Computing power, distribution and directable generative video AI. Those are the key challenges facing the Chinese film industry when it comes to AI, according to speakers at the Shanghai International Film Festival‘s SIFFORUM panel on “Smart Tech, Immersive Worlds, The Next Film Revolution.”
According to Yan Yijun, VP of AI foundational model builder MiniMax, compute is the most essential factor, calling it the “absolute core.”
“For a generative video model to achieve greater fidelity, what you really need is greater computing power to repeatedly refine and experiment,” said Yan. “The more you experiment, the better to train certain aspects more effectively. Large scale compute infrastructure is critical for every model iteration.”
For other panellists, the problem lies in figuring out a distribution model that works in a world of seemingly limitless production. When full length epic fantasy films can be shot and completed in a matter of days, how will the industry deal with such a deluge of content?
“This is a genuine conflict. From the commercial perspective, it is the contradiction of redefining product value,” said Li Tingwei of Bauhinia Films. “For commercial studios, one aspect is creation. [But] then there is also distribution, how to sell it? Which also brings challenges.”
