CREATIVE DIRECTION & INDUSTRY STORY TELLING ft. ALBERT BOZESAN // Civitai Creative Session

The video begins with a lively introduction to the generative AI art community hosted on citi.com, encouraging viewers to like and subscribe for quality content. The host, Tyler, welcomes a special guest, Maddie Shimura, who works on partnerships and as an Executive Producer of AI film and TV at civi. Maddie introduces Albert Bazin, a media professional from Munich, Germany, who works for Storybook Studios, an AI film production company. Albert shares his journey from traditional media to AI, becoming an early influencer in the AI art space through YouTube tutorials.

Albert discusses his transition from traditional media to AI, highlighting his initial struggles with finding resources and the eventual success of his YouTube tutorials. The conversation shifts to his latest project, 'Space Vets,' an AI-generated children's animation series. The goal of the project is to utilize AI extensively to create a coherent narrative, setting it apart from other AI-generated content that often lacks continuity. The audience is shown a trailer of 'Space Vets' and encouraged to identify AI-generated elements.

The discussion delves into the production process of 'Space Vets,' revealing the extensive use of AI in creating textures, 3D models, and visuals. The team used a combination of Blender and Cinema 4D for model creation and a variety of AI tools for image prompting and conversion. Albert shares the workflow, from concept art to final render, and the challenges faced in maintaining consistency and quality in AI-generated content.

Albert explains the importance of creating a custom workflow for AI-driven production, emphasizing the value of connecting different AI tools to streamline the process. He also discusses the composition of the 'Space Vets' team, which includes a mix of AI-savvy and traditionally trained professionals. The team's director, Sebastian, is highlighted for his expertise in AI and VFX, contributing significantly to the project's success.

The conversation reveals that the 'Space Vets' pilot was completed in 60 team days, including workflow development. Albert acknowledges the contribution of previous projects to the current workflow and discusses the balance of responsibilities among the team members. The focus then shifts to the importance of story in any production, with Albert sharing his belief in the primacy of narrative over technology.

Albert stresses the importance of traditional filmmaking skills, suggesting that AI should be seen as a tool to enhance these abilities rather than replace them. He advises aspiring AI artists to improve their skills in Photoshop, Blender, and After Effects to better utilize AI tools. The discussion also touches on the rapid evolution of AI capabilities and the need to stay updated with new developments.

The focus turns to the storytelling and character development in 'Space Vets.' Albert explains the scientific approach to creating the show, ensuring it meets various criteria that appeal to children. The characters are designed to support the main narrative, with each having a specific role in the story. The importance of having a professional scriptwriter and consulting with a child psychologist to understand what entertains children is emphasized.

Albert discusses the challenges faced in integrating AI-generated audio into 'Space Vets,' noting that the emotional depth of the original voice recordings was somewhat lost in the process. He expresses a desire for more open-source development in audio tools to improve the quality of AI-generated voices and the emotional range they can convey.

The conversation explores the ethical considerations of using AI to generate voices, particularly posthumously. Albert shares his views on the controversial use of Judy Garland's voice by 11 Labs, expressing discomfort with the idea. The discussion delves into the difference between training a general model and creating a specific model to imitate an individual's style, highlighting the importance of respecting the original artist's wishes.

Albert provides insights into the German film industry's approach to AI, noting a thriving film culture that is open to using AI tools responsibly. He mentions the establishment of an AI department in one of the world's first film schools and the positive reception of public grants for AI-related projects, emphasizing the importance of supporting local artists and culture.

The discussion turns to the inspirations behind Albert's work, with references to classic entertainment films and books like 'Story' by Robert McKee. Albert shares his learnings from various resources, including workshops and biographies of writers, highlighting the importance of understanding story structure and the craft of writing in the world of filmmaking.

Albert reflects on the pushback he has encountered regarding AI in filmmaking, noting that most resistance comes from anonymous online sources, while in-person reactions are more receptive. He discusses the importance of communication and collaboration between AI and traditional filmmakers, emphasizing the need for public discourse on the subject.

The conversation looks to the future of filmmaking, with Albert expressing optimism about the collaborative potential between AI and human creators. He envisions a future where AI is an integral part of the creative process, allowing for the exploration of new stories and ideas, while still valuing the unique experiences and creativity that humans bring to the table.

In the final part of the conversation, Albert and the hosts discuss the future plans for 'Space Vets' and Storybook Studios, including the development of episode two and the potential for creating more AI-driven children's animation. Albert also shares his aspirations for tackling more ambitious projects, such as a Star Wars-inspired film, given the right resources and opportunities.

The video concludes with a round of appreciation for Albert's insights and a look ahead to the next guest creator stream featuring Gabe Michael from the marketing PR world. The hosts also mention upcoming office hours and AI artist hours, encouraging the community to continue exploring AI in creative fields and to engage with the content and creators on the platform.