Producing : I asked ChatGPT to critique my pitch by Terri Morgan

Terri Morgan

I asked ChatGPT to critique my pitch

I had been talking with another tech person about some of what we are seeing with the AI tools. The results are very much based on what you ask. So I asked ChatGPT to critique my pitch.

Here's the first prompt "Critique the following pitch for a tv show according to the elements presented and the referenced television shows. Query: Is it interesting enough to be noticed?"

Apparently it could be. ...'intriguing concept, refreshing twists, appealing to viewers, comfortable adventure, etc....' It went on and on. It was very complimentary.

Same prompt, same pitch, different query. Query: Why should it be rejected?

Ouch. It really didn't like the pitch this time. But it did give me some important insights to why. "Overemphasis of character traits While these traits can add depth to a character, relying heavily on them in the pitch suggests that the show's appeal is primarily based on the character rather than the story or themes."

That would be true. It is really more about the characters. It seems ChatGPT has a preference for high-concept material. So what if I make that clear by adding "low-concept" as a description? ..

There are still several issues. And, ChatGPT still wants high-stakes conflicts and a strong story. I have characters with a story more than a story with characters.

So what if I switch back to the original query about getting noticed? It likes me again. Oh joy.

"The combination of relatable characters, a realistic and grounded approach, and elements from beloved TV shows and literature may indeed make it stand out and pique the interest of potential audiences.'

Finally, because I had to.... I asked ChatGPT to "Transform the following pitch for a low-concept tv show into something that would interest ... (3 famous directors). The first stuck more or less with what I had. The second changed the title and rewrote the story. The third one stayed with my story.

I'm going to need to ask a lot more questions.

David Abrookin

ChatGPT typically makes me nervous for the future of screenwriters, but I don't think we really have to worry just yet!

Benjamin Elliott

Interesting.

Terri Morgan

I'm nervous too. These tools are going to change how we work and what we do David Abrookin . But just like moving to computers from typing with carbon paper didn't put writers out of work, it's not that there won't be work. It's just how we do it that is changing. Typesetting used to mean a person taking pieces of metal and/or wood blocks out of a set of trays and physically setting them into frames for a printing press. That's not the way modern presses work. Even with AI, somebody has to give directions - and based on what I'm seeing, the results very much depend on the specific directions given. Human insights - the ability to change the question - don't exist.

Dan MaxXx

Help staff jobs like Readers and junior execs will be eliminated

Terri Morgan

I don't know that they will be eliminated Dan MaxXx But they will certainly be changing. The prompt I wrote was pretty simple. I'd expect someone who can write prompts that will spot "the perfect script" for "this particular director/show/producer" will be in demand. I can see other uses for these tools, too.

Shadow Dragu-Mihai

==why on earth would you ask an AI to critique and human's work????????== Why GAF about the returned result from a software algorithm that compares database results and has no mind, no judgement, no opinion, no knowledge of life, no response not programmed into it - when you are involved in a human, creative exercise?

Godfrey Ndlovu

Cause I enjoy watching movies

Morne Patterson

Dont pay too much attention so something which isnt real :)

Terri Morgan

Seems I was premature in my earlier statement. Below is an actual job post from someone in Israel. Not sure how realistic their want list is though.

Industry writers are absolutely correct in their assessment of the technology. The results from the "stupid AI computers" --which are not pre-programmed and can dynamically create responses that have not been pre-programmed -- are currently adequate for some applications.

The jobs for writers will continue to change and evolve just like jobs changed and evolved when we moved from typewriters to computers. Same for actors, musicians, and other creative artists. The voices AI can generate are good. So are the images and videos and music. They are 'good enough' for many applications.

Let me say this clearly -

I think of AI as another new tool that I want and need to learn how to use just like I had to learn the mechanics of how to write a script and then find the right tools to use. A pen and a piece of paper are still good tools. Computers were a radical upgrade. Now we have a new tool, AI.

I do not personally think AI can replace what human beings bring to their art and their craft. That's what Data (TNG) always wanted - to be human. It wasn't ever going to happen. I've spent most of my life in pursuit of my own humanity - languages, cultures, martial arts, philosophy. The arts I practice can't be "done" by a machine, no matter how good the programmer is.

But what I do can be recorded, replicated and reproduced and now with AI, changed and manipulated without my knowledge or consent. That is a problem. Same for writers. Taking my work to train your AI without respecting my copyrights or compensating me in any manner whatsoever for my work is wrong. Period.

To make matters worse, there are those who have money and make the decisions who do want AI to replace as many of "those pesky humans' as possible.

"Previous experience in the tech is required Are you a creative wordsmith with a passion for technology, a deep understanding of AI, and a flair for storytelling? Look no further! We are seeking an exceptional Scriptwriter to join our team and bring the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence to life through captivating narratives. As an AI Scriptwriter, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of entertainment and education by crafting compelling Youtube scripts that explore the limitless possibilities of AI. Responsibilities: Develop original and thought-provoking scripts that explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence. Write engaging dialogue, captivating narratives, and dynamic storylines that seamlessly integrate AI concepts into a variety of mediums. Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI technology, industry trends, and storytelling techniques to continuously push the boundaries of AI narratives. Requirements: A proven track record as a Scriptwriter, with a portfolio of engaging scripts that showcase your ability to merge technology and storytelling. Knowledge of artificial intelligence, and related technologies, along with a genuine enthusiasm for the subject matter. Exceptional storytelling skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and create memorable dialogue that engages and captivates audiences. Strong research skills, enabling you to distill complex AI concepts into accessible, easy-to-understand, and engaging scripts. Join us on this groundbreaking journey and be at the forefront of shaping the future of AI entertainment."

Dan MaxXx

The music industry will be worse when producers use AI to create songs

Chris Greenaway

I tend to avoid all things AI as a rule. If you can't have a phone conversation at least, it's not real.

Sam Sokolow

Steg 32 is hosting a webinar taught by entertainment attorney Thomas Crowell on the legal, practical and ethical uses of AI at this point in time. It will be an enlightening and energetic experience. Here's a link so you can check it out: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Legal-And-Practical-Implications-Of-A-I...

Terri Morgan

That webinar sounds very good Sam Sokolow Maybe look at hosting another that looks at the generative AI tools, how they work in more detail, and what creative folks can do with them? There's so much confusion and way too much misinformation.

Dane Johnson

Director Steven Soderbergh on AI replacing writers: “I may be the Neville Chamberlain of this subject, but I am not afraid of AI in this specific context. It has no life experience. It’s never been hungover. It’s never made a meal for anybody it loved. It’s never been scared walking home late at night. It’s never felt insecure because somebody that it went to high school with 20 years ago has become incredibly successful. I’m not afraid of it. It’s just another tool. If it helps you finish a first draft of a script, great. But can it finish that thing and make it great on its own? Absolutely not. As of today, it is not keeping me up at night.” https://variety.com/2023/film/news/steven-soderbergh-full-circle-miniser...

Dan MaxXx

Paul McCarthy gives his blessings for AI to recreate John Lennon's voice.

http://7ny.tv/43XIDEw

J. Austin Gentry

When AI can take scripts and interweave them into a new script, change the names of some characters so that they may not come up in a search and post new writer names, real or fake, that's when it's going to be over for the traditional screenwriter. I don't believe we're too far from that. What's going to have to happen is that laws are going to have to be passed that include copyrighting an origination number or source code or property serial number so when AI goes to pull whole scenes from published works these works are electronically tagged with encrypted source code. The enforcement of such laws will be so watered down, it may just be an unenforceable fine by then. For criminals to combat this, there will be what's called pirate AI's released, which will be a product from a different industry all together, (foreign imported coding). Would you like me to go on?

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