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AI filmmaker reaches millions with "Pomegranate"
๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ช Sweden /Culture & Society

AI filmmaker reaches millions with "Pomegranate"

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Zack London, a YouTube creator known as Gossip Goblin, directs AI-generated films reaching millions of viewers.
  • His latest film, "Pomegranate," uses AI to depict an aristocrat living multiple lives and will screen in U.S. cinemas.
  • London believes AI levels the playing field, enabling smaller creators to compete with major studios.

Zack London, operating under the YouTube alias Gossip Goblin, is at the forefront of AI-generated filmmaking, captivating millions with his unique creations. His latest work, the 27-minute film "Pomegranate," is set to premiere in American cinemas this fall, showcasing the potential of artificial intelligence in storytelling.

AI levels the playing field, where small creators with small budgets can compete with the largest and most well-funded studios on the planet.

โ€” Zack LondonDiscussing the democratizing effect of AI in filmmaking.

The film follows an aged aristocrat, visually depicted with a weathered face and a metallic device integrated into his head, as he experiences an array of lives. These range from the lifecycle of an insect to the journey of a pinball and the ordeal of a sailor during a shipwreck. London describes the character as having lived "hundreds of thousands of lives" and being emotionally drained, yet continuously seeking new experiences without feeling anything.

"Pomegranate" has already garnered 7.3 million views on YouTube since its release in July. London, who moved to Sweden from San Francisco, initially trained as an illustrator and later worked as a product designer. He began experimenting with AI tools over three years ago, viewing them as a powerful outlet for creativity, even as many colleagues expressed skepticism or outright opposition.

He has lived hundreds of thousands of lives and is emotionally drained but he continues to connect to different experiences and consciousness, without feeling anything.

โ€” Zack LondonDescribing the protagonist's state in the film 'Pomegranate'.

"AI levels the playing field," London stated, emphasizing how these tools empower creators with limited budgets to compete with large, well-funded studios. He transitioned to full-time AI filmmaking nearly a year ago, recognizing its potential to reshape the industry and his own career. "Pomegranate" is part of an anthology of four short films slated for theatrical release.

Many of my colleagues either ignored AI or thought it was the devil's work, which I still believe is a common perception. Instead of complaining, I tried to see the possibilities in the tools.

โ€” Zack LondonReflecting on the initial reactions to AI among his peers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.