I Spent 3 Years Trying To Write A Screenplay With AI... Here's The Truth - Russell Palmer
Education
Introduction
Over the past three years, the conversation around artificial intelligence and its role in creative writing, especially screenwriting, has intensified. As a writer myself, I've explored various AI tools, including chat-based models like ChatGPT, in an attempt to pen a screenplay. Throughout this journey, several misconceptions became apparent, especially during the recent strike in the industry.
AI Limitations in Screenwriting
Despite reaching out to individuals involved with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and showcasing demos of various apps, my findings about AI's capabilities in screenplay writing have consistently led to one conclusion: AI cannot currently craft a 120-page screenplay efficiently or effectively. The fundamental issue lies in the AI's limitations. For instance, ChatGPT generates text in chunks of only a few lines at a time. During testing, even with the Plus version, users can pose approximately 40 questions before being temporarily locked out of the service.
Attempts to generate a full-length screenplay resulted in frustrating outputs. While the initial paragraphs displayed promise, by the end of a page or two, quality declines significantly. This phenomenon, often referred to as "hallucinations," occurs when the AI fabricates characters or storylines that have no relevance to the original narrative. Moreover, the API provided limited functionality, leading to disjointed and incoherent drafts.
As a writer, I rely on AI to expedite my creative process, particularly when churning out a "vomit draft" as a starting point. However, I would caution against using AI to craft an entire script as the foundation lacks a coherent vision, which is vital for any narrative.
The True Essence of Screenwriting
In my experience, the duration it takes to write a screenplay isn't as paramount as the quality of the final product. Many aspiring screenwriters find themselves bogged down by the speed-focused approach many AI companies promote. What truly matters is the integrity and originality of the work. Most writers already have a plethora of ideas; they require assistance refining them rather than generating new, often generic, concepts.
Writers often struggle with specific aspects of their stories, such as crafting compelling secondary characters, developing intricate backstories, or writing believable dialogue for characters outside their experience. This is where AI has a role—helping to polish existing ideas, not replace the writer's creative input or intent.
Ultimately, the objective should be to produce work that one feels proud of. Whether it takes a few months or a year, the emphasis should always be on the quality and connection the writer has with their material. Many writers abandon projects due to frustration, emphasizing the need for tools that can aid in moving past roadblocks rather than pushing for rapid completion at the expense of quality.
The Current Landscape of AI Tools
In my view, the landscape of AI tools for screenwriters is evolving. Of the various tools I've experimented with, Saga stands out due to its structured approach, resembling a film school setup that genuinely aids in developing characters and storylines. While platforms like ChatGPT offer incredible insights, they alone do not suffice for penning a complete screenplay, given the limitations in content generation and the inability to compile drafts effectively.
Future integrations of AI capabilities into existing platforms like Google Docs and Microsoft Word may enhance the writing process, allowing features like storytelling templates aligned with popular narrative structures. However, other tasks, such as storyboarding, remain a challenging frontier.
Some tools, like Mid Journey, may yield remarkable visuals, but they require significant time and expertise to navigate. Conversely, initiatives such as Runway Gen 2 and metaphorical AI solutions have shown immense potential, bringing a new dimension to the filmmaking process.
The Future of AI in Screenwriting
Despite the speculation surrounding AI replacing writers, no fully AI-generated screenplay has managed to secure sale in Hollywood yet. Various projects have utilized AI for developing brief ideas or scripts, but none have made it to production through this method. AI should be viewed as a collaborative tool, enhancing the creative process rather than negating the invaluable human experience and insight that writers bring to their stories.
In conclusion, while AI is undoubtedly a groundbreaking technology, its role in screenwriting remains supplementary. The focus should be on improving the writing process rather than hastily producing subpar scripts. The future of storytelling lies in the blend of technological advancements with the irreplaceable nuances of human creativity.
Keywords
- AI
- Screenwriting
- ChatGPT
- Narrative
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Tool
- Hollywood
FAQ
1. Can AI write a complete screenplay?
No, currently AI lacks the ability to craft a full-length screenplay effectively, often leading to incoherent outputs.
2. What is the biggest limitation when using AI for screenwriting?
AI can generate only limited text at a time, which causes it to lose track of character arcs and narrative coherence as the script progresses.
3. Are there any successful examples of AI-written scripts sold in Hollywood?
No, there have been no known instances of a fully AI-generated script being successfully sold or produced in Hollywood.
4. How can AI assist writers who are struggling?
AI can help with refining ideas, character development, and generating dialogue, but it should complement the writer's vision rather than replace it.
5. What is the key takeaway for writers using AI?
Writers should focus on using AI as a tool to enhance their creative process rather than as a crutch to hasten their writing without regard to quality.
