AI and the Future of Filmmaking: A Director’s Perspective
Before artificial intelligence became a fixture on film sets and in editing rooms, director Stuart Acher was already contemplating the future of cinema. His favorite film, “Back to the Future,” the 1985 box office hit about time travel, served as a touchstone for storytelling and the potential of the medium. Today, AI tools can generate images, voices, and scenes that once required extensive visual effects teams.
The AI Revolution is Here
For filmmakers, the question isn’t whether AI will impact the creative process—it already has. Acher, a director, editor, and professor teaching AI filmmaking at Emerson College, embraced this shift. His journey into AI filmmaking began with curiosity and a desire to understand the technology rather than fear it.
From “Next Stop Paris” to the AI Race
In 2025, Acher released “Next Stop Paris,” an AI-generated short film produced for TCL Studios. The project involved over 80 contributors—writers, actors, visual effects artists, designers, and engineers—and was described as an “ethically-produced AI project.” The film prioritized collaboration with human artists, using their work to guide the AI-generated imagery rather than replacing them entirely. FilmAffinity
Acher noted the rapid pace of AI development. “Every 10 minutes there’s a brand new tool or a re-upping of a version of a tool that works so well that if you don’t stay relevant, you get left behind,” he said. He likened the current environment to an “AI race,” fueled by trillions of dollars in investment from major companies, blurring the traditional boundaries of pre-production, production, and post-production.
The Enduring Importance of Actors
Despite the technological advancements, Acher believes one element of filmmaking remains irreplaceable: actors. “Nothing’s going to replace an actor,” he stated. “Even the process allows magic that just will never be captured alone in a room.” He emphasizes recording actors’ performances to guide AI-generated visuals, highlighting the importance of human performance.
Navigating the Risks and Prioritizing Storytelling
Acher acknowledges the risks associated with generative AI, particularly the potential for fabricated images and deepfake videos. He stresses the damaging impact of false accusations, regardless of their truth. He personally prioritizes quality storytelling over the pursuit of “content” – a term he dislikes – and warns against sacrificing narrative integrity for the sake of online engagement.
He cautions that the democratization of filmmaking, while offering greater access, doesn’t automatically equate to better storytelling. He observes a trend toward visually impressive trailers and short clips rather than fully developed narratives with clear beginnings, middles, and ends.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
For students learning the technology, Acher’s core message is clear: “To me, if you want to be a filmmaker today using these tools, you still need to be a traditional filmmaker.” He believes a strong foundation in traditional filmmaking principles is essential for effectively utilizing AI.
AI and Historical Storytelling
Acher sees significant potential for AI in historical storytelling. He is currently working on a documentary about Traian Popovici, a Romanian mayor who saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust, and his own family history. AI tools are enabling him to recreate historical scenes at a fraction of the cost previously required, accelerating the production process.
A History of Technological Change
Acher places AI filmmaking within a broader historical context of technological change in film production, noting the impact of color film, sound, and digital filmmaking. He concludes that the most crucial ingredient in storytelling remains constant: “Heart. If you don’t approach from a place of heart, the storytelling is inauthentic, and it might as well have been created fully by AI.”