Hello, Stage 32 community!
I'm a filmmaker from India exploring the exciting intersection of AI filmmaking and regional language storytelling. I recently completed the Producing Audio-Visual Content Using AI course from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, which has given me foundational knowledge in AI-assisted production techniques.
Currently, I'm developing Hindi-language short films and feature films using AI filmmaking tools, with English subtitles aimed at global audiences. My focus is on creating AI-generated and AI-assisted content— from scriptwriting and visual development to post-production.
As someone relatively new to international distribution, I'd greatly appreciate insights from this experienced community:
Questions for the Community:
1. Global Viability — Are AI-assisted Hindi short films with English subtitles finding audiences internationally? What platforms show the most traction for AI-generated content?
2. Festival Landscape — Which film festivals are currently receptive to AI-generated or AI-assisted content? Are there specific submission guidelines I should be aware of?
3. Legal Considerations — What key legal aspects should independent creators understand regarding AI-generated elements (copyright, disclosure requirements, etc.)?
4. Subtitling Budget — At what stage of production should subtitling costs be factored into the budget? Any recommended workflows?
5. Distribution Channels — Which distributors or platforms are most welcoming to emerging creators working with AI tools?
Open to Collaboration:
I'm building itsbuz Productions as a platform to showcase AI-generated short films and feature projects. I'm looking to connect with:
Filmmakers exploring AI tools
Editors and VFX artists comfortable with AI workflows
Writers and storytellers interested in AI-assisted narratives
Anyone passionate about cross-cultural storytelling
Collaboration Model:
Fair, non-exclusive partnership
All contributors can showcase projects in their portfolios
Mutual benefit from future opportunities, festival selections, and distribution deals
Open to both remote and project-based collaborations
If you're experimenting with AI filmmaking or want to be part of innovative Hindi storytelling for global audiences, let's connect!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Looking forward to learning from this incredible community and hopefully contributing back as I grow.
Best regards
Sumit Kumar
Founder, itsbuz Productions
2 people like this
Sumit Kumar Here's my opinion:
1. Global Viability — "generative AI" is by far not viable at this time. Be aware of (a) the severe backlash against AI generated content among audiences (search "A.I. slop" and find its wikipedia page), and (b) the true level of acceptance or rejection is impossible to assess at this time due to (1) the low quality which should rise over time, (2) the excessive sums of money pouring into pro-A.I. advertising and paid boosters.
2. Festival Landscape — There are several smaller festivals looking at AI titles, and each festival will have its own guidelines. So it's a one-by-one search on this one. None of the festivals which focus on AI are, to my knowledge, considered important festivals.
3. Legal Considerations — Your AI generated content cannot be protected by copyright at this time (and likely never will, IMO), though the situation is muddy. You can register works composed of partial AI work but the AI portion, unless substantially altered by a human, will not be protected. Unfortunately, the legal landscape, especially globally, is going to take years to resolve and it is therefore dangerous to do a full AI film at this time.
4. Subtitling Budget — Post production if you are self distributing or going through a market like FilmHub (because they won't do it and the platforms require it). It should be negligible there, as most editing apps now will generate them for you. Otherwise, your distributor will take care of it and charge you back at premium rates.
5. Distribution Channels — I cannot tell you of any. Due to the copyright concerns, I would not expect any legitimate distributor would touch it. The amateur platforms like YouTube, Rumble, and even Twitch, et al all require you to certify the use or non-use of AI in your content now. This makes it easier for them to place them up/down in search results or identify for removal when an AI platform claims you breached copyright by making money on their work.
1 person likes this
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all my questions and for sharing such valuable advice. I truly appreciate your effort and guidance.