FilmNet member price · Hands-on workshop for filmmakers · San Diego
Direct the Machine
From Still to Clip Without the AI Slop
You asked for a slow push-in. You got a spinning camera and a face that isn't your actor anymore. You fix one thing, and something that was working breaks. Twenty generations later your credits are gone, and you still don't have the shot. This is a hands-on evening on directing AI video instead of fighting it, from one still image to a short clip.
The night
What happens in the room
You already know how to give notes on set. This is the same job.
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01
Notes before the shot
Before anything is generated, decide what the shot has to do and who it's for, in one line. That is Intent Engineering. Skip it and you get the slop.
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02
Give the note, see the take
Takes from a short scene made up for the night: a camera that ignores direction, a face that drifts from the still, a fix that breaks what was working. You give your note on each take. Then I show the note I gave, and the take that came back.
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03
Your still
Write a one-line brief for a shot from your own film idea. Make its first frame, and approve it one change at a time.
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04
Your clip
Turn your still into a short video clip. One note per take, a set number of takes, and you decide when to stop. Then we screen a few and give notes.
My demo takes are made ahead of time, so the evening goes to decisions, not loading bars. You spend credits only on takes you've directed.
Who it's for
Filmmakers who want AI video that looks like their film.
- WhoFilmmakers in any role, at any level.
- ExperienceNone with AI needed.
- You leave withA short clip of your own shot, from a still you directed, and a note card for every take after this one.
From a past workshop
"I found Alex's training course on how to use AI as a tool so beneficial and informative and I actually started moving on my project right there in class."
Your host
Alex Guillen
Composer with a BA from Berklee Online. Thirty years in music and creative work, 3,000-plus live performances. I co-wrote the award-winning short A Cut Above. I teach Human-Led AI for creative work: you keep the judgment, and AI does the parts you choose to hand it.
Questions
- What do I bring?
- A laptop, signed in to ChatGPT and to a personal Google account. You'll use your own accounts, including some of their credits. Setup instructions come by email before the night.
- Do I need AI experience?
- No.
- Is there an age limit?
- 18 and up. Some of the tools are for adults only.
- What if I can't make it?
- Full refund up to 48 hours before the workshop. After that, you can give your seat to a friend.
- Other questions?
- Call or text 619-755-3246.
Fri, Nov 20 · 6:30 pm
Direct the Machine.
Expressive Arts San Diego, 3201 Thorn St. FilmNet members pay $39 (regular $49).
Register for $39