In the dynamic realm of professional speaking, where the fusion of words and visuals paints narratives that resonate deeply, envision the convergence of two forces – the boundless potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the captivating canvas of video production. As we stand at the crossroads of technological advancement, does the prospect of an AI-driven future evoke a mix of apprehension and excitement? If so, you’re not alone. The horizon is rich with transformative possibilities and intriguing uncertainties, and amidst this landscape emerges the need for professional speakers who need captivating videos to open their minds to the potential of AI. Let’s explore possibilities here.

Picture this: the year is 2024, and elections are looming. But what’s particularly unnerving is the blend of fake news and highly advanced AI-generated imagery that threatens to reshape the landscape of political discourse. As we teeter on the brink of this potentially tumultuous period, one thing becomes apparent – the power of AI in shaping visual content is more formidable than ever.

For anyone who’s ventured into social media, platforms like Instagram have introduced us to tools like Photoleap and Videoleap – software that enhances photos and transforms videos with stunning effects. Now, imagine taking this technology a step further. What if you could seamlessly copy the style of one video and apply it to another? The result might not be flawless, but it’s a striking leap ahead of existing alternatives.

Lightricks, for example, is an innovative company at the forefront of integrating AI capabilities into consumer-facing technology, as evidenced by their Photoleap and Videoleap apps and their research lab’s pioneering work—both apps for full disclosure I have used.

Admittedly, the analogy between AI and dynamite is pretty close. Just as dynamite can be harnessed for constructive or destructive purposes, AI’s vast potential is accompanied by a lack of robust regulation. Much of what AI can achieve in video continues its strides in photo AI. Adobe’s introduction of Content-Aware Fill to Photoshop in 2010 exemplifies the gradual evolution of AI technology.

As a business ethics and fraud prevention speaker, I talked with an “old school” fraudster in my studio as we shot a video for a fraud prevention program. He commented, “If I had the tools available today to create fake documents – considering I used to use ‘white out,’ I would still be in business. It’s just too easy.”  His comments were scary but on point.

Until recently, the cutting edge of AI-driven consumer video was marked by animations with minimal consistency across frames. This is about to change monumentally. Imagine a tool that allows you to transform a video of your surroundings into a different aesthetic using AI. This could have applications ranging from interior decoration experiments to immersive time travel experiences.

Two key facets stand out in these transformations: the seamless, hands-free process for users and the consistent transition within the same space. Another impressive tool enables users to draw on a scene, with the AI subsequently integrating the scribbles into the environment and making them interact dynamically with the elements. Visualize applying this concept to a video of a waterfall. By sketching a simple shape on the river, the AI recognizes it as a boat, which then materializes, navigates the watercourse, and cascades over the waterfall.

What Hollywood has done with massive computing power and the talent of Pixar is rapidly making its way into the hands of consumers. Books used to be controlled by a hand full of big publishing houses. The major labels controlled music distribution. Today, that’s not true, and soon, the ability to create video content easily without big studios will be at our fingertips.

The boundary between magic and reality becomes tantalizingly blurred.
While this technology still needs to be on par with professional compositing tools, it’s rapidly converging. I see a future where AI’s integration into images will allow users to prompt the AI to extrapolate the subsequent frames. While Hollywood-grade special effects may remain elusive, the potential for impressive visual storytelling is unmistakable.

Consider school plays as an example: soon, students can leverage AI to enhance their productions, producing results that may not rival Hollywood but represent a considerable leap from current capabilities.

Now can AI be used for “shady stuff.” Sure! A knife can be used by a master chef to help make a fantastic meal or be used to stab someone. Good or bad, the user’s intent determines any tool’s use. The genie is out of the bottle, and the key lies in educating people about AI’s capabilities. As public awareness grows about the prevalence of deepfakes and manipulated visuals, individuals become more discerning consumers of visual information.

This democratization of AI-led content creation could yield a surprising benefit – a populace that’s more critical and astute in assessing the authenticity of visual content. When the realization dawns that AI can wield considerable influence with minimal effort, people might finally awaken to its potential, both for good and ill.

So, what does the distant horizon hold for video AI? Could it ultimately stitch together an entire sequence of AI-generated video to craft a complete film? It’s a logical extension of the current trajectory – a glimpse into the evolving canvas of visual creativity.

While photo AI might have reached a semblance of maturation, video AI is still in the throes of exciting experimentation. As we navigate the uncharted waters of this technology, we find ourselves at an exhilarating juncture in history – a time when the bounds of human imagination are expanded through the synergy of human creativity and artificial intelligence.

In an era where AI-powered content creation is becoming accessible to all, the future teems with possibilities. While uncertainties and challenges linger, the prospect of wielding AI as a tool for artistic expression, historical exploration, and storytelling holds tremendous promise.

As we embark on this journey, embracing the duality of AI’s impact is paramount – for it’s only by understanding its potential for both wonder and caution that we can truly navigate the evolving landscape of visual innovation. Indeed, what an extraordinary time to be alive as we stand on the cusp of reshaping how we perceive and interact with the visual world.

Chuck Gallagher is an AI Keynote Speaker and Author. For more information about his programs, feel free to reach him at chuck@chuckgallagher.com or call him at 828.244.1400.