‘12.12: The Day’ Director Kim Sung-soo Says AI ‘Shows What’s in Your Imagination’
Director Kim Sung-soo says AI has become a creative tool in his filmmaking, changing how he imagines and plans projects. At a Busan film market session, he argued that the technology can make imagined scenes visible, while human creative choices remain central.
Kim’s eight-minute short “Worm Train” helped change his view after AI improved enough to create a scene he had abandoned. He worked with a nine-person team, using AI for only part of the film, and plans a similar hybrid method for a seven-part drama whose opening includes a nearly 15-minute expressway chase. Other filmmakers said AI can speed up visual development, but stressed the need for directing skills, new crew roles and training; Kim also called for clear rules on commercial use and permissions.
- AI changed Kim’s approach to filmmaking.
- His team combines generated scenes with conventional production.
- He says rights and permissions need clear rules.
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Artificial intelligence tools have become increasingly advanced and are starting to be used by filmmakers to visualise ideas and speed up parts of the creative process. Rather than generating entire films, directors are using AI to help plan scenes, develop visuals and bring imagined sequences to life during production.
Director Kim Sung-soo has been experimenting with AI in his filmmaking. He previously had to abandon a scene he envisioned because the technology was not advanced enough, but recent improvements have allowed him to create that scene with AI's help. For an upcoming seven-part drama, he plans to use AI alongside traditional methods, including a nearly 15-minute expressway chase sequence.
Other filmmakers are exploring similar questions about using these tools effectively. The broader conversation involves training people for new roles in AI-assisted production, establishing clear rules about commercial use and permissions, and ensuring that directorial skill remains central to storytelling.