SYNTHETIC VIDEO
Creating Synthetic Media with Film and Video
“Crucially, deepfakes are democratic in nature: the only things needed are training material for the algorithms and computing power; in contrast to traditional photo or video editing software, no specialist skill is necessary as the process is automated, meaning that even a relative amateur can produce high-quality synthetic content” Chesney and Citron, (2019)
STUDIO PROMPT
How might Synthetic Media provide a creative foundation and orientation to the expansive AI generation field and contribute in inspiring a broad range of theories on AI generated technology?
DESCRIPTION
Filmmaking has become more democratic than ever. This is potentially in part due to advances in synthetic media; a new form of virtual media produced with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI). Generally, the medium can incorporate visuals, voice, video, writing, music, drawings or paintings. This flexibility allows for diverse ways of storytelling through media. It is characterised by a high degree of realism and immersivity. Moreover, synthetic media tends to be indistinguishable from other real-world media, making it extremely challenging for the user to discern from its artificial nature. One of the most famous examples of deepfake technology being used in a film is Star Wars: Rogue One (Edwards, 2016). New forms of synthetic media have broken records for early public adoption and a technological shift potentially more far-reaching than the internet itself. The broad category of generative AI has the potential to disrupt industry, art, and culture, both if done poorly and if done well.
In this studio, students created film, video and audio work that explores synthetic media. Enabled by exploration of long form cinema and a range of cloud software, students were provided with a comprehensive, but introductory overview of the development of synthetic media, the cinematic methods used to produce artificially generated content, and the industry opportunities for filmmaking and virtual production.
We acknowledge the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. We respectfully acknowledge their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. We also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.