styles, were incredibly useful and impressive for our needs. As mentioned earlier, Runway ML's motion brush was an exceptional tool for animation due to its controllability and stability. It allowed us to animate specific parts of the image with precision, producing results that were consistent with our expectations. These features were crucial in achieving the film's distinctive style, seamlessly blending the hand-drawn elements with AI-generated animations.
The film's childlike, doodle-esque acrylic painting style carries potent emotions. How did you ensure that the AI-generated animations retained the emotional depth and authenticity of your original vision?
Davis Chang: To ensure the emotional depth and authenticity of our original vision, we first created detailed storyboard sketches that incorporated the doodle-esque acrylic painting style. We then used these sketches as a foundation to guide the AI-generated animations. However, not all AI-generated animations met our standards, and we had to filter out many that didn’t align with our vision. It was a bit like a lottery, where we sometimes encountered unexpected surprises. In addition to the visuals, we paid special attention to music and sound design, which significantly enhanced the overall impact. While sound is often overlooked in filmmaking, we believe it plays a crucial role in visual storytelling. In our film, the sound design complements the visual imperfections of AI, adding another layer of emotional depth and narrative support.
As a director, how do you see the role of AI evolving in the film industry? What potential do you see for AI in storytelling and visual arts?
Davis Chang: AI technology is already making strides in the pitch and previs processes, offering creators a faster and more convenient way to communicate with investors and collaborators. By integrating AI with visuals and music, we can produce more precise demos that streamline these processes. I believe AI will have significant applications in creating trailers and teasers, enhancing how we present and develop projects. I particularly enjoy creating storyboards and then using AI to produce visuals that align with my aesthetic preferences. It’s a collaborative approach where AI complements my initial drafts rather than generating content entirely on its own. In the realm of social media and short-form video platforms, AI-generated images and artworks will likely experience explosive growth. Much like the rise of vertical dramas, AI lowers the barrier for storytelling, enabling people to share personal stories and everyday moments with ease. The advent of AI has allowed me to revisit and develop previously shelved or incomplete ideas into short films or music videos, thanks to lower production costs and reduced risk. We are at a technological inflection point where small teams and individual creators are experiencing unprecedented levels of creative freedom and efficiency.
Can you share any details about your upcoming projects? Are you planning to explore similar themes or use AI technology in new and innovative ways?
Davis Chang: We are currently developing a new project titled "N.O.W (Nexus of Organic and Wired)," set in a near-future world where robotics and human augmentation are increasingly popular. This era is marked by a vibrant clash of perspectives and ideologies. The series will consist of various episodes focusing on different cases and main characters to explore the intricacies of this futuristic world. Our goal is to create both a live-action series and an animated series using AI technology. We are particularly excited about integrating AI workflows into the animation production process, as it represents a new and innovative approach to bringing our vision to life. This project is currently the most thrilling aspect of our work, and we look forward to leveraging AI to push the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry.
Finally, what message or takeaway do you hope audiences will gain from "Black Høle"? How do you want this film to impact their perspective on education and societal expectations?
Davis Chang: I hope that "Black Høle" encourages audiences to place greater emphasis on children's education and development beyond academics. It's crucial to recognize that academic success is not the only measure of a child's worth and that focusing solely on it can stifle their overall growth. Children should be exposed to various aspects of life, encouraged to connect with nature, and allowed to explore their interests and preferences. In this evolving era, especially with the advent of AI, education is poised for significant transformation. Students who question and explore deeply will likely progress faster than before, and traditional educators may struggle to keep up. It’s important for everyone to learn how to collaborate with AI and update educational approaches to better support the needs of future learners.
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