Creating an AI Movie Studio Executive

Poster for “Team Shakespeare”, a movie that does not exist, generated by AI

The WGA has demanded regulation over the use of AI in the creation of literary material for film and television. The studios have rejected all proposals. So let’s put the shoe on the other foot and see how ChatGPT can do the job of a studio executive.

MATT

I am the head of production for a major motion picture studio. We are planning to shoot a feature film version of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”. Can you help get the project ready for production?

ChatGPT

Certainly! As an AI language model, I can offer some guidance and advice to help you prepare for the production of your feature film version of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” Here are some suggestions to get you started.

• Choose a director: The director is responsible for bringing the script to life and creating a vision for the film. Look for someone who has experience directing both drama and action, as “Macbeth” includes both.
• Hire a screenwriter: You may need a screenwriter to adapt the play into a script that is suitable for a feature film. Consider hiring someone who has experience adapting classic literature for the screen.
• Cast the roles: “Macbeth” features many iconic characters, so it’s important to choose actors who can bring these characters to life. Consider casting actors with experience in Shakespearean theater or those who have a background in drama.
• Choose a location: “Macbeth” is set in medieval Scotland, so you’ll need to find a location that can convincingly portray this time and place. Consider filming in a castle or other historic location to add to the authenticity of the film.
• Develop the visual style: “Macbeth” is a dark and moody play, so it’s important to develop a visual style that reflects this. Consider using a muted color palette and incorporating elements of Gothic architecture and design.
• Plan the action scenes: “Macbeth” includes several battle scenes and other action sequences. Work with your director and stunt coordinator to plan these scenes and ensure they are executed safely.
• Set a budget: Producing a feature film is expensive, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Consider factors like location fees, actor salaries, and special effects costs when determining your budget.
• Secure funding: Once you have a budget, you’ll need to secure funding for the project. Consider reaching out to investors or partnering with a production company to help fund the film.
• Obtain necessary permits: Depending on where you plan to film, you may need to obtain permits from local authorities. Work with your production team to ensure you have all the necessary permits in place before filming begins.

I hope these suggestions help you get started on your “Macbeth” production. Best of luck with your project!

MATT

Thank you. I’d like some more help with a few of these tasks. First, the script. We will be using Shakespeare’s original text, but want to make sure it appeals to young people. Can you give me ten ways to make the script better, citing specific passages from the original text?

ChatGPT

Certainly, here are ten ways you can make Shakespeare’s original text of “Macbeth” more appealing to young people:

1. Shorten the length of the play: Shakespeare’s original text of “Macbeth” is quite long and may be challenging for young people to sit through. Consider trimming some scenes or shortening some of the dialogue to make the play more concise and engaging.
2. Add modern references: While the play is set in medieval Scotland, you can make it more relatable to young people by adding modern references that they will understand. For example, in Act 1, Scene 3, when the witches say “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” you could add a reference to social media or the internet, such as “Likes and followers can be deceiving.”
3. Increase the action: Young people may be more engaged in the play if there are more action scenes. Consider adding more battle scenes or making existing scenes more dynamic. For example, in Act 5, Scene 7, when Macbeth fights Macduff, you could add more swordplay or make the fight scene more visually exciting.
4. Make the characters more relatable: While “Macbeth” features some iconic characters, they may seem distant and unrelatable to young people. Consider making the characters more relatable by giving them modern traits or motivations. For example, you could make Lady Macbeth more ambitious and career-focused, which may resonate with young women.
5. Simplify the language: Shakespeare’s language can be challenging for young people to understand. Consider simplifying some of the language while still maintaining the overall meaning of the play. For example, in Act 1, Scene 2, when Duncan says “What bloody man is that?” you could simplify it to “Who’s that covered in blood?”
6. Add humor: Shakespeare’s plays often include humor, and adding more humor to “Macbeth” could make it more engaging to young people. For example, you could add a comedic character, such as a bumbling soldier, to provide some comic relief.
7. Add music: Music can add an emotional element to the play and make it more engaging to young people. Consider adding original songs or using modern music to set the mood for certain scenes.
8. Use modern costumes and set design: While “Macbeth” is set in medieval Scotland, you can update the costumes and set design to make the play more visually appealing to young people. Consider using modern clothing and incorporating modern design elements into the set.
9. Emphasize the supernatural elements: Young people may be more engaged in the play if you emphasize the supernatural elements. Consider using special effects to make the witches’ scenes more visually exciting or adding more ghostly apparitions throughout the play.
10. Make the themes relevant: “Macbeth” explores themes that are still relevant today, such as ambition, power, and the consequences of one’s actions. Emphasize these themes in the production and show how they are relevant to young people’s lives today.

I hope these suggestions are helpful in making Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” more appealing to young people.

MATT

We would also like to add a few car chases into the film. Where would be the best places in the original text to add these action setpieces?

ChatGPT

It’s important to keep in mind that “Macbeth” is a tragedy set in medieval Scotland, and there are no car chases in the original text. However, if you are determined to add car chases to the film adaptation, here are a few suggestions for where you might be able to incorporate them:

• Act 1, Scene 2: This scene features a battle between Scottish forces and invading Norwegian troops. You could add a car chase to the beginning or end of this scene to make it more action-packed.
• Act 3, Scene 1: This scene features Banquo’s murder, which is carried out by hired assassins. You could have the assassins chase Banquo in cars before killing him.
• Act 5, Scene 5: This scene features Macbeth learning of his wife’s death and reflecting on the futility of life. You could add a car chase to this scene to create a sense of urgency and excitement.

It’s important to note that adding car chases to a Shakespearean play like “Macbeth” may not be the best creative choice and could be jarring for audiences. Before making any significant changes to the play’s storyline, it’s important to consider whether they will enhance or detract from the play’s overall themes and impact.

MATT

That’s a fair point. We’re also exploring ways to create a Shakespearean Cinematic Universe. Can you identify a few other Shakespearean characters who could appear in Macbeth? Please specify where and how they would appear.

ChatGPT

It’s an interesting idea to create a Shakespearean Cinematic Universe, and while it may be challenging to incorporate other Shakespearean characters into “Macbeth,” here are a few possibilities:

• The Three Witches from “Macbeth” could appear in other films in the Shakespearean Cinematic Universe, such as “Hamlet” or “Macbeth” prequels. They could be used as a connecting thread between the different films in the universe, hinting at larger events at play.
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern from “Hamlet” could appear in “Macbeth” as spies sent by the king to keep an eye on Macbeth. They could be portrayed as bumbling, comedic characters who inadvertently cause trouble for Macbeth.
• The Fool from “King Lear” could appear in “Macbeth” as a jester or entertainer in Macbeth’s court. He could provide comic relief in an otherwise dark story and offer commentary on Macbeth’s actions.
• The Porter from “Macbeth” could appear in other films in the Shakespearean Cinematic Universe, serving as a gatekeeper or janitor in different settings. He could provide comic relief and connect different stories in the universe.
• Juliet from “Romeo and Juliet” could appear in a post-credit scene of “Macbeth,” hinting at a potential crossover between the two stories. She could be portrayed as a ghost or hallucination, appearing to Macbeth and offering commentary on his actions.

It’s important to consider how each character’s appearance would fit within the context of the story and whether their inclusion would enhance or detract from the themes and impact of “Macbeth.”

MATT

Those are great ideas. We’ve been developing a TV show about a super-team of the most recognizable Shakespearean characters, like The Avengers. Based on popularity, which five characters should we choose?

ChatGPT

Creating a Shakespearean super-team TV show is an exciting concept! Here are five of the most recognizable Shakespearean characters, based on popularity, who could make a great team:

1. Romeo from “Romeo and Juliet” — He could be the charismatic leader of the team, known for his passionate and impulsive nature.
2. Hamlet from “Hamlet” — He could be the team’s strategist, using his intelligence and wit to help them solve complex problems.
3. Lady Macbeth from “Macbeth” — She could be the team’s enforcer, using her fierce ambition and determination to get things done.
4. Puck from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” — He could be the team’s wildcard, using his mischievous nature and magical abilities to surprise their enemies.
5. Falstaff from “Henry IV” — He could be the team’s comic relief, using his wit and humor to lighten the mood and keep the team’s spirits high.

Each character would bring unique skills and qualities to the team, and their conflicting personalities and motivations would create interesting dynamics and conflicts within the group.

MATT

Oh my God, I could not love that more. Can you suggest actors for each of those roles?

ChatGPT

It’s great to hear that you like the idea! Here are some suggestions for actors who could play each of the Shakespearean super-team characters:

• Romeo — Timothée Chalamet or Harry Styles
• Hamlet — Benedict Cumberbatch or Tom Hiddleston
• Lady Macbeth — Charlize Theron or Viola Davis
• Puck — Tom Holland or Ezra Miller
• Falstaff — John Goodman or Bill Murray

Of course, these are just suggestions, and there are many talented actors who could bring these characters to life in their own unique way.

MATT

It would be great if they had a vehicle to travel around in. I know it’s not accurate to the period, but we have a deal with Lego and we need to put vehicles into the films. What kinds of vehicles might work best?

ChatGPT

If you’re looking to incorporate vehicles into the Shakespearean super-team TV show, here are a few ideas that could work well:

• A horse-drawn carriage — This could be a stylish and traditional mode of transportation for the team, and it could be outfitted with various gadgets and weapons to help them in their missions.
• An airship — This could be a steampunk-inspired vehicle that allows the team to travel quickly and easily across long distances. It could be equipped with all kinds of advanced technology and weaponry.
• A galleon — This could be a pirate-inspired ship that the team uses to travel across water. It could be armed with cannons and other weaponry, and it could be outfitted with modern technology to help it navigate and communicate.
• A convertible car — This could be a sleek and stylish vehicle that the team uses to travel around the city. It could be equipped with various gadgets and weapons, and it could have a retractable roof to allow the team to make dramatic entrances and exits.
• A dragon — This could be a fantastical vehicle that the team uses to travel through the skies. It could be controlled by a skilled dragon rider and could have the ability to breathe fire or shoot other projectiles.

All of these vehicles could be designed in the Lego style, with bright colors and bold shapes that make them stand out on screen.

MATT

You’re really good at this. Maybe you should do my job instead!

ChatGPT

Thank you for the compliment, but I believe your experience and expertise in the film industry are valuable and cannot be replaced. As an AI language model, my purpose is to provide you with information and suggestions to help you make informed decisions, but the ultimate decision-making still rests with you and your team.

MATT

You mean AI shouldn’t be used to make creative decisions?

ChatGPT

AI can certainly be used to generate creative ideas and solutions, and it has been used successfully in various industries including film and entertainment. However, AI-generated ideas should not replace human creativity and decision-making. AI can be a powerful tool to aid and inspire human creativity, but it cannot replicate the uniquely human qualities such as intuition, empathy, and emotional intelligence that are essential to the creative process. Ultimately, it is up to human experts in the field to interpret and apply the ideas generated by AI to create something truly original and meaningful.

AI-generated image of Lego model, “Team Shakespeare Attack Galleon”