📣 In this issue:
Ai Film showcase, Jeff Bezos Figure 01, Ai Anime, 7 Principles of Ai Art, construction drawings, and more.
Ai Filmcraft
I’m collecting inspirational Ai Film shorts in a new website: AiFilmcraft.com. The idea is to build a showcase of just what is possible with current Ai animation tools. Some of the work is absolutely amazing, and it can only get better!
I’m also adding in some of the better ‘how to’ videos I come across.
Take a look and let me know what you think. And if you want to share your own work or discovers, just create an account (totally free) and start adding. 🙂
📰 News-To-Know
1
TCL has expanded its flagship streaming service, TCLtv+, into original content production with the launch of TCLtv+ Studios. This new venture marks TCL's strategic move to harness the latest AI technologies to produce premium television programs. TCLtv+ Studios' inaugural project is "Next Stop Paris," a short romance movie created using advanced AI animation. Set to premiere this summer, the film showcases a heartbroken woman who meets a mysterious stranger on a train to Paris, leading to a budding romance in the City of Lights.
The studio employs a global team, including animators from the US, Canada, UK, and Poland, utilizing AI models and technology like Stable Diffusion to enhance traditional storytelling with high-quality design animation. This approach not only sets TCL apart in a crowded content market but also opens up new avenues for interactive and sponsorable elements within their content offerings.
2
Cointelegraph discusses a recent deal between Hollywood entertainment industry workers and major record labels like Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment. This "Sound Recordings Agreement," which is set to cover the period from 2021 to 2026, focuses on securing higher minimum wages for entertainment workers and includes significant safeguards against the use of AI in the music industry.
Under this agreement, any use of digital replicas of artists' voices in songs must receive the artist's consent and ensure appropriate compensation. This provision comes in response to the rise of generative AI technologies that can replicate voices without permission, raising concerns about artists' rights and the authenticity of musical expression.
The agreement also enhances health and retirement benefits and expands the portion of streaming revenues subject to contributions. It has been unanimously approved by the executive committee of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which represents about 160,000 actors and media personnel. A final member vote for ratification is expected soon.
3
Yahoo! Finance discusses a new AI startup called Figure AI, backed by Jeff Bezos, which has developed a humanoid robot named "Figure 01." This robot is designed to assist in labor-intensive industries such as warehousing and manufacturing by performing complex tasks autonomously. The startup has raised $675 million and is valued at about $2.6 billion. While Figure AI is not yet public, they. suggest potential indirect investment opportunities through its investors, like Microsoft.
🧰 Tools-To-Know
I’ve added a de-flicker tool to the Ai Art and Animation Tools list. Often, Ai generated video has a slight but discernible flicker. This tool removes it.
👀 Watch List
Support Story
A cleverly constructed Ai generated anime short.
AI-generated movies are here
Watch the full replay of Ethan Mollick with Zach Weissmueller & Liz Wolfe on the Just Asking Questions podcast.
⏳ ICYMI
7 Principles of Art
BBC Maestro considers howseven elements are combined to create something unique in art.
Balance: Achieve visual harmony by ensuring elements are proportionately distributed across the image.
Movement: Create a dynamic flow that guides the viewer’s eye through the composition.
Rhythm: Introduce patterns or sequences that enhance visual engagement.
Pattern: Use recurring shapes, colors, or themes to enrich texture and depth.
Contrast: Employ stark differences in color, light, and form to emphasize key areas and add visual interest.
Unity: Ensure all components of the image work together to form a cohesive whole.
Emphasis: Highlight the most important elements using strategic contrasts or focal points.
These principles, originally intended for traditional art, can be effectively applied to AI-generated art to enhance aesthetics and coherence.
Call For Submissions
The AI Film Awards at NFC 2024. Submissions close on 27 Apr at 12:00 GMT-4.
Requirements:
Cinematic film showing innovative use of generative AI
Compelling narrative with a strong sense of character and place
Diversity of voice, style and perspective
Maximum 3 minutes including titles and credits
At least 50% (image and sound) must be produced with generative AI
16:9 aspect ratio preferred, but other aspect ratios will be accepted
Minted work is eligible (including sold work), but please note you will be asked to mint a special NFC edition derived from your film.
🎨 Inspiration
Construction Drawings
In ancient times, construction plans were rudimentary, often sketched in the dirt or on rocky surfaces. Early civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks used simple drawings to plan and execute complex structures such as pyramids and temples. These drawings were not only technical but also held religious and cultural significance.
By the Middle Ages, architectural drawings became more sophisticated due to the complexities of building Gothic cathedrals and fortresses. Artisans used parchment to create more detailed plans, although these often lacked scale and precision by modern standards.
The Renaissance marked a pivotal shift, as figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo brought scientific approaches to drawing, emphasizing accuracy and detail. This period introduced the use of perspective, which allowed architects to create more realistic and three-dimensional representations of their designs.
The Industrial Revolution further transformed construction drawings with technological innovations such as the printing press and later photolithography. These technologies made it easier to reproduce drawings and share them across great distances, facilitating more standardized construction practices.
In the 20th century, the advent of computer-aided design (CAD) revolutionized construction drawings yet again. CAD allowed for more precise and mutable plans, and today, digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) enable architects and engineers to create multidimensional models that integrate detailed information about every aspect of a building’s design, construction, and future maintenance.
The development of construction drawings is a testament to human ingenuity in building environments that meet both functional and aesthetic needs. As technology continues to evolve, these drawings will likely advance to incorporate even more sophisticated features, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of construction projects.
Midjourney Prompt:
a detail section construction drawing of a [futuristic spaceship], monochromatic --ar 16:9
/settings: Version 6 and Stylize Med
What Next?
As always, consider this prompt as your starting point. Make it your own!
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