Three-Star Pits: Unveiling the Future – Insights from the First AIGC Sci-Fi Short Series

On July 8, the first continuous narrative sci-fi short series utilizing AI-generated content (AIGC), titled “Sanxingdui: A Future Revelation,” premiered with its debut episode. This innovative series combines elements of history, science fiction, and cutting-edge AI technology, using the ancient Shu Kingdom and the Sanxingdui archaeological site as its backdrop to explore the connections between ancient civilization and the future.

The creative team shared insights on how AIGC technology played a pivotal role in the series. Techniques such as transitioning images into video, constructing virtual scenes, and character development were employed. Initially, images were used to generate virtual environments and characters, which were then transformed into video through AI technology. Additionally, AI assisted in editing and post-production, adding a heightened sense of realism and cinematic quality to the series.

Despite its breakthroughs, the creative team acknowledged challenges in production, particularly the unpredictability of AI technology and inconsistencies in scene portrayal. Liu Wei, director of the Human-Computer Interaction and Cognitive Lab at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, noted that the most complex aspect of human-computer interaction today is the interplay between certainty and uncertainty. While machines process and compute data with superior speed, human judgment often shines in complex situations.

To address these challenges, the production team adopted a collaborative human-machine approach, emphasizing the creative leadership of humans while leveraging AI for inspiration and ideas. By continuously refining the production process, they adapted to the evolving capabilities of AI.

Looking ahead, the potential of AI in artistic creation appears vast. OpenAI's video generation model, Sora, which can produce one-minute high-definition videos from text inputs, has garnered significant attention since its release. Shen Yang, a professor at Tsinghua University, highlighted that AIGC could facilitate the secondary and multiple interpretations of existing works, reimagine real-world scenes, and create entirely new, captivating worlds.

However, Shen identified several challenges facing AIGC in the arts, including copyright issues, resistance from some artists towards AI's involvement in creative processes, and ensuring that human creative capabilities evolve alongside AI advancements rather than diminish.

The series' creators believe that AI can inspire innovative and imaginative cultural works, revitalizing traditional culture by integrating it with modern technology. They also see AI as a tool for deeper exploration and understanding of traditional cultural practices, ultimately enhancing efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage.