Previsualization with AI Tools for Filmmakers

Beginner/Intermediate Course

Transform your filmmaking process with AI previsualization techniques. This comprehensive live online course empowers new and experienced directors, cinematographers, and producers to harness artificial intelligence as a powerful creative tool for visual development and planning.

In an industry where visual storytelling is paramount, AI tools offer unprecedented opportunities to explore, refine, and communicate your creative vision before stepping on set. This hands-on course does not seek to replace your creative vision but to offer skills that can be used to help filmmakers bridge the gap between imagination and execution. This course will help you leverage AI tools while maintaining your unique artistic voice.

Over eight focused weeks, you'll master essential AI-driven workflows for concept development, storyboarding, virtual set design, and motion planning. Each session will give you an overview of previsualization skills, followed by practical exercises using AI tools and workflows.

By the end of the course, you will have a visual development package for your film. You'll leave with not just technical skills, but a comprehensive understanding of how AI can enhance your creative process in a quickly evolving technology landscape.

What you will get from the course:

Industry-tested workflows from working professionals
Practical exercises and assignments
A balance of creative vision with technical execution
Focus on AI as a creative enhancement, not replacement
Comprehensive coverage from initial concept to final presentation

Whether you're developing your first short film or planning a feature production, this course provides the tools and confidence to integrate AI previsualization into your creative process, helping you visualize your story more effectively and communicate your vision with clarity.

AI Tools:

To keep this course cost-effective, participants will use the following tools which total to be approximately $100/month:

Subscription to these AI tools is not included in the course price. Demonstrations and exploration of other AI filmmaking tools (Google Veo/Flow, Moonvalley, Kling, ElevenLabs, Topaz Video AI, etc.) will be included in this course; freemium use cases will be prioritized for participants. Access to photo and video editing software like Adobe Creative Cloud tools, is encouraged, but Canva can be used as an alternative.

Projects:

Director’s treatment with moodboard, pitch deck, shot lists, virtual sets, virtual location scouting guide, lookbooks, visual scene breakdowns, shot diagrams, storyboards, animatics, cinematics, and a previsualization package.

1-on-1 Session:

For an additional fee of $150, you may elect to meet with your Instructor for a 45-minute 1-on-1 session during the course term. You would submit work in advance, and then in this 1-on-1 session, your Instructor will provide feedback on your previsualization package.

Structure:

Week 1 | Previsualization Workflows with AI
Week 2 | Visual Communication and Presentation Design
Week 3 | Guide to World Building: Using AI for Virtual Location Scouting and Virtual Sets
Week 4 | Shot Planning and Scene Development
Week 5 | Storyboarding with AI
Week 6 | Creative Direction: Rendering Characters and Environments with Consistency and Style
Week 7 | Mastering the Virtual Camera: Blocking, Movement, Lighting, Pacing, and Color
Week 8 | Polishing and Presenting Your Visual Development Package + Cinematic

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available and are considered on a rolling basis as they are received. Those who apply earlier will have a greater chance of getting support. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the course registration form.

Sundance Collab provides accommodations and support services to participants with disabilities. Accommodations and services are designed to meet the needs of each participant. Please email us at accessibility@sundance.org to arrange for services.