Artificial Intelligence in Contemporary Filmmaking: Current Applications, Future Directions, and Ethical Implications
Nicholas Tanner
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) contributes to filmmaking through visual development, script drafting, project assessment, footage search, effects and changes to recorded performances. This critical integrative review combines research, production accounts and professional rules to examine current applications, future uses and ethical implications. A purpose–permission–reliance framework builds on capability and creative-agency accounts to distinguish the grounds for accepting a film intervention. Comparison of three contrasting cases separates reported aims and participation from unresolved questions about authorization, protection and predictive accuracy. Skilled selection and revision can improve an output without settling its reuse rights. The reviewed evidence suggests that assistance within existing tools is a plausible near-term pathway, because teams can check smaller results against agreed scenes and designs. Better continuity, precise revision and lower total costs could expand language adaptation, connected workflows and longer generated sequences. The benefits depend partly on whether workers can choose the tools and challenge unsuitable results. Ethical concerns include training rights, consent, pay, fair credit, documentary evidence, representation and environmental costs. Their seriousness varies with the harm at stake, the spread of an output and the possibility of correction. The analysis supports safeguards tailored to these consequences and identifies gaps concerning permissions, identity protection, employment and audience trust.