Google.org has committed $2 million in funding to the Sundance Institute to create a community-led AI education ecosystem for filmmakers, aiming to train over 100,000 artists in foundational AI skills through a new AI Literacy Alliance with The Gotham and Film Independent. The investment arrives at a pivotal moment for the creative industry. According to Google, the majority of media companies feel overwhelmed by the pace of AI development, with only 25% currently investing in training programs. This initiative aims to bridge that gap by democratizing access to AI learning resources specifically designed for filmmakers, from script development through post-production and distribution. What the funding will support The Sundance Institute, in collaboration with The Gotham and Film Independent, will use the funding to establish several interconnected programs. The centerpiece is an AI Literacy Alliance that will focus on providing training while supporting the establishment of values and ethics designed to protect human creativity, individual artists, and the broader creative industry. A free online curriculum will be developed through Sundance Collab to help filmmakers bridge the gap between creative curiosity and effective technical application. The program will also include scholarships for Google courses like AI Essentials, making professional development more accessible to independent filmmakers who may lack corporate training budgets. Additionally, Sundance Institute will launch an AI Creators Fellowship for hands-on technical experimentation and host community conversations to develop shared case studies, reports, and industry-led standards. These standards could prove critical as the film industry continues to grapple with questions around...
Published By: CineD - Thursday, 22 January