Film schools have long been the training grounds for aspiring storytellers, offering students the opportunity to learn the art and craft of filmmaking through structured programs, hands-on practice, and access to industry-standard equipment. These institutions provide a blend of theory and practical experience, covering everything from screenwriting and directing to cinematography, editing, and production design.
Beyond technical skills, film schools foster collaboration, critical thinking, and the creativity necessary to bring compelling stories to life. As the film industry evolves with technological advancements, film schools continuously adapt their curricula, ensuring students are prepared for both the creative and professional demands of modern cinema. They serve as a bridge between raw talent and the highly competitive entertainment industry.
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A Student’s Frustration with AI in Screenwriting
Jake Panek, a 20-year-old film major at DePaul University in Chicago, has loved his time at the school and values its cinema program. But when he received an email about a new course titled “AI Screenwriting”, his excitement for film studies turned into outrage.
The email promoted a class that would explore “the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in the screenwriting process” and show students how AI could “support and enhance creativity in writing for film and television.”
Panek immediately voiced his frustration on Instagram, calling the class an embarrassment to DePaul’s film program. “This course should not be a thing,” he wrote, urging both students and faculty to reconsider its existence. His anger hasn’t cooled since. “I think it’s bullshit,” he later said.
DePaul’s Move Toward AI Integration
DePaul’s School of Cinematic Arts, widely respected for providing students with access to advanced equipment and technology, has begun investing in artificial intelligence. In May, it hosted an “AI in the Arts” symposium, and now some administrators are pushing to weave AI into the curriculum more directly.
Professor Matthew Quinn, assigned to teach the AI screenwriting course, explained that the initiative reflects the university’s broader AI strategy. Since DePaul’s School of Cinematic Arts is part of the College of Computing and Digital Media, leadership—particularly its dean—has a strong interest in emerging technologies. The university even established an AI task force to promote adoption across disciplines.
What the AI Screenwriting Course Teaches
According to Quinn, the AI screenwriting course mirrors traditional screenwriting classes but incorporates generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, at various stages. Students will work on loglines, character bios, and step outlines, using AI as a collaborator before engaging in peer workshops.
The course also requires transparency. Students must disclose how and why they use AI in their work, though individual faculty ultimately decide whether such usage is acceptable.
Quinn emphasized that the class is not about uncritical acceptance of AI but about understanding its place in the creative process. “As an educator, I’d be doing a disservice if I pretended like AI isn’t happening,” he said. Still, he admitted feeling conflicted about its role in the arts.
A Growing Trend Across Film Schools
DePaul is not alone. Other top institutions are experimenting with AI education:
- University of Southern California (USC) launched an AI for Media and Storytelling Studio in 2023.
- UCLA Extension introduced a course called “Creative Process in the Age of AI.”
- American Film Institute (AFI) debuted a three-day seminar on “Storytelling and AI.”
Holly Willis, co-director of USC’s AI studio, noted that the program was born shortly after the release of ChatGPT, which sparked widespread interest. She describes herself as both “deeply critical” of AI and optimistic about its potential to reshape storytelling.
Willis highlighted the work of artists like Souki Mansoor, a former documentarian turned AI creator, who produced a short film An AI Dreams of Dogfish using RunwayML’s Gen2. While Willis sees innovation in such projects, she also acknowledges student anxiety. Many fear that if AI can generate scripts and visuals easily, the value of formal film education could diminish.
Divided Opinions Among Students
Despite DePaul’s efforts, enrollment in the AI screenwriting course remains low. Quinn admitted the class might not even run due to lack of interest. For students like Panek, this lack of enthusiasm is reassuring. To him, relying on generative AI undermines the very spirit of filmmaking.
“Filmmaking is hard,” he said. “If your first thought is, ‘AI exists, let’s just use that,’ then it’s hard to call yourself an artist.” Panek believes that overcoming creative obstacles is an essential part of the filmmaking journey—something that no machine can replicate.
The Future of AI in Film Education
Film schools across the country now face a critical choice: embrace AI as a tool for the next generation of storytellers or resist it to preserve the traditional, human-driven creative process. For educators like Quinn, the balance lies in exposing students to new tools while encouraging them to decide for themselves whether those tools enhance or diminish their art.
For students like Panek, however, AI represents not progress but a shortcut—a betrayal of the grit and imagination that filmmaking demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are film schools introducing AI courses?
Film schools are incorporating AI to help students explore new creative tools, understand industry shifts, and prepare for emerging technologies in storytelling.
What does an “AI screenwriting” course teach?
Such courses mirror traditional screenwriting classes but include AI tools to generate loglines, character bios, outlines, and creative prompts while requiring students to analyze and reflect on the results.
Are students supportive of AI in film education?
out experimenting with new tools, while others, like Jake Panek from DePaul, strongly oppose AI’s role in creative arts.
Which film schools are offering AI-related programs?
DePaul University, University of Southern California (USC), UCLA Extension, and the American Film Institute (AFI) are among the institutions that have introduced AI-focused courses and seminars.
Does AI replace traditional filmmaking skills?
No. Experts stress that while AI can assist with certain tasks, strong storytelling, creativity, and filmmaking techniques remain essential and cannot be replaced by automation.
How are professors addressing ethical concerns?
Some programs require students to disclose when and how they use AI. Faculty also encourage discussions about the benefits, limitations, and ethical implications of AI in creative work.
Conclusion
The debate over AI in film schools reflects a larger cultural shift in how technology intersects with creativity. Institutions like DePaul, USC, and AFI see AI as an inevitable part of the future and aim to prepare students for it. However, many students fear that embracing generative AI undermines the authenticity and struggle that define artistic growth. Whether AI becomes a valuable tool or a controversial shortcut, one thing is clear—film education is entering uncharted territory, and the choices made today will shape the storytellers of tomorrow.