“Zheng Yi Sao”, Interview with Director Chen Zhuo

At the 82nd Venice Film Festival, Fred Film Radio’s Laura Della Corte interviewed Chen Zhuo, the visionary behind the groundbreaking AI film “Zheng Yi Sao” and CEO/Founder of Fizz Dragon. Chen Zhuo shared her excitement about showcasing this innovative project in Venice. “I feel very excited. It’s a thrilling new experience for me and my team,” she commented.

A Decentralized Revolution in Filmmaking

“Zheng Yi Sao” narrates the true story of a Chinese Pirate Queen, entirely created using AI technology. Chen Zhuo explained, “It’s actually the first full AI-generated movie in the world, with a runtime of 90 minutes.” She highlighted the project’s revolutionary nature, emphasizing that it was produced in a decentralized manner with the collaboration of 130 creators from 13 countries. This diverse teamwork, overcoming geographical and cultural differences, signifies a new era of accessible and collaborative filmmaking.

The Formula for AI Cinema

When asked about the process of creating scenes in “Zheng Yi Sao” and balancing creative vision, Chen Zhuo detailed their meticulous workflow. She shared how her team faced challenges early on when AI technology was less advanced, and explained that the key was to focus on essential elements for success.

Chen Zhuo stated, “First, you need compelling content… and second, high-quality visual effects.” This approach led to the formation of specialized teams: a creative team with traditional filmmaking skills and a production team with advanced AI expertise.

Building a Creative Metaverse

Chen Zhuo also discussed the decentralized creative metaverse at the heart of Fizz Dragon’s AI initiatives. This innovative approach democratizes filmmaking, enabling voices from diverse backgrounds to share stories without traditional gatekeepers. She emphasizes that “artists are the greatest teachers in this world,” and decentralization helps prevent content homogenization.

When asked about screening “Zheng Yi Sao” in Europe, Chen Zhuo expressed a strong interest in expanding their ecosystem by collaborating with diverse creators. She underlined the importance of cultures and ideas coming together to drive innovation in film projects.

The Future of AI in Film

Reflecting on audience reactions at the River Film Festival, Chen Zhuo noted the growing enthusiasm for AI as a creative tool. She believes AI-driven movies will become more common in the coming years, providing filmmakers with a convenient way to experiment with ideas and connect with audiences.

Looking ahead, she envisions cinemas transforming into immersive and interactive spaces, blending traditional film with gaming and interactive world-building experiences.

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