“Perfect Script to Do All AI”: Paul Schrader Talks Future of Filmmaking & It’s AI

Veteran filmmaker Paul Schrader says he is ready to explore artificial intelligence in movies, claiming he has the “perfect script to do all AI.”

The 79-year-old writer of Taxi Driver and director of First Reformed told Vanity Fair that he believes films are moving quickly toward AI technology. “I think we’re only two years away from the first AI feature,” he said.

Schrader explained that he recently discussed a script with a colleague and realized it could be produced entirely using AI. “I was just on the phone with someone today about a script I had, and I said, ‘You know, this would be a perfect script to do all AI,’” he said.

The director sees AI as a tool rather than a replacement for filmmakers. He compared it to writing a novel, where authors use words to describe characters’ reactions.

“An actor has their own code. Well, now you’re a pixelator, and you can create the face, and you can create the emotion on the face, and you can sculpt it the same way an author sculpts the reaction in a novel or a story,” Schrader told Vanity Fair.

He also predicts AI will soon change film journalism. “AI does better coverage than the average coverage. And AI doesn’t have to favor anybody,” he said. He explained that traditional coverage can be influenced by studio pressures, which AI would avoid.

Hollywood, however, may not be ready to embrace fully AI-generated films. Many industry professionals see AI as a threat to traditional jobs, including screenwriters, actors, and crew members.

There are also concerns that AI films could lack the human creativity, emotional depth, and nuance that audiences expect. Some worry the technology could lead to a flood of artificial content that feels soulless or formulaic.

Schrader’s vision is exciting for the future of storytelling, but it could face serious resistance from Hollywood. AI may help streamline production and idea generation, but the human touch still matters in making films that truly connect with audiences.

What do you think? Could AI create a great movie, or is this a step too far for Hollywood? Share your thoughts in the comments.