Kevin

Alarcon

Kevin

Alarcon

Kevin

Alarcon

ABOUT

This documentary is a testimony to the moment when AI began its mainstream journey in 2024. It’s not a technical manual; rather, it’s a raw exploration that captures real, relatable reactions from everyday people grappling with the big questions of our time. How do we truly feel about a technology that was once only the stuff of science fiction? Are the cinematic fears of AI still haunting us, or have we evolved into something new?

STUDENT PROJECT

EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT

iPhone 15 Pro

DJI OSMO mobile 6

Rode wireless mics

SOFTWARE

SOFTWARE

BLACKmagic cam

final cut pro

Premiere Pro

Simple question

"If I say AI to you. What's the first thing that comes to your mind?"

"If I say AI to you. What's the first thing that comes to your mind?"

"If I say AI to you. What's the first thing that comes to your mind?"

- ChatGPT

- ChatGPT

- ChatGPT

THE CREATIVE JOURNEY

THE CREATIVE JOURNEY

I gathered interviews from a diverse range of voices—from students to a French TikToker discussing how AI helps translate content—plus plenty of my own reflections on using AI in creative work. This collection of perspectives offers a snapshot of how the public is responding to a technology that’s rapidly reshaping our world.

GOAL & VISION

This documentary is a testimony to the dawn of mainstream AI in 2024—a candid exploration of how everyday people are confronting the promises and fears of this new era. It’s about understanding if we’re truly ready for AI’s creative revolution.

TOOLS & TECHNIQUE

I started with a plan to interview a diverse range of people—from multiple backgrounds and even different languages—to capture a wide spectrum of thoughts on AI.

Quickly, I realized that, with little to no budget and limited access, I had to narrow my focus. I shifted my approach to interview media art students and friends who use AI, which kept the narrative focused and manageable.

iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
Rode Wireless GO II

Since I was largely working alone, I thought, “Why not use ChatGPT?” I fed my initial ideas to ChatGPT to refine the concept and get feedback. This not only helped shape the narrative but also set the stage for a dialogue about AI within the film itself.

I wanted to demonstrate AI in action. After exploring ChatGPT, I discovered InVideo AI—a tool capable of generating text-to-video content. I used it to produce a 1-minute narrative segment that explains AI and its concerns in the art field. InVideo AI timed the script, made automatic cuts, and even sourced stock footage that fit the vision.

Shooting: I captured most of the footage with my iPhone 15 Pro using Moment 1.33 Anamorphic Lenses, shooting in LOG format with the Blackmagic cam app. This ensured high dynamic range and flexibility in color grading.

Color Grading: I used Final Cut Pro to color grade, leveraging its LUTs and presets that are tailored for iPhone footage.

I then brought everything together in Premiere Pro, where my creativity truly blossomed. This was where I experimented with creative cuts—like the title animation featuring multiple clips of people saying “AI,” inspired by resources like Youglish among other things.

THE RESULT

Pros

From my interviews, many found that AI is an incredibly useful tool that streamlines repetitive tasks. It’s praised for:

  • Enhancing efficiency through automated editing, formatting, and translation—making content creation smoother and faster.

  • Acting as a creative assistant that interacts in real time, providing fresh ideas and helping to overcome creative blocks.

  • Offering new possibilities in art, where AI-generated content can serve as a unique tool to boost human creativity rather than replace it.

Cons

On the flip side, there were genuine concerns voiced about the integration of AI into creative work. Key issues include:

  • The fear that reliance on AI might lead to a “death of art,” where authentic human expression is diluted or undervalued.

  • Worries over originality and authenticity, as AI’s work is based on patterns and data rather than genuine inspiration.

  • Anxiety about job security for creatives, with some questioning if AI could eventually undermine traditional artistic roles and fair compensation for artists.

And me?

This documentary taught me that technology isn’t a replacement for creativity—it’s a catalyst. In embracing AI, I discovered that while innovation pushes us forward, the true spark of art still comes from our human experience. Ultimately, it's about finding balance: using new tools to deepen our creative expression without losing the soul behind it.

ADDITIONAL CREDITS

Camera Operator:

Antoine Claustres
Min Zu


Archival Research:

Antoine Claustres
Min Zu
Carlos Brito


Interviewees (in order of appearances):

Nashiem Johnson
Min Zu
Peter Malins-Rivera
Carlos Brito
Warren Lefevre
Victoria Belandria

Camera Operator:

Antoine Claustres
Min Zu


Archival Research:

Antoine Claustres
Min Zu
Carlos Brito


Interviewees (in order of appearances):

Nashiem Johnson
Min Zu
Peter Malins-Rivera
Carlos Brito
Warren Lefevre
Victoria Belandria

Camera Operator:

Antoine Claustres
Min Zu


Archival Research:

Antoine Claustres
Min Zu
Carlos Brito


Interviewees (in order of appearances):

Nashiem Johnson
Min Zu
Peter Malins-Rivera
Carlos Brito
Warren Lefevre
Victoria Belandria

HONORS & AWARDS

  • BMCC Film Festival 2024: Official Slection

OFFICIAL SHOWCASE:

CUNY TV Presents: BMCC Film Festival


Dates: March 14/15/16 and 28/29/30, each day at 3:15PM EST


Watch on CUNY TV channel:
Spectrum/Optimum 75

RCN 77

Verizon FiOS 30

BMCC Film Festival 2024: Official Slection

OFFICIAL SHOWCASE:

CUNY TV Presents: BMCC Film Festival

Dates: March 14/15/16 and 28/29/30, each day at 3:15PM EST


Watch on CUNY TV channel:
Spectrum/Optimum 75

RCN 77

Verizon FiOS 30

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CONTACT

Looking to start a project or you need consultation? Feel free to contact me.

Looking to start a project or you need consultation?

Feel free to contact me.

Brooklyn, NY, USA

kevin.actart@gmail.com

www.kevinalarconportfolio.framer.website