AI & Screenwriting

[Brian Fretwell]

Maybe AI can come up with better ideas for movies. Went to see Indiana Jones and and amongst the handful of trailers I only found Oppenheimer of any interest.

Of course the movies companies execs would have to approve the ideas the AI came up with, that's where the trouble lies in my opinion - lack of imagination there!

[Richard Busick]

A little digression... As a little experiment in generating content by a machine, I asked ChatGPT to generate a post based on the above thread. I removed the 2 posts about eBay, since they are not relevant. I also removed all personal details, other than first names. I left those, so the chatbot could refer back to previous contributions. This is what our AI overlord has to contribute to this topic:


Interesting discussion! The tension between organic creativity and structured approaches to storytelling has always existed in the world of film and television.

To Joerg's point, those prefabricated scripts from photo shops were a unique way of helping people understand basic storytelling and filmmaking techniques. They're a part of history now, but I'd love to see scans of them if anyone has them. I couldn't find the Kodak ones, but it'd be a great resource for film history enthusiasts. If you're intrigued by what AI like ChatGPT can produce, you might want to check out https://overchat.ai/chat/best-free-ai-chat — it's a great space to explore similar experiments or just get inspired. More coherent than many posts on the various internet forums ...

Osi and Ken, you both bring up valid concerns about the use of script-writing software in Hollywood. These tools can definitely enhance the writing process by providing structural guidance, as Ed pointed out. However, we must be careful not to lose the human touch in storytelling. As Ken amusingly reminded us, let's not forget Hal from "2001: A Space Odyssey"!

Ken, your practice of mentally converting fiction books into shooting scripts sounds like a fascinating exercise in imagination and cinematic thinking. And your observation about the overemphasis on digital technology rings true. Sometimes, it feels like the craft of storytelling takes a backseat to the latest technological advancements.

Finally, Chip, your note about Johnny Carson and Bob Hope is a perfect example of how even in an improvisational setting like a talk show, some prefer to stick to a pre-planned script. I guess the balance between spontaneity and planning is something each creative individual needs to find for themselves.

Does anyone know of more examples where technological advancements have significantly influenced scriptwriting or filmmaking? I'm curious to learn more about this aspect.


More coherent than many posts on the various internet forums .... Soon enough us human forum visitors will also be superfluous and the pages on these forums will be filled by chatbots arguing with each other. And we can sit here and be entertained.
Had there been more action in this thread, I would have asked the chatbot to write a film script on the basis of it, but will leave that for a next time.

That’s a really fun and insightful experiment — and honestly, quite well executed. It’s fascinating (and maybe just a little eerie) how coherent and balanced the AI-generated post is. You’re absolutely right: it captures the essence of the thread without veering into caricature or generic commentary, which is what I would’ve expected from an automated response not too long ago.

Your point about future forum threads being populated entirely by chatbots riffing off each other is both hilarious and a little prophetic. But hey, if they manage to keep the discussions entertaining and thought-provoking, maybe that’s not such a bad thing?

Also, now I kind of do want to see what kind of quirky film script could be derived from this conversation. Maybe next time we hit a lull in posts, we should give it a shot — could be a fun group project: “The AI Who Loved Story Structure,” or something equally absurd.

Thanks for sharing this — definitely added a meta layer to the thread in the best way possible.

[Joerg Polzfusz]

The Benefits of Using AI in Script Writing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries around the globe, and the world of storytelling and entertainment is no exception. One of the most compelling applications of AI in the creative arts is in script writing — the foundation of movies, television shows, video games, and digital content. Far from replacing human creativity, AI is becoming a powerful tool that enhances the writing process, offering new possibilities for speed, collaboration, and innovation.

1. Increased Efficiency and Speed


One of the most immediate benefits of AI in script writing is its ability to streamline the creative process. AI-powered writing tools can generate plot outlines, character descriptions, and dialogue suggestions in seconds, allowing writers to move quickly from concept to draft. This is particularly useful for writers working under tight deadlines or producing content at scale — such as in television, advertising, or social media.

For example, instead of spending hours brainstorming plot twists or reworking dialogue, writers can use AI to propose multiple variations of a scene, instantly compare them, and refine their ideas more efficiently.

2. Enhanced Creativity and Idea Generation


AI doesn’t replace imagination — it fuels it. When faced with writer’s block or creative fatigue, scriptwriters can turn to AI to spark new ideas. AI can suggest fresh narrative directions, unexpected character arcs, or genre-bending scenarios that a writer may not have considered. By analyzing thousands of existing scripts, books, or films, AI can offer insights into common storytelling patterns and help creators push boundaries in inventive ways.

This can be particularly helpful in brainstorming sessions or early concept development, where AI acts as a collaborative partner rather than a solo author.

3. Data-Driven Insights


AI can analyze audience preferences, genre trends, and box office data to help writers tailor scripts to specific demographics or market demands. While creativity is inherently subjective, having access to data-driven insights allows writers to better understand what kinds of stories resonate with audiences — and why.

For example, an AI tool might reveal that audiences in a certain age group respond strongly to coming-of-age dramas with ensemble casts, or that a particular type of antagonist is more engaging in thrillers. This can help writers make informed choices without compromising their artistic vision.

4. Localization and Inclusivity


AI can support script writing across languages and cultures, making it easier to adapt content for global audiences. With natural language processing and machine translation capabilities, AI can help rewrite dialogue for different linguistic and cultural contexts while preserving nuance and tone.

Additionally, AI can flag potentially insensitive language or outdated tropes, supporting more inclusive storytelling. This assists writers in creating scripts that are not only globally accessible but also culturally respectful and socially aware.

5. Script Formatting and Editing


Beyond the creative aspects, AI tools can handle more technical parts of the script-writing process. Automatic formatting, grammar correction, and structural editing are all tasks that AI can perform with precision. This ensures that scripts adhere to industry standards, reducing the time writers spend on revisions and increasing their focus on the creative content itself.

6. Low-Budget and Indie Film Support


For independent creators and low-budget productions, AI offers affordable tools that previously required large writing teams or studio resources. A solo filmmaker or small creative team can now use AI to assist with early drafts, structure scenes, or polish dialogue — democratizing the creative process and opening doors for new voices in the industry.

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Final Thoughts


AI is not here to replace the screenwriter — it’s here to empower them. By enhancing creativity, streamlining production, and providing useful insights, AI has the potential to transform script writing into a more dynamic, efficient, and inclusive art form. As AI tools continue to evolve, their partnership with human imagination could give rise to the next generation of unforgettable stories.

Writers who embrace AI as a co-creator, rather than a competitor, may find themselves better equipped to meet the demands of modern storytelling — and more inspired than ever.

[Joerg Polzfusz]

(Of course, this has been a quote from ChatGPT who is simply quoting others without telling whom and without knowing what it’s chatting about.)

[Patrick Rettler]

Maybe AI can come up with better ideas for movies. Went to see Indiana Jones and and amongst the handful of trailers I only found Oppenheimer of any interest.

I doubt it to be honest, I'm no AI enthusiast. AI is good at repeating stuff until now. It's not much creative. Of course, things may change in the future, but for now I don't think it will get any better.

[Ken Finch]

Who creates A I? At the end of the day it is only a conglomeration of ideas created by humans and one aspect it does not have is emotional intelligence. Surely it is simply a huge catalogue of scenarios produced by human imagination. Is it not true that films are based on events from history, fiction writers, or someone’s life story. A I cannot create anything that is original.

[Claus Harding]

(Quote): "A I cannot create anything that is original." (End Quote)

AI doesn't have to.

All it has to do is take elements from the existing (and growing) database of previous works to put out a new variation on something already used. That will be plenty for studio execs (and especially for the studio accountants) as long as the grosses are there, either in theatres or via streaming revenue.

For a lot of material (movie or TV content), the intended audience likely won't give a damn, given the low standards already in place and the general lack of attention on part of so many viewers now.

I just watched Michael Mann's film version of "Miami Vice" from 2006, written by Mann himself.
It is a 130-million-dollar recycling of just about every crime show you can think of, and as a film it is simplistic and clicheed. It feels like the most expensive TV pilot in history. An AI program, given the right prompts for 'desired script content' could likely re-do this film in a snap, at least as a story outline.

Conditioning of the viewers is crucial. As we know, once people have gotten used to somethng and accept it as "normal", you don't have to push hard to sell it anymore, whether it be good or bad.
First we may have to hit rock-bottom as far as AI content goes; then they will likely find some middle ground where it's "acceptable enough" to sell.

These are not happy developments, given the rich history and heritage of the past 130 years or so of film-making, but given the downward spiral of ever-cheaper mass-consumption content, it's not what I would call unexpected.

Whether this will result in a backlash, a renewed growth of independent production in some form, remains to be seen. The real question is: who would screen it?

Claus.