"And I think AI, once we see it a little further down the pipeline, we're going to see the same kind of thing – unanticipated and unexpected new roles … we will just be using creative teams in a new way."
Heenan adds that the high accessibility of AI represents a democratic shift in visual media production, lowering financial barriers for independent storytellers.
"I don't need to wait for Hollywood to allow me in as a PA, then get the gracious gift of being able to maybe be on a film set to maybe make something one day," she said.
"It's no longer a choice – do I spend my house deposit on making a short film? I can make a short film for $500."
"The more stories that people can tell that don't have the money and the resources behind them to tell their individual stories, that is just groundbreaking."
"It's going to level the playing field … removing those gatekeepers stopping you from telling your story."
Gaudette expresses a similar sentiment regarding his sudden recognition within the industry. "Nobody knew who I was three weeks ago," he says.
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"I would have had zero potential of having my short film funded in any traditional way to shoot it live action."
