Weekend Musings-Is the rise of generative AI also the end of expertise?

Weekend Musings- Does advent of generative AI also signal the end of specialisation?

Here is a light-hearted take on the subject.

Chat GPT enables you to dawn many Hats and assume many Avatars. One does not need to be a part of a profession to know about its inner workings or to have insights about the skill that comes from many years of experience. Dangerous, isn’t it ? But can be fun too.

One can fast track learning with the use of AI. One hack, that can be used, is to use AI and search engines to validate your intuitive observations.  Yes, AI does have a tendency to hallucinate, but still, learning from intuitive observations and checking assumptions can be a fun and fascinating journey. After a few attempts one can get the knack of it.

Dive into the Rabbit Hole. Who knows where it might lead?

In the world of acting there is a term called ‘Break Character’, which means come out of a projected persona. So, with the help of ChatGPT I managed to take off my supply chain thinking hat and put on the hat of a movie script writer. Or take on a different Avtar or persona, so to say, of that of an expert in movie script writing. Here is the outcome of my fun conversation with ChatGPT.

If you enjoy movies and appreciate the craft of creating movies, I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Just one disclaimer – there is nothing here to learn about strategy, leadership etc. No jargon. Just some casual reflections.

Have titled it “Character Development in Script Writing Vs Character Tropes”.

You can also call it “use of Archetypes in script writing’

 “Character Development in Script Writing Vs Character Tropes”

 User - In the making of movies character actors are sometimes used as cinematic devices that have predictable behaviours. sometimes also stereotypes.

Yes, that's correct. In the making of movies, filmmakers often use character actors as cinematic devices with predictable behaviours or stereotypes. Character actors are performers who specialize in playing specific types of roles and often embody certain traits or characteristics that the audience can easily recognize and relate to. These predictable behaviours and stereotypes can serve several purposes in storytelling:

1. Establishing familiar archetypes: Character actors can embody archetypal figures, such as the wise mentor, the comedic sidekick, the supporting friend, the villainous antagonist, or the damsel in distress. These archetypes help the audience quickly understand the roles and relationships of the characters in the story.
2. Adding comic relief: Some character actors are known for their comedic abilities and are cast in roles that provide humor and levity to the film. These characters often have predictable behaviors that generate laughter and break tension.
3. Enhancing emotional impact: Stereotypical characters can evoke specific emotions from the audience because they resonate with familiar beliefs or cultural norms. For example, a nurturing mother figure or a stoic hero may tap into universal feelings of love and admiration.
4. Simplifying storytelling: Stereotypes and predictable behaviours can streamline the narrative by reducing the need for extensive character development. The audience can quickly grasp the character's traits and motivations without requiring elaborate backstory or exposition.

In modern filmmaking, there is an increasing awareness and push for more diverse and nuanced portrayals of characters, moving away from one-dimensional stereotypes and embracing more complex, authentic, and well-rounded individuals.

User -it is as if script writers have a library of characters they can pick from and weave them in a story.

 Chat - Yes, you've hit on a common observation about scriptwriting and character development in movies. Scriptwriters often draw from a vast "library" of archetypes and character tropes that have been established and recognized over time in storytelling. These archetypes and character types are like narrative building blocks that writers can use to craft their stories. Using archetypes, scriptwriters can create characters with familiar traits and behaviours that resonate with audiences. This approach can be effective because it allows the audience to quickly understand and connect with the characters, saving time on extensive character development and allowing the story to progress smoothly.                                               

However, while using established character types can provide a solid foundation for storytelling, it's crucial for scriptwriters to add depth and uniqueness to their characters to avoid falling into clichés and stereotypes. By giving characters individual personalities, motivations, and personal journeys, writers can make them more relatable and interesting.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on creating diverse and multidimensional characters in film and other forms of media. This evolution in character development is a reflection of the changing perspectives and values in society, where representation and inclusivity are becoming increasingly important.

 User -Talk about situational archetypes in story telling movie scripts.

Situational archetypes in storytelling refer to recurring patterns or settings that have been used throughout history in various myths, folktales, and movies. These archetypes serve as fundamental plot structures that resonate with audiences and tap into universal themes and emotions. Here are some common situational archetypes frequently used in movie scripts:

1. The Hero's Journey: The Hero's Journey is one of the most iconic situational archetypes, popularized by Joseph Campbell. It follows the protagonist's transformative adventure from their ordinary world into a special realm, where they encounter challenges, mentors, and enemies. The hero ultimately faces a significant ordeal, undergoes a personal transformation, and returns home as a changed individual.
2. The Quest: In the quest archetype, the protagonist embarks on a journey to find or achieve something of great importance. This could be a physical object, a piece of knowledge, or a resolution to a problem. The quest often involves trials, obstacles, and a series of adventures leading to the ultimate goal.
3. Rags to Riches: This archetype follows a character's rise from humble beginnings to great success or wealth. The protagonist typically faces adversity, overcomes challenges, and achieves prosperity or recognition, often earning the admiration of others.
4. Comedy: The comedy archetype involves humorous and light-hearted situations, often cantered around misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and comedic mishaps. The story typically ends with a positive resolution and a sense of harmony restored.

 These situational archetypes are not mutually exclusive, and many movies incorporate multiple archetypes to create complex and engaging narratives. By using these timeless patterns, scriptwriters can tap into the collective human experience and create compelling stories that resonate with audiences across cultures and generations.

User -Talk about scene archetypes in movie scripts.

Chat -Scene archetypes in movie scripts refer to recurring types of scenes that have been used in storytelling to convey specific emotions, advance the plot, or explore character dynamics. These scene archetypes serve as essential building blocks in crafting engaging and impactful movie narratives. Here are some common scene archetypes found in movie scripts:

1. Introduction Scene: This is the first scene that introduces the audience to the main characters and sets the tone for the story. It often establishes the central conflict or theme and hooks the audience's interest.
2. Action Sequence: Action sequences are high-energy scenes involving physical conflict, stunts, and intense moments. They are common in action, adventure, and thriller movies and provide excitement and adrenaline to the audience.
3. Dialogue or Character Interaction Scene: These scenes involve characters engaging in conversations that reveal their personalities, motivations, and relationships. They can be humorous, emotional, or informative and are crucial for character development and audience connection.
4. Flashback/Flashforward Scene: Flashback scenes take the audience back in time to reveal crucial backstory or significant events that inform the present-day plot. Flashforward scenes provide glimpses of potential future events, creating anticipation and tension.
5. Climactic Scene: The climactic scene is the high-stakes, intense moment where the central conflict reaches its peak. It often involves the protagonist confronting the main antagonist or facing a critical decision that determines the outcome of the story.
6. Resolution Scene: This scene comes after the climax and provides closure to the story's main conflict. It may include the resolution of character arcs, explanations for plot twists, and the restoration of balance or harmony.
7. Chase Scene: Chase scenes involve characters pursuing or being pursued by others. They add tension, excitement, and suspense to the story, especially in thrillers and action movies.
8. Training/Montage Scene: These scenes show characters undergoing training, learning new skills, or preparing for a significant event. They are often accompanied by music and quick cuts, condensing time and highlighting character growth.
9. Revelation Scene: Revelation scenes involve significant plot twists or the uncovering of important information that changes the course of the story. They can be surprising, shocking, or enlightening, keeping the audience engaged and curious.
10. Confrontation Scene: Confrontation scenes involve characters facing each other in emotionally charged conflicts, arguments, or verbal sparring. They reveal underlying tensions and escalate the story's drama.

These scene archetypes can be combined and adapted to suit various genres and storytelling styles. Successful movies often feature a mix of these scenes, carefully crafted to create a well-paced and emotionally resonant narrative.

So are you ready to embark on your scrip writing journey?