During the 15th Beijing International Film Festival on the Chinese mainland, acclaimed art director Huo Tingxiao led a session at the Motion Picture Association Film Workshop spotlighting AI’s emerging role in concept design.
“We should embrace new technologies like ChatGPT and AIGC,” Huo urged, pointing to how AI tools are enabling concept artists to explore ideas faster, refine sketches in real time, and collaborate across borders. For Huo, these tools open new creative frontiers without replacing the human spark at the heart of every visual story.
As vice chairman of the China Film Association and president of the China Film Art Direction Academy, Huo outlined three key ways AI is reshaping workflows:
- Rapid ideation: Generative models help artists visualize multiple directions in minutes.
- Global collaboration: Cloud-based AI platforms connect talent from Los Angeles to Lagos.
- Efficient iteration: Automated AIGC tools accelerate revisions while artists focus on narrative depth.
Despite the buzz around algorithms, Huo stressed that AI will remain a tool—art “fundamentally demands human creation.” He envisions a future where human and machine form a creative partnership, combining technical speed with emotional intuition to bring film worlds to life.
This moment marks a pivotal shift in global concept art. As studios from Hollywood to emerging markets experiment with AIGC, the race is on for artists who can blend digital innovation with timeless storytelling.
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Huo Tingxiao explains how AI is revolutionizing concept design in film
cgtn.com
