As a creative experiement, I recently introduced generative AI into my pre-production process. Using Dall-E, I storyboarded the opening scene of a Neo-Western feature film I wrote that’s set in 1970’s West Texas.
Dall-E Storyboards
EXT. VAST TEXAS LANDSCAPE - SUNSET
SHADOWY FIGURES dance and play music around a campfire in front of an old adobe style house. Rock formations silhouette the horizon of West Texas.
EXT. CAMPSITE
VANCE (White, Male, mid 30s) sits next to the fire. He looks like a cowboy in jeans, boots, and pearl button shirt. He swigs from a beer and leans over to NATE (30s), who unpacks a bag. He’s barefoot, with long hair and a beard.
RACHEL (Female, late 20s) sits next to Vance. She’s beautiful, with a bohemian look. She lays her head on his shoulder and intertwines their arms. She kisses his neck as she uses him for warmth.
The group gathers. Rachel and Vance stand. She slowly undresses him and he stands awkwardly in his underwear.
Nate offers him a small bowl with a shriveled mushroom.
Vance eats the mushroom. The foul taste contorts his face.
The group plays music and a drum bangs like a beating heart. The world becomes muted, except for the drum and his heavy breath. Vance stares at Rachel with his eyes fully dilated.
CUT TO BLACK.
This is my most successful experiment to date using generative AI. Future experiments will focus on ways to refine my prompts to create more continuity and accuracy between the shots.
