OpenAI’s Critterz, the stars of a 2023 short film, are set to make their feature film debut. Vertigo Films and Native Foreign, the production companies behind the original short, are partnering to bring the AI-generated characters to the big screen.
The initial short film introduced viewers to the Critterz, a group of AI-created creatures who disrupt the narrative of Dennis, a stuffy nature documentary narrator meant to mimic David Attenborough. The feature film’s script is being developed by James Lamont and Jon Foster, two-thirds of the writing team behind the animated children’s film “Paddington in Peru.”
Set in a world where AI-generated creatures coexist with humans, the “Critterz” movie is expected to tackle themes of technology and identity. The original short film presented the Critterz as a force of disruption, and the feature-length adaptation will likely expand on this concept.
This move reflects a growing trend of AI’s influence within the film industry. Several companies are leveraging AI tools in various aspects of production.
Staircase Studios, an AI-driven production company, has announced a slate of low-budget feature films that will be “filmed” with AI, utilizing human actors for voice and reference. Their debut feature, The Woman with Red Hair, will tell the true story of Johanna “Hannie” Schaft, a young woman who joined the Dutch Resistance during WWII.
Another example is Gennie Studio, which uses Cinematic AI to create historical recreations for the non-fiction market. Led by filmmaker Max Einhorn, the studio aims to offer time travel capabilities previously requiring significant artistic talent and technological prowess.
Secret Level AI Studio released a cinematic short for Wu-Tang Clan, directed by Jason Zada. The project involved renowned Creative Director Danny Hastings and DJ Mathematics, and used Google’s Veo 2.
The Austin AI Film Festival is scheduled to debut on March 14-15, 2025. The festival will showcase narrative films created with AI tools, encouraging diverse storytelling across genres. It will offer panels and networking events to connect developers and filmmakers. The AAIFF will take place at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center.
