In early 2026, Hollywood filmmaker and producer Keith Collea spotted a game-changer in the Chinese mainland's film industry: artificial intelligence. 'AI is reshaping how movies are made,' he says, pointing to a wave of virtual production technologies that have gone mainstream this year. 🤖🎥
Virtual production uses digital sets, real-time rendering, and motion-capture tools to film scenes against LED walls or green screens. Instead of building massive physical sets, directors can create any environment—urban skylines, alien planets, or historical backdrops—with a few clicks. The result? Faster shoots, more creative freedom, and major cost savings. 💸✨
According to Collea, AI steps in at every stage: from generating realistic digital landscapes to automating post-production tasks like editing and color correction. 'We're seeing budgets shrink and schedules tighten,' he says. 'Productions that once took months can now wrap in weeks without compromising quality.'
For young filmmakers and investors, this shift opens new doors. Virtual production studios are popping up across the Chinese mainland, offering new ways to learn and experiment with AI-driven filmmaking. It's a chance for digital-savvy storytellers to push cinematic boundaries. 🚀🎞️
Whether you're a student dreaming of directing your first feature or an entrepreneur exploring the next big investment, keep an eye on AI and virtual production. The silver screen is about to get a high-tech glow-up! 💡🎬
Reference(s):
Hollywood filmmaker: AI transforms how movies are made in China
cgtn.com
