AI-powered schedule creation for the film industry

For
Project Context:
Automating processes across all stages of filmmaking: Pre-production, Production, Post-production, and Distribution.

The business objective is to reduce film production costs and shorten production time through AI.

Research

Initial
Research

Analysis of existing interviews and materials on YouTube and other resources to understand the intricacies of the film industry.

Interviews with professionals

Including visual effects producer and director Chris LeDoux, who shared his experience and challenges in the production process

In-depth research using AI

Utilized Сlaude.ai, Perplexity, ChatGPT, and Bard to search and analyze data.

and Findings

Data used by producers and directors for planning filming

Availability of actors, Technical resources, Logistics of movement between locations, Weather conditions for outdoor filming, Scene complexity and the need for additional preparation time

Managing scenes with high technical complexity

Identification of complex scenes
Allocate more time for their filming
Different scenes require different amounts of time to shoot, especially complex scenes that may require many takes

Unforeseen factors and their impact on the schedule

Illnesses of actors or key crew members
Technical malfunctions with equipment
Delays in the preparation of special effects or props
Script changes during filming

Best practices for creating a schedule

Grouping scenes by location to minimize travelScheduling the most complex scenes for the beginning of the dayCreating buffer time between scenesAccounting for time needed to set up lighting and equipment

Analysis of external factors

Restrictions on renting locations and equipment
Seasonality (for shoots dependent on the time of year)
Permits for filming in certain locations
Budget constraints

Timeframes for preparing costumes, makeup, and props

Take into account the required timeframes for preparing costumes, makeup, and props to avoid delays.

User Journeys

User's goals: Conduct a detailed analysis of the script to plan all aspects of production.

What is important to the user: Automatic recognition and categorization of script elements (scenes, locations, characters, time of day, special effects), visual representation of the script structure with the ability to detail each scene, highlighting connections between scenes (recurring locations, characters, props), automatic determination of scene complexity based on required resources and special effects
Successful outcome: The user has familiarized themselves with the script and understands its structure, idea, mood, and approximate workload.

User's goal: Minimize transportation and location rental costs.

What is important to the user: The ability to group scenes by location to minimize travel, visualization of all locations on a map, calculation of optimal travel routes, consideration of time for equipment setup/teardown.
Successful outcome: An efficient location usage plan is created, minimizing time and transportation costs, while taking into account all logistical nuances and constraints.

User's goal: Ensure schedule flexibility in case of changes in resource availability or unforeseen circumstances.

What is important to the user: Monitor the availability of equipment, actors, locations, and potential changes. Quickly adapt the schedule in case of unforeseen situations (e.g., actor illness, change in weather conditions). Notify the team of any changes made. Reduce downtime and overspending.
Successful outcome: Minimizes downtime, quickly makes necessary adjustments, and maintains the efficiency of the production process.

User's goal: Ensure the necessary equipment is available for each scene, prevent downtime due to the lack of required equipment.

What is important to the user: Automatic determination of equipment needs based on the script, tracking availability and condition of equipment, planning maintenance without affecting the filming process, optimizing equipment rentals according to the shooting schedule, quick rescheduling in case of equipment breakdown.
Successful outcome: An optimal plan for the use of technical resources is created, ensuring that all necessary equipment is available at the right time and place, while minimizing rental and maintenance costs.

User's goal: Optimize the daily filming schedule.

What is important to the user: Detailed daily scheduling, considering all preparatory work, real-time tracking of filming progress, and the ability to quickly reschedule tasks throughout the day.
Successful outcome: The film crew operates smoothly, all participants receive up-to-date information on time, and the filming process proceeds according to the plan or is effectively adapted to changes.

Design

Each decision in this design is aimed at improving the user experience and making their interaction with the product as efficient as possible. Every element has been carefully considered to minimize time costs, reduce effort, and help the user save resources. We paid special attention to functionality, making the process intuitive and convenient so that the user can focus on their tasks rather than the interface. This approach not only increases satisfaction but also provides real savings in time and money.
Scene Grouping and Optimization
AI automatically recalculates logistics and suggests optimized alternatives in real-time.

The system allows grouping scenes by multiple parameters (locations, equipment, cast) with a dynamic, AI-driven interface.
Comprehensive scenario analysis
Emotional Intensity Graph and Script Structure and Key Moments:
Provides directors with the ability to more accurately plan the emphasis in the film and effectively manage the pacing of the narrative.

Forecast of Shooting Days, Locations, and Scenes:
The system provides forecasts for the number of shooting days, required locations, and how many scenes can be shot per day.

Production Cost Breakdown:
The breakdown of costs into key categories (e.g., Production, ATL, Post) helps optimize the budget and quickly identify the most expensive aspects of the production.
Scene Adaptation and Conflict Management
Dynamic "inline update" feature
Users can modify elements like props, locations, and equipment directly within the platform

Dynamic Recalculation
: Once a change is made (e.g., switching the underwater scene camera to a drone), the AI instantly recalculates resource availability, schedules, and cost implications.

Conflict Detection: Special icons or color-coded warnings (as seen in the image) highlight any potential scheduling or resource conflicts such as "Logistic Conflict," "Special Requirements," and "Expensive Staff."
Toggle between various perspectives
Character-centric View: Helps identify scenes in which specific characters are involved

Equipment-centric View: Visualizes the distribution and usage of equipment across different scenes

Location-centric View: Allows users to see all scenes filmed at a specific location, alongside required characters and equipment

Results

Reducing script analysis time from 14 to 4 days

Through data visualization, grouping, filtering by specified parameters, and AI-driven suggestions.

8% reduction in production costs

Through optimize resource allocation, streamline coordination, and minimize conflicts during the filming process

Shortened the total shooting schedule by 4 days

Due to fewer shooting days, simplified logistics and automation of planning processes

Thank you for viewing my portfolio!

If you have any questions or would like to discuss potential collaboration, feel free to reach out.
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