So you want to start using AI to transform your workflow as a documentary filmmaker?

The most common thing I hear from colleagues and clients is they are curious about AI.

They want to know how to use it to save time, energy, and money so they can spend their resources on the parts of filmmaking they love. Without, as a filmmaker friend recently told me, “feeling icky.”

The problem is, “I don’t know where to start!”

Across the board— from those early in their career to those who have been in the game for decades, starting is the hardest part for almost everyone.

I’m here to simplify it for you, so you can start using AI as a creative person without feeling like you’re selling out or selling your soul. Even if you’ve already begun to explore AI, you may have missed some of these important tactics.

What Most Documentary Filmmakers Get Wrong When Starting with AI

Before we dive in, let's address some common mistakes people make when starting without a plan:

• They jump into advanced AI tools without understanding the basics

• They try to overhaul their entire workflow at once

• They don’t consider the learning curve and time investment

• They overlook the importance of testing and iterating with AI tools

• They think AI will replace human creativity

Keep it simple. Start with these four steps to begin introducing AI into your documentary workflow:

Step 1: Audit Your Current Workflow

Before implementing any AI tools, take a close look at your existing process:

• Map out each stage of your production, from research to distribution

• Identify time-consuming or repetitive tasks that could benefit from automation

• Pinpoint areas where you consistently face challenges or feel stuck

• Consider which aspects of your work could benefit from enhanced analysis or insights

This audit will help you target the areas where AI can have the most significant impact.

Step 2: Start with One Key Area

Rather than overhauling everything at once, choose a single aspect of your workflow to enhance with AI:

• Research and pre-production (e.g., AI-powered research assistants)

• Footage organization (e.g., AI-driven tagging and categorization)

• Transcription and logging (e.g., advanced speech-to-text AI)

• Initial editing (e.g., AI-assisted rough cuts)

By focusing on one area, you can learn the ropes of AI integration without overwhelming yourself.

Step 3: Research and Select the Right Tools

With your focus area chosen, it's time to find the right AI tools:

• Read reviews and case studies from other documentary filmmakers

• Look for tools that offer free trials or demos to test before committing

• Consider the learning curve and available support for each tool

• Evaluate the cost-benefit ratio, factoring in time saved and potential quality improvements

Remember, the "best" tool is the one that fits your specific needs and workflow.

(*Keep an eye out for our next newsletter which will outline some of our favorite AI tools for filmmakers*)

Step 4: Implement, Test, and Iterate

Once you've chosen a tool, it's time to put it into action:

• Start with a small, low-stakes project to test the AI tool

• Compare the results and time spent with your traditional method

• Gather feedback from your team on the tool's effectiveness

• Adjust your usage based on these insights, and gradually expand to other projects

Continuous evaluation and adjustment are key to successful AI integration.

What’s in it for you?

With the right approach, you can slash production time, uncover hidden insights, and focus more on storytelling and creativity.

For example:

AI can supercharge your research and pre-production by transforming how you gather and analyze information for your documentary.

• Use AI-powered research assistants like Claude or ChatGPT to quickly compile background information and statistics on your topic

• Employ natural language processing tools to analyze existing scripts and identify key themes

• Utilize computer vision to scout locations via satellite imagery and street-view photos

AI-powered tools can significantly improve the quality of your raw footage:

• Use cameras with AI-driven autofocus and subject tracking for smoother shots

• Implement AI noise reduction for cleaner audio in challenging environments

• Employ drones with AI path-planning for complex aerial cinematography

Post-production is where AI can truly shine:

• Use AI-powered video analysis to automatically tag and categorize footage

• Implement advanced speech-to-text AI for quick and accurate transcriptions

• Leverage AI-assisted editing tools to create initial rough cuts based on content analysis

AI can help your documentary reach a wider audience:

• Use AI video analysis to generate compelling trailers highlighting key moments

• Employ AI-driven analytics to identify and target your most relevant audience segments or build you a Press Kit

• Implement AI-powered audio description and multi-language captioning for accessibility

In Conclusion

Start effectively leveraging AI in your documentary filmmaking and you can radically transform your workflow.

Remember, integrating AI is a journey, not a destination. Start small, stay curious, and don't be afraid to experiment. With time and practice, AI can become a powerful ally in your toolkit.

We’re happy to be on this journey with you and are excited to bring you new ideas, tools, and inspiration each week.

Until soon,

Aubrey

AI Honeybee 🐝 

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