The Film program offers the following guidelines for Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage in the classroom for the 2023/2024 academic year. These guidelines were developed by Program Chair Scott Northrup in consultation with faculty and staff and should be followed in tandem with the CCS Institutional AI Statement. If Film faculty or students have questions about the implementation of these guidelines in the classroom, they should contact Scott Northrup at snorthrup@collegeforcreativestudies.edu.
The Film program prepares students for a wide variety of careers within the commercial film industry, as well as formative training for independent filmmakers and artists. AI is currently being utilized toward ideation, writing, pre-visualization, image and sound creation, filtering, and editing, and other processes throughout the production pipeline. It is already integrated into the Adobe Creative Cloud and other accessible software titles. Based on the rapid and continued development of these tools and their usage, concerns have been raised related to the ethical use of AI in the classroom as well as to the extent that AI can and should be used in the film industry. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) are currently on strike and the outcome of this action will affect how AI is integrated into the commercial film industry. It is assumed that within the next five years, AI systems will impact filmmakers and artists at all levels. The guidelines offered below allow for applicable and responsible student preparation.
- Traditional skill development will continue to be the focus for Film students with an emphasis on nurturing the student’s individual style and voice.
- Students are permitted to use industry-standard tools that utilize AI technology, such as those found in Adobe Creative Cloud, as part of their digital editing workflow of still and moving images of their own creation. Students do not need to cite their use when employing these tools to make minor modifications to their own files, but they may not rely on these tools to create work for them. This applies to screenwriting, critical writing, and sound design as well. It is always recommended that students save an unedited version of their original files and cite their use of a given tool if they have any doubt of fair usage. Students should speak directly to their Professor or Department Chair if there are any questions about the appropriate usage of an editing tool under this policy.
- Students are encouraged to explore their creative potential and push the limits of contemporary imaging and storytelling. As such, if a student would like to use additional AI tools in the research, development, or further phases in their coursework, they must consult with and receive written permission via email from their instructor prior to the utilization of these tools. Any use in this context must be documented and cited as a part of the student’s process and must adhere to the .
- Should an instructor wish to include AI system consideration and usage into specific projects and/or courses, they must consult with the Program Chair and receive written permission via email to include such projects or tools. AI use within the curriculum will abide by the guidelines offered in the CCS Institutional AI Statement. Any exception to the published guidelines, must be proposed in writing and approved by the Program Chair and/or appropriate Dean.
- Pedagogical methodologies in all courses within the Film program will place greater emphasis on active learning and process work to ensure students can evidence their efforts within assigned projects and develop relevant skills.
The CCS Academic Integrity Policy has been revised to include AI-related concerns.
As AI technology is evolving, these, and the institution’s, guidelines will change as context requires. The above guidelines are in place for the 2023/2024 academic year and may be revised in summer 2024.