Generative Artificial Intelligence in Audiovisual Screenwriting

Abstract

The unstoppable technological evolution of generative artificial intelligence forces to rethink the creation of original audiovisual scripts from a holistic perspective. The application of AI to screenwriting for film, television, or multimedia content radically affects four fundamental aspects of audiovisual writing: process management, idea generation, narrative and stylistic techniques, and evaluation and communication of results. Within each of these areas, AI brings enormous disruptive advantages that reconfigure current models and workflows: optimization of writing methods; speed of planning and execution; versatility and flexibility of formats and genres; networked project collaboration; analysis of audiences, markets and aggregate trends; unlimited access to data and advanced information search engine; brainstorming and creative thinking processes; design and application of narrative structures; general or ad hoc assistance; standardized formatting; rewriting, editing, and proofreading; feedback and critical appraisal; translation and adaptation; and didactic support for teaching the craft, among many other features. This article discusses these characteristics and describes the various specific actions that can be taken when integrating AI into screenwriting software. It then summarizes the main debates about AI in four specific areas: technological, professional, legal and, above all, creative. Finally, the main questions that generative artificial intelligence will have to face in the near future are formulated: What will it be able to do technologically and what are its limits? How will the screenwriters adapt to the changes in their profession? How will viewers react to content that has not been written by humans? In short, how far can the AI revolution go? Are we dealing with a mere tool, an expensive digital pencil, or with a real writer capable of telling powerful and exciting stories?