Veteran filmmaker Paul Schrader sparks controversy for endorsing AI in filmmaking

The renowned filmmaker Paul Schrader has publicly endorsed ChatGPT as a valuable tool for generating movie plot ideas, praising its speed and creativity in a recent social media post.

Key endorsement: Veteran screenwriter and director Paul Schrader expressed amazement at ChatGPT’s ability to generate compelling film plots in the style of various famous directors.

• Schrader tested ChatGPT by requesting plot ideas mimicking the styles of renowned directors including Paul Thomas Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, and Ingmar Bergman
• The filmmaker praised the AI’s ability to produce “good,” “original,” and “fleshed out” ideas within seconds
• He questioned why writers should spend months developing ideas when AI can generate them instantaneously

Industry reaction: The filmmaker’s endorsement of AI as a creative tool sparked immediate controversy among his social media followers.

• Many followers expressed concern and disbelief at Schrader’s stance
• Some questioned whether his account had been compromised
• Others urged him to stop promoting AI technology in filmmaking

Deeper engagement with AI: Schrader has demonstrated an increasing interest in artificial intelligence’s creative capabilities.

• He recently submitted a previous script to ChatGPT for feedback, noting that the AI provided notes comparable or superior to those from film executives
• The filmmaker compared the current AI moment to Garry Kasparov‘s realization that Deep Blue would defeat him at chess in 1997
• Schrader openly acknowledged that he believes AI is “smarter” than him and has “better ideas”

Current projects: Despite his AI advocacy, Schrader continues to pursue traditional filmmaking.

• His latest film “Oh, Canada” stars Richard Gere and Jacob Elordi, focusing on a dying filmmaker’s final interview
• His next project, “Non Compos Mentis,” is planned as a noir film exploring themes of sexual obsession
• The upcoming film will examine “the stupid things men do for love”

Looking ahead: While Schrader’s embrace of AI tools has generated controversy, his stance represents a significant shift in how established filmmakers view artificial intelligence – not just as a threat, but as a potential collaborative tool in the creative process.