ANIMAFEST PRO | ANIMAFEST SCANNER XII | PANEL 2: CURRENT TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN ANIMATION

Human Creativity Powered by Generative Artificial Intelligence (or Thought Without Gesture) - FRANÇOIS GIARD

PANEL 2 - CURRENT TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN ANIMATION
03/06 TUE 14:00-14:30 KIC

This research explores the integration of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in animated film production, examining its technological, philosophical, aesthetic, and ethical implications. By challenging the long-held notion of creativity as an exclusively human trait, this study investigates the transformative role of AI in redefining authorship and artistic processes. Our methodology consists of three key approaches: 1. A comprehensive mapping of AI technologies across all stages of film production. 2. Practical experimentation leading to the creation of an experimental animated film and the development of a university course. 3. A retroactive analysis of findings to refine our understanding of AI’s role in creative fields. A central focus is the negative bias towards AI in creative disciplines, which echoes historical skepticism towards past technological disruptions, such as photography (Baudelaire). This phenomenon is analyzed through Freud’s concept of humanity’s “narcissistic wounds”, positioning AI as a potential fifth disruption to human self-perception—challenging the idea of creativity as an innately human domain. Our case study, The First Image of the World, employs a metacinematic approach to interrogate the relationship between AI, image, and consciousness. This experimental docufiction digitally resurrects philosophers such as Kant, Simondon, and McLuhan through AI-driven processes, including text synthesis, voice reconstruction, and visual animation. Unlike traditional CGI, GAI does not merely simulate movement and form but generates dynamic discourse and nuanced behavioral expression, creating an almost interactive presence. The study highlights AI’s potential to democratize film production, redefine the filmmaker’s role, and shift artistic value from technical mastery to conceptual depth. However, it also raises ethical concerns regarding authenticity, authorship, and the evolving boundaries of creative agency in the AI era. Award-winning at multiple international film festivals, our research underscores the urgency of rethinking creativity in the face of AI’s growing capabilities.

François Giard, PhD, Professor at Université Laval's School of Design, combines academic research with industry expertise. His teaching career began at Université du Québec (1990-1994), where he pioneered courses in numeric and interactive art. After nine years as a 3D specialist at Softimage developing technical documentation and conducting specialized workshops internationally, he gained valuable industry experience at Big Film and Ubisoft, where he led FX for the Prince of Persia cinematics team. His current research explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and artistic creation, culminating in his award-winning experimental film "The First Image of the World," which examines AI's philosophical and practical implications for creative processes while earning significant recognition at international film festivals since January 2025.