Impact of AI explored in new ARU short film

Published: 25 July 2024 at 15:18

Still from short film A Litle of the Heart showing a man holding a hand to woman's face

British Academy-funded project leads to valuable industry experience for students

Senior Lecturer in Film, Media and Writing Dr Sarah Gibson Yates has been working with ARU students on a British Academy-funded research project to explore the creative and social impact of AI on young people.

Prompted by the 2023 screenwriters’ and actors’ guild strikes in the US, the project investigated the performance of AI tools in generating meaningful and intimate human-centred drama, and asked whether screenwriters should really be concerned about AI taking over their craft and livelihoods.

The project resulted in a short drama film A Little of the Heart, written and directed by Sarah and starring ARU Drama and English Literature graduate Leila Khan, whose recent roles in Heartstopper (Netflix) and Death in Paradise (BBC) bagged her a leading agent and bright career prospects.

Still of short film A Little of the Heart showing Leila Khan with laptop light reflected on face

Leila Khan in A Little Bit of Heart, © Dr Sarah Gibson Yates

“This was Leila’s first lead film role, and she was enthusiastic about the project from the start,” Sarah told us. “She brings a wonderfully nuanced performance to the film’s protagonist, Nia.”

As well as exploring methods of co-creating a screenplay with AI, the project investigated how young people are responding to new AI tools, with AI assistants now a feature of many apps. It also looked at the digital-intimate spaces occupied by young people and technology.

“We knew young people were using AI for essay writing and research, but would they turn to AI for help and guidance in their personal relationships?” Sarah asked. “Even for the closest relationships? For love?”

The film set out to explore these themes – and also gave students from ARU’s UG and PG film and media courses valuable industry experience as cast and crew alongside professionals and members of the Cambridge Film Trust’s Youth Lab.

Sarah said: “The mix of experiences and ages in the team was a big plus. There was a great energy on set. Everyone shared a sense of making something that was timely, relevant and authentic.”

The film is currently on submission to festivals worldwide. You can find updates on screenings and further publications on Sarah’s Instagram, X and website.