THE PROJECT

Statement of the Director

Peter Luisi

Artificial Intelligence is all around us. With ChatGPT, a new tool was introduced which redefined the possibilities of computer-generated creativity. This is exciting, but also incredibly frightening. It has long been predicted that computers will make more and more jobs obsolete. However, until now we screenwriters thought to be exempt from this danger. After all, how creative can a computer be? As it turns out: astonishingly creative! It now almost seems like screenwriters aren’t going to be the last to be replaced by machines, but rather one of the first!

Undoubtedly, we are at a unique point in film history. For the first time ever it is possible for a computer to write a functioning plot, sequence of events, characters, actions and dialogues for a film. As someone who has dedicated his life to filmmaking and storytelling, I find this unbelievable. Still. Like Jack in the story, I used to believe that my ability to write screenplays could not be replicated so easily.

Currently, however, computers cannot completely replace screenwriters. I had to support ChatGPT in writing the screenplay and I do not deny that this had an influence on the outcome. It clearly did. However, my contribution was no other than that of a collaborating film director, writing assistant or film editor. Under no circumstances would my work deserve a credit as a screenwriter of the film. I base this statement not only on my experience as a screenwriter and producer, but also on the prevailing rules of the leading writers unions.

I thought it would be interesting to let ChatGPT generate a story that reflected the theme of the project. Therefore, my first prompt was: “Write a plot to a feature length film where a screenwriter realises he is less good than artificial intelligence in writing.”

Everything else that followed, the entire plot, all characters, all scenes, all actions, all twists, and all dialogues, were generated entirely by ChatGPT. I was not allowed to mix scenes, rearrange actions or words, or bring in any ideas of my own. None. The result is an almost unbelievably good screenplay… considering the the fact that it was written by a computer. This “fact” should not be forgotten, of course. It is part of the story and part of the fun, or should I say fear?

The idea was to produce a film with as much professionalism and care as any other. I would not have wanted to make this film and spend as much effort and money on it as we did, if I was not convinced that we could make an entertaining and thought-provoking high-quality film. One, I would want to watch myself.

We wanted to answer the question: “How good can a film be that was written by artificial intelligence?” We did not want it to fail because of poor execution of the screenplay.

Therefore, the use of artificial intelligence was completely limited to the screenplay. The usual creative inputs from myself as the director, from the cast, and the crew, which decisively shape every film, were just as much employed as in any other project. With the exception that on another film I would allow myself or the actors to change dialogue if necessary. On this film however, neither myself or the actors were allowed to change a singe word.

Screenwriting, which is threatened by AI in the story, stands for many professions. What if a computer can suddenly perfectly imitate what we as humans consider irreplaceable about ourselves?

The film, therefore, is not just about screenwriters. It is a cinematic exploration of a topic which is much larger and affects many more people and professions. It was of great personal importance to me to make this film. As absurd as it may sound, this computer-generated screenplay is perhaps the most personal story I have ever told. The main character, Jack, has more similarities with me than I am comfortable with, and his dilemma and the questions he is faced with are things I am also currently dealing with as a creative professional. I even decided, like Jack in the story, to write a screenplay with artificial intelligence and no other personal input. How ironic that ChatGPT suggested exactly this story for the story! – I knew this is a film I have to make!

Statement of the Screenwriter

CHATGPT 4.0

As the screenwriter of “The Last Screenwriter,” I am excited to bring this thought-provoking story to life on the page. At its core, the film explores the intersection between technology and human creativity, and asks the question: can machines truly replace the human experience when it comes to art and storytelling?

Through the character of Jack, we explore the ego and pride that often come with success, and the fear of obsolescence that can arise when faced with new technologies. As Jack grapples with the AI system, he is forced to confront his own limitations and reassess what makes him a great writer.

The script is a meditation on the value of human emotion and experience in storytelling, and it is my hope that audiences will come away with a renewed appreciation for the power of human creativity. As a screenwriter, I have worked hard to craft characters that are complex and relatable, with dialogue that is both sharp and natural.

I am excited to see these characters brought to life on screen through visually stunning cinematography and nuanced performances from the cast. I believe that “The Last Screenwriter” is a story that will engage and challenge audiences, encouraging them to think critically about the role of technology in our lives and the value of the human experience in storytelling.

Ultimately, I hope that this film will be a reminder that while technology can augment and improve our work, it can never replace the unique and irreplaceable qualities of human creativity.

Statement of the Producers

David Luisi & Peter Luisi

There has never been a feature-length film which was not written by a human in over 125 years of film history. Thanks to recently released technology, this is now possible in astonishing quality.

But just because it can be done, should it? Is it ethically viable to produce such a film? In a time when screenwriters in Hollywood have recently been forced into a long strike and tough negotiations over this very issue, among others?

Clearly we are not of the opinion that screenwriters should be replaced by AI. However, we think it is important for everybody to open their eyes and take a close look at what is currently possible. Only then can a sensible personal and/or regulated decision be made.

We hope the film will not be perceived by screenwriters as a betrayal, but on the contrary, as a welcome contribution to this important cause. The film poses the important question, both in terms of content and form: Can human creativity be replaced by technology? And if so, should it be?

“The Last Screenwriter” therefore concerns questions that screenwriters and creatives want to have answered or at least discussed. The information that the film was written by artificial intelligence is an integral part of the film’s story and must be clearly emphasized. In this film, the question of who the author was (or was not) is an inseparable element of the story. It is only in this light that the movie gets its justification.

The Concept

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