This 6 course program is designed for professional and aspiring filmmakers who want to explore AI as a creative tool rather than get lost in endless tech demos.
Unlike hours of unstructured video browsing, this course gives you a clear curriculum taught with a filmmaker mindset. You will learn to use AI to enhance storytelling, visualize scenes, and create proof of concept films without the need for big budgets or large crews.
With a guided 7 day plan, you will go from idea to finished short AI film. The focus is clarity, confidence, and professional results.
Course Overview
Learn how to take an idea from script to screen, fast. Across six lessons, filmmaker Tony Shyu shares 30 years of storytelling experience and shows you how to harness AI for both animation and live action. From script breakdown and storyboarding to visual generation, editing, and trailer production, you will discover step by step workflows, the latest tools, and insider techniques to make studio quality films without big budgets or long waits.
“From idea to finished film, master AI filmmaking step by step with real projects, real tools, and real storytelling.”
Click to Learn AI Filmmaking with Tony Shyu
What You Will Learn
Lesson 1: Introduction to AI Filmmaking
“Learn how AI empowers filmmakers to create studio quality films without big budgets while keeping full creative control.”
Meet Tony Shyu and see how AI is reshaping filmmaking. Learn how AI lowers costs and barriers. Explore Tony’s transition into AI and a real case study on visualizing the feature project Macau Omen. Review a workflow using ChatGPT, MidJourney, Runway, and Kling AI. Treat AI generations like multiple takes and refine results with human judgment in editing and pacing.
Lesson 2: Workflow and Tools
“Master the AI filmmaking workflow step by step, from script to visuals, voiceovers, and the latest tools.”
Follow a structured AI production workflow and compare how Macau Omen was rebuilt with 2025 tools. Learn which tools matter most, including Veo 3 and Kling 2.1. Emphasize why scripts and concepts are the foundation, how realistic voiceovers bring authenticity, and how to design an efficient workflow you can repeat.
Lesson 3: From Idea to Project
“See a complete AI filmmaking project unfold, from idea to script, storyboard, and final video.”
Turn an idea into a script, shot list, and sequence ready for AI generation. Use LTX for character design and boards. Explore how AI agents like ChatGPT can brainstorm and structure story ideas. Case study: converting weekly AI news into a creative short with avatars and hosts. Combine tools to move from text to images to video while keeping the story coherent and engaging.
Lesson 4: Professional vs Amateur
“Learn what separates professional AI films from amateur ones, and how to stay ahead as tools evolve.”
See how to use Filmustage Script Tab to break down scripts, analyze scenes, and plan production. Understand why strong filmmaking fundamentals matter more than technical prompts. Gain insights from industry leaders on how AI is reshaping content creation. Focus on story, creative vision, and high production value to stay relevant as technology advances.
Lesson 5: AI Animation Project
“Dive into AI animation and finish a complete animated short film in one session.”
Learn how to approach AI animation even if you are not an animator. Follow a step by step process from idea to finished short. See how animation mirrors live action workflows. Use ChatGPT to build a three act structure, such as in Hong Kong Shadow 1941. Refine story ideas by testing strengths and weaknesses. Apply recommended AI tools effectively without overwhelm.
Lesson 6: AI Live Action Short (Trailer)
“Create a cinematic live action AI short, from script to polished trailer, in one session.”
Plan and produce a live action AI trailer such as the 2 minute 30 second Maestro’s Silence. Break down the script into visuals, shot lists, and pacing. Compare live action and animation workflows. Use AI assistants to guide structure while maintaining realism and continuity. Apply editing, music, and pacing to achieve the look and feel of a professional studio trailer.
By the end of the series you will know how to go from idea to finished AI film, whether animation or live action, without large budgets, long crews, or years of waiting.