Your Guide For Starting A Career in AI Filmmaking (7 Simple Steps)
In this article, we will break down 7 simple steps for starting a career in AI filmmaking.
We have some fantastic insider tips to share with you if you’re hoping to build a career as an AI filmmaker.
Over the last two years, we’ve seen generative AI artists, directors and writers skyrocket to fame, traveling to prestigious film festivals, working with high profile clients, A-list talent and landing major deals with Hollywood studios.
So how did they do it? We’ll show you, and give you some awesome tips!
Your Guide For Starting A Career in AI Filmmaking (7 Simple Steps)
First, here’s a quick bit of backstory!
Basically, a combination of readily available AI tools, public distribution platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, and industry-wide changes in of Hollywood have all created the perfect environment for independent creators to thrive.
Instead of working as an assistant in a talent agency or production company for many years and waiting for one big opportunity to write or direct, aspiring creators can now start developing their own work immediately and share their creations with the world online.
This is great news, because it means your original stories can be discovered, without any of the previous financial limitations of creating movies.
That being said, we have some specific, useful tips about how to develop your audience and start building a career as an AI filmmaker.
Below are 7 helpful steps to start your career in AI filmmaking.
1. Start Following AI Creators
AI creators typically post their work on X, Instagram and YouTube. Following these creators is a fantastic way to learn what’s possible with this new medium of storytelling.
Here’s a few ways you can start finding more AI content to watch and learn from.
Scroll X and deliberately start engaging and commenting on AI videos and AI content.
Watch for workflows! Creators often explain their process in the comments.
Find top AI creators in our curated AI Gallery! We always mention their @.
Over time, your algorithm will learn and start showing you more AI creators and films. Show some support in the comments, if you feel like it!
2. Start Experimenting With AI
The best way to learn is to immersive yourself! Don’t hesitate to start experimenting with AI tools, even if you’re not sure how they work.
Grab some AI tool subscriptions. Midjourney and Runway are great platforms to start with.
Sign up for AI newsletters like Techspresso, The AI Report, and the Rundown AI.
Check out our Curious Refuge courses. We have bootcamp style lessons that will train you on the best techniques for AI filmmaking. (And we update our courses all the time!)
Always be patient with yourself and remember that practice is the best way to develop these skills.
3. Brand Your Channels
You’ll want to create clean, branded profiles across multiple social media platforms like X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Here are a few tips to stand out!
Decide on a clever but recognizable name.
Make yourself a bold logo or use a headshot that really pops.
Start posting right away!
Don’t hesitate to start sharing your work. Build a portfolio and put it on your website, as soon as you have just one AI video!
Luckily, short-form content performs well online so even 5-10 second clips can help boost your profiles.
4. Socialize & Attend AI Events
The great news is, the AI community is very warm and welcoming! And of course, making connections is key for any career.
It’s really important to put yourself out there and socialize!
Here’s just a few ways you can start.
Attend events and AI film festivals.
Join Discord communities! Most AI tools have a Discord you can hop into.
Check out Machine Cinema events and join a gen jam!
If you’re not sure where to find events like this, we host AI filmmaking meetups in cities all over the world. Feel free to check out our AI Film Events page.
Hopefully in addition to finding collaborators or connections, you can also make some great friends! :)
5. Keep Honing Your Skills
The best AI creators experiment with tools nearly every day. In order to keep up with the rapid changes in AI filmmaking, make a daily practice of testing every new feature that drops.
Test out every new tool update you see!
Give yourself a challenging but realistic goal. Complete a new video project every week, or every month.
This is super fun, and it will help you stay on top of things.
6. Showcase Your Work
There are AI film festivals all over the world accepting submissions year round. Film Freeway has a ton of festival info, and you can easily build a profile and submit your projects on their site.
Here’s a few ways to showcase your AI work.
Submit your work to AI Festivals.
Post every day, even if it’s just a fun AI experiment!
Share your workflows, breaking down your creative process.
7. Build A Portfolio & Land Your First Gig
If your goal is to become an AI filmmaker, you will stand out by having a solid portfolio. Davide Bianca (shiftingtides.io) has a fantastic one you should definitely check out!
Or if you’re also interested in AI advertising or digital marketing, find out if you have a friend with a small business and offer to help create branded content for them.
Scrolling AI job boards is a great way to find gigs, too. (Yes, we have one!)
We hope these steps feel helpful as you begin to build your AI filmmaking career!
And there’s one thing worth saying again… make friends at AI events! This community is very welcoming and it’s super beneficial to find collaborators and connections.
Good luck!
Learn AI Filmmaking
We know the world of AI can feel a little intimidating at first!
In our bootcamp style courses, you can learn at your own pace and bring your own stories to life with the latest AI techniques. We also have fantastic teaching assistants available in our Discord to help you along the way!
Our courses every month. We’d love for you to join us!