Learn about film and filmmaking with AI: Tips and AI prompts

Set the stage with film terms and concepts

Begin your journey of AI film exploration by familiarizing yourself with the language of film. Generative AI offers definitions, examples, links to research, video guidance, and so much more. Try prompts like these to lay the foundation to learn about filmmaking:

• What are the key terms and concepts I should know to study filmmaking?
• I want to become a filmmaker. Provide the most important concepts in filmmaking, and give me examples of each concept in action.
• Make a glossary of film terms.

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Journey through film genres

Adventure, rom com, dramedy—there are so many film genres for you to explore. Get a sense of the complete film landscape as you journey through genres with prompts like these:

• I’m a new film student. If I could only study three film genres to start, what should they be and why?
• Create a history of film organized chronologically by film genre. Include a timeline of landmark films, label them by genre, and note any specific ways they build upon other films or shaped the genre. Include mention of the gender of the director for each film.
• What are the most popular genres in independent filmmaking? Are there any notable independent directors for each genre?

Take direction from the greats

Analyze, compare, and unpack the work of your favorite filmmakers with AI. Choose a film, director, cinematographer, or other film all-star as a source of inspiration and education. Try prompts like these to take direction from film greats:

• I love the work of [person or company]. Provide a list of all their films and include the following for each: film techniques used, most effective scenes showcasing technique, tips for trying this technique.
• Create a syllabus of films to watch and articles to read based on the work and recommendations of [director].
• Make a list of films and filmmakers that pass the DuVernay Test. Analyze the films through the lens of this test, and provide lessons I can learn from each film to achieve non-stereotyped representation in my own work.

Foray into film editing

Practice specific film-editing techniques by turning to AI for step-by-step instructions, examples, and even analysis of how your work applies a technique. Try prompts like these for film-editing techniques and critiques:

• I want to learn how to use superimposition in my short film. Explain the technique, provide examples, and give me a step-by-step guide.
• How can I use pacing to increase humor or drama in my film?
• Analyze this video clip for lighting technique. Give me a detailed report, and let me know what could work better based on standard film-lighting techniques.

When you’re learning about film and filmmaking techniques, there’s no end to material. Chart your own filmmaking course with AI as your personal research assistant and filmmaking guide. Try more ways to use AI—even making animated shorts with PowerPoint—in our Everyday AI hub.