Jon Erwin, director of the historical drama Young Washington, has explained how generative AI helped create a dangerous river scene without putting actors at risk. The film releases nationwide on July 3.
Erwin described filming the sequence in a 50-foot pool of water built in Ireland. Close-ups used actors and props, while AI generated wider shots to simulate icy conditions.
He noted that the tools made production safer and more affordable. About 100 shots in the film were augmented with AI using platforms including Luma, Amazon’s Project Nara and Magnific.
The director also used AI to add period costumes and horses to two employees who became British soldiers in one scene. Erwin stressed that AI should amplify traditional filmmaking rather than replace it.
The movie features Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis and Mary-Louise Parker. It has drawn some online criticism over its AI use and holds a 63 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
