Generative AI for Film Creation: A Survey of Recent Advances
Ruihan Zhang, Borou Yu, Jiajian Min, Yetong Xin, Zheng Wei, Juncheng Nemo Shi, Mingzhen Huang, Xianghao Kong, Nix Liu Xin, Shanshan Jiang, Praagya Bahuguna, Mark Chan, Khushi Hora, Lijian Yang, Yongqi Liang, Runhe Bian, Yunlei Liu, Isabela Campillo Valencia, Patricia Morales Tredinick, Ilia Kozlov, Sijia Jiang, Peiwen Huang, Na Chen, Xuanxuan Liu, Anyi Rao
TL;DR
This survey addresses how generative AI reshapes film creation by analyzing adoption and artist needs through MIT AI Filmmaking Hack data, linking tool use to perceived impact on quality. It combines quantitative adoption trends with qualitative case studies to reveal practical workflows, including LoRA-based styling, diffusion-driven video, 3D asset pipelines, and XR volumography. The paper highlights key challenges—character consistency, motion control, and seamless integration of AI outputs with real footage—while identifying emerging trends in 3D generation and volumetric storytelling. Together, these findings offer a roadmap for researchers and filmmakers to co-create integrated AI-assisted workflows that expand creative expression while mitigating technical limitations.
Abstract
Generative AI (GenAI) is transforming filmmaking, equipping artists with tools like text-to-image and image-to-video diffusion, neural radiance fields, avatar generation, and 3D synthesis. This paper examines the adoption of these technologies in filmmaking, analyzing workflows from recent AI-driven films to understand how GenAI contributes to character creation, aesthetic styling, and narration. We explore key strategies for maintaining character consistency, achieving stylistic coherence, and ensuring motion continuity. Additionally, we highlight emerging trends such as the growing use of 3D generation and the integration of real footage with AI-generated elements. Beyond technical advancements, we examine how GenAI is enabling new artistic expressions, from generating hard-to-shoot footage to dreamlike diffusion-based morphing effects, abstract visuals, and unworldly objects. We also gather artists' feedback on challenges and desired improvements, including consistency, controllability, fine-grained editing, and motion refinement. Our study provides insights into the evolving intersection of AI and filmmaking, offering a roadmap for researchers and artists navigating this rapidly expanding field.