Poetics and aesthetics: the use of artificial intelligence in film editing

Abstract

Introduction: This work is the result of research that examined the ability of a sample of filmgoers to perceive differences between scenes edited by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) device and those edited by a human. The aim of the research was to determine whether participants identified differences and whether they rated the edits as better or worse. Materials and methods: As a methodology, an adaptation of the famous "Balcony Scene" from Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" was created. The scene was filmed simultaneously with four cameras and edited twice: once with an AI device and once with a professional editor (available at https://bit.ly/46iXZro). Subsequently, using an in-depth research method, participants who viewed both versions of the scene were interviewed. Results and discussion: Their responses indicated that the human edit was more natural and appealing, highlighting the importance of artistic sensibility in the film editing process. Conclusions: Furthermore, it revealed that, despite technological advances, AI still has limitations in constructing the rhythm and dramatic intent of editing.