Learning AI tools that add to traditional filmmaking
Proposal: Establishing Africa’s First AI-Integrated Film Education Hub at AFDA
Vision:
To position AFDA as Africa’s pioneering film school that fully integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into traditional filmmaking practices—empowering a new generation of storytellers with enhanced creative capabilities and industry-relevant skills.
Strategic Mission:
Establish AFDA as the first institution in Africa to embrace AI as a core filmmaking tool, alongside conventional methods. This initiative aligns with the global shift toward hybrid creativity and prepares students for the future of storytelling.
Immediate Recommendations:
AI Filmmaking Representative at AFDA
Appoint a dedicated AI Filmmaking Lead or AI Advocate at AFDA who can represent and champion the integration and education of AI tools within the institution.Introductory AI Filmmaking Workshop
Organize a weekend workshop to create AFDA’s first AI-assisted short film. This hands-on experience will generate excitement, attract wide participation, and serve as a tangible showcase of the potential of AI tools.
Integration Plan:
Curriculum Development
Integrate AI tools into current modules, lectures, and workshops. This includes the creation of specific courses dedicated to AI Filmmaking, covering ideation, scriptwriting, visualization, editing, and even marketing.Dedicated AI Hub or Lab
Establish an AI Hub/Lab/Department on each AFDA campus to serve as a central resource for experimentation, innovation, and skill development in AI-assisted content creation.Cross-Departmental Applications
AI tools are not limited to filmmaking. The Live Performance and Acting departments can use them for creating digital portfolios, scene rehearsals, pitch decks, and self-marketing materials such as headshots, posters, and trailers.
Industry Context and Relevance:
2025 has already witnessed the creation of thousands of AI short films and dozens of AI-assisted feature films globally. These projects maintain the essence of traditional filmmaking but are empowered by new digital tools that accelerate production and elevate creativity.
AI doesn’t replace storytelling—it amplifies it.
Cost Overview:
Personnel:
One AI Filmmaking Lead and a lecturer per campus to start.Tools & Subscriptions:
Minimal costs, as most AI filmmaking tools offer discounted educational licenses.Infrastructure:
Leverage existing computer labs and software licenses where possible. An AI Lab could begin as a small, focused setup and expand based on student uptake.
Outcome & Impact:
Position AFDA as a continental leader in film education innovation.
Provide students with cutting-edge skills demanded by the evolving global industry.
Boost South Africa’s and Africa’s presence in the global creative economy.
Enable scalable, low-cost film production, increasing student output and portfolio quality.
Drive new collaborations and potential funding from technology and film partners.
We believe this initiative can redefine film education in Africa and place AFDA at the forefront of the next creative revolution.
Let us begin.
Below is an an example project students can create using the most advanced cloning, video, and image AI tools available.
Gen-AI and the future of filmmaking and storytelling.
AI and Filmmaking intro
We recently created a project using advanced cloning and cinematic shots with a new video engine, specifically for Dan Reynolds, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons. They really loved it, the response was super positive.
See below from some cloning tests we did with Diaan Lawrenson.
We wonder how many are approved of similar looking…
Proposal Outline: Advancing Gen-AI Filmmaking Education at AFDA
1. Executive Summary
We propose a groundbreaking collaboration between Artifice Studios, Africa’s leading film education innovators, and AFDA,, the continent’s first and largest Gen-AI creative studio. Together, we aim to position AFDA as a global leader in AI-driven filmmaking by launching:
Hands-on Gen-AI Filmmaking Workshops
A fully accredited, Advanced One-Year Gen-AI Filmmaking Course
Integrated AI tool training within 3rd-year curricula and traditional workflows
This initiative blends traditional storytelling craft with the next era of filmmaking tools, ensuring AFDA students are not only ready for the future—but helping lead it.
2. Background & Track Record
We are filmmakers first.
Our team won Best Independent Feature for Flesh & Blood.
As co-founders of Picturescope, (https://picturescope.com/) we’ve produced acclaimed work across formats.
We launched Africa’s first VR/AR/360° filmmaking courses at AFDA, collaborating with 3rd-year students to create immersive films—despite the R100k–R200k equipment costs. It was a success that pioneered a new standard.
Now, AI is the next evolution, and the costs are lower—mostly software-based and scalable.
3. Why Gen-AI Now?
Global film studios, agencies, and production companies are building in-house AI hubs, staffed with specialists in:
AI Storyboarding
AI-Assisted Editing & FX
AI Casting & Dialogue Simulation
AI-Generated Music, SFX & Environments
AFDA has the chance to be the first African institution to lead in this space, offering internationally aligned training in Gen-AI filmmaking from day one.
4. Our Proposed Initiatives
A. Gen-AI Filmmaking Workshops
Short-term, intensive workshops for students and faculty
Real-world use cases (storyboarding, editing, casting, etc.)
Delivered by local experts and international AI specialists
B. One-Year Advanced Gen-AI Filmmaking Course
Fully accredited, full-time curriculum
Covers AI in:
Scriptwriting (e.g., ChatGPT, Sudowrite)
Storyboarding (e.g., MidJourney, DALL·E)
Directing/Previs (e.g., Wonder Studio, Runway)
Editing & Post (e.g., Descript, DaVinci AI tools)
Music/Sound (e.g., Suno, Soundraw, ElevenLabs)
Students complete their own AI-powered short films
C. 3rd-Year AI Integration Pilot
Start by blending AI tools with traditional workflow in:
Script development
Visual pre-production
Post-production effects and audio
Create a test lab with 4–6 AI-enabled machines
All tool access via monthly subscriptions only—no major hardware required
5. Software + Cost Overview
Category Tool Examples Monthly Sub (USD) Writing & Dialogue ChatGPT, Claude, Sudowrite $20–$30 Visual Dev & Storyboards MidJourney, Runway, Leonardo $10–$60 Audio & Music Suno, Soundraw, ElevenLabs $10–$100 Editing & FX Descript, DaVinci, Adobe Suite $20–$80 Budgeting Filmustage Varies (discounts available)
Most tools offer education pricing for multiple seats.
No heavy equipment required – just existing computers and cloud access.
6. Strategic Benefits for AFDA
Academic Leadership: First film school in Africa with structured Gen-AI training
Global Recognition: Attract international students, creators, and press
Industry Partnerships: Collaborate with global AI platforms for content and internships
Career Ready Graduates: Equip students with cutting-edge creative and technical skills
7. Next Steps
Workshop Pilot Launch (Q3 2025)
Run 1–2 week intensive sessions
Train key staff + students
AI Lab Setup
Allocate 4–6 computers with subscriptions
Select initial toolset
Course Development
Finalize accreditation path for 2026 intake
Engage guest lecturers (local & global)
Marketing & Industry Integration
Showcase student work in AI film festivals
Partner with agencies and studios using Gen-AI
8. Ending
This isn’t the future. This is the present.
From our experience building VR/AR filmmaking programs, we know what it takes to bring a vision to life. With Artifice Studios and Artifice Gen-AI, we offer the technical tools, creative insight, and educational design needed to bring AFDA to the global Gen-AI filmmaking stage.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and co-create a roadmap for AFDA to lead the next cinematic revolution—from Africa to the world.