Elevating AI Filmmaking Through Structure and Sound

The AI filmmaking community is seeing a burst of raw, visual imagination that was once reserved for those with decades of experience and big budgets. However, as we move from the "experimental" phase into a new era of digital cinema, the conversation is shifting. To gain true resonance with the traditional film industry, the focus must move beyond perfect visuals and toward the foundational pillars of cinematic storytelling. By mastering narrative architecture and intentional sound design, AI filmmakers can transform beautiful sequences into unforgettable cinematic experiences.

The Importance of Narrative Structure in Film

In the rush to explore what AI tools can show us, it’s easy to overlook that the "invisible" engine that drives narratives is a combination of plot, structure, and pacing. The Fichtean Curve, Kishōtenketsu, Seven-Point Structure, Hero’s Journey, Save the Cat, and Syd Field's 3-Act Structure are examples of a few common storytelling methods.

Proper narrative structure allows the audience to breathe between moments of spectacle and conflict. When we follow a structure, every visual "beat" feels earned rather than random. The goal of these storytelling methods isn't to limit creativity, but to provide a map that ensures the audience stays tuned for the entire film.

The Importance of Sound Design in Film

If the visuals are the body of a film, the sound is its soul. We often hear that "sound is 50% of the movie," but in many ways, it’s the element that truly grounds AI-generated imagery into reality. A perfect example of how sound elevates a film is the trailer for Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day. Produced by Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures, this trailer is a masterclass in purposeful sound design. 

The sound department on this project demonstrates how every sound and every absence of sound is used to establish mood and suspense. If you're using AI music and sound effects, moving toward a more intentional approach to mixing and foley can strip away the "digital" feel and replace it with something that feels more immersive.

Here are some of the roles from the Disclosure Day Sound Department to give you an idea of who is generally hired on these teams, depending on the scale and budget of the film:

• Steve Bissinger - sound effects editor

• Patrick Farrell - comms tech

• Jeanne Gilliland - sound assistant

• Gideon Jensen - boom operator

• Drew Kunin - production sound mixer

• Dane Lonsdale - additional sound mixer

• Daniel Nidel - sound mixer: 2nd unit

Bridging the Gap Between AI Films and the Traditional Film Industry

The traditional film world and festivals like Sundance or Cannes are built on the appreciation of intentionality. Every choice, from the pacing of the second act to the guttural sounds of an otherworldly creature, should be made with purpose.

As AI and hybrid filmmakers, we have a unique opportunity to combine our technological speed with these timeless crafts. We shouldn't be replacing human creators, but rather building teams of talented and skilled individuals who can combine their expertise with AI tools to produce films more efficiently.

When we pair AI’s visual power with intentional sound design and traditional storytelling structure, our films may actually be good enough to gain respect in the traditional film industry as opposed to rightfully being labeled as "AI slop" or "visual montages" that audiences outside of the AI bubble cannot connect to.

The tools have given us the power to create. Now, attention to the craft will give us the power to tell stories that impact the world.

"We shouldn't be replacing human creators, but rather building teams of talented and skilled individuals who can combine their expertise with AI tools to produce films more efficiently." -- R.L. Lyone