AI in Commercial Production Studios & Workflow Optimisation

Across global production studios, AI is increasingly being used to shape planning, scheduling and post-production workflows, and ultimately improve efficiency and decision-making in the film, TV and content creation industries.

Indeed, while The Frost made headlines as the world’s first fully generative AI film in 2023, statistics from WorldMetrics show that AI is now used in the production of 70% of movies.

This is further demonstrated through the fact that a report published by Market.US states that the film AI market is predicted to be worth around USD 14.1 Billion By 2033.

Acting as a creative accelerator, rather than a replacement, for human cast, crew and media experts, AI makes it possible for teams to optimise their workflows, and create high quality and engaging content quicker than ever before.

As AI continues to influence how global content is planned, produced and delivered, twofour54’s role remains focused on supporting the wider creative ecosystem. Through its production infrastructure, industry connections and collaborative community, it helps media companies and storytellers in Abu Dhabi stay agile as workflows and audience expectations evolve.

How is AI applied in film production?

AI can be used to improve and speed up every stage of the film production process.

• Pre-production: AI is used for tasks such as script writing, crafting visual storyboards and creating 3D models.

• Production: AI-driven cameras can track actors across the set, intuitively adjust focus in real time, and create realistic digital backgrounds

• Post-production: AI tools are used in the post-production stage to perfect resolution and audio levels and add a wide array of CGI effects. This includes editing backgrounds, removing objects, voice cloning and more.

Faster and more streamlined production timelines

Some examples of the ways that AI can be used in commercial film production include:

Scriptwriting and storyboards

AI is increasingly being used in the initial creative planning stage of productions. For instance, whereas writing a script used to take up to several months, it can now be done in a matter of minutes with the help of AI. AI techniques like machine learning (ML), computer vision, natural language processing (NLP) are now the foundation of different pre-production tools that can analyse existing scripts to identify plot holes, errors and inconsistencies, and generally improve the quality of the work.

Nolan AI is one device that is now frequently used to help scriptwriters develop characters and overcome writers’ block, while tools such as Midjourney are also used to create high-quality mood and storyboards that can be used in pitches, and when defining the look and feel of a production.

Budgeting and scheduling

Overall budgets for projects can also be swiftly compiled with the assistance of AI. AI tools can effortlessly assess historical financial data and factors such as how the script, actors, location, and film length will impact the budget, and create accurate budget estimates that the producers can use when planning the production and attracting investors.

Another key use of AI is in shooting schedules. By feeding scripts into an AI-assisted scheduling software, production houses can create detailed programmes that include the timeframe, cast, crew and requirements needed for each scene and activity.

Special effects and scene generation

As mentioned above, AI can also be used in the production process to add special effects in the post-production phase. One famous example is how Harrison Ford was seamlessly made to look younger during the filming of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

AI was used to sift through hundreds of hours of footage of Ford from the 1980s, while machine learning combined with traditional VFX was used to map this footage onto shots of the 80-year-old Ford. Ford also wore motion-capture dots on his face during filming to record his performance.

AI also allows entirely new scenes, environments, or character actions to be added in once filming has completed. Teams simply need to enter in prompts into tools such as OpenAI's Sora and other generative platforms.

twofour54 supports creative teams through its end-to-end production services, helping manage logistical and administrative requirements across pre-production, filming and post-production

Driving AI-enabled productions

twofour54's facilities are purposefully designed to complement the AI-driven future of content creation.

As Abu Dhabi’s main hub for media, entertainment and gaming, it provides production houses, brands, content creators and freelancers with access to state-of-the-art commercial production facilities across the emirate.

Including an enormous desert backlot with five standing sets, cutting-edge sound stage facilities in KEZAD, and advanced studio spaces, a screening room and a portable podcast studio at Yas Creative Hub, twofour54 offers filming environments that suit all scales and requirements.

Integrated with the latest technologies and assistance from experienced teams and end-to-end services, twofour54’s facilities support the growth and future of commercial productions within the region, and embrace the many benefits offered by AI in film.

For more information about commercial production services in Abu Dhabi, please email produce@twofour54.com.