Robots over humans? The place of artificial intelligence in the pedagogy of art direction in film education

Discourses on artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of art direction have not gained enough attention, although its use is becoming more predominant in the rapidly evolving technologically driven filmmaking world. Largely, AI has taken over various aspects of the filmmaking process from pre-production, and production to postproduction. Apart from its major influence on the role of an art director, the incorporation of AI in filmmaking enhances the functions of producers, screenwriters, directors, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, and animators. This qualitative paper approach rides on a rapid review design based on the selection of scholarly articles drawn from databases such as Google Scholar, Elsevier, IEEEX Xplore, and ACM Digital Library, using artificial intelligence, art direction, and filmmaking as vocabulary for search. It aims to outline the benefits of integration of AI in art direction pedagogy in film education. Also, it highlights the challenges and potential solutions of the integration of AI in art direction pedagogy in film education. The findings of this review show that AI enhances set design and simulates lighting in the creation of film worlds. Also, AI has the ability to create three-dimensional (3D) and realistic complex props rapidly. In addition, AI has the ability to analyze and generate design renderings in costume design and make-up efficiently. Notwithstanding, it brings to the fore that the integration of AI in teaching art direction poses some challenges such as awareness and understanding of tools, as well as ethical implications to data privacy and algorithmic bias. The paper recommends that educational institutions offering film art direction curricula should embrace this technology and equip teachers with the necessary training and support to teach them effectively. Also, the institutions must take measures to control ethical issues and data-driven policies.