Schrader Predicts AI Feature Film Amid Warnings

Veteran writer-director Paul Schrader says he has the "perfect script" for an all-AI feature and predicts the industry will see its first such film within about two years. He frames AI as "just a tool," arguing digital "pixelators" can sculpt faces and emotions the way an author describes reactions, and he has discussed adapting one of his scripts that way. Schrader also predicts AI will take over film coverage, suggesting automated reviews could be more consistent and less biased than many human critics. He has experimented with ChatGPT for film ideas and notes AI is already used in tasks like script coverage. His bullish stance comes amid growing industry unease — high-profile AI creations such as the virtual "actress" Tilly Norwood and experiments with fully AI-directed projects have prompted protests and warnings from SAG-AFTRA about potential replacement of human performers.