Date of Completion
5-7-2026
Degree Type
Honors Thesis
Discipline
Film and Television Production (PROD)
First Advisor
Charles Howard
Second Advisor
Richard Rohrer
Third Advisor
Alex Esposito
Abstract
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) boom in the last decade has sparked exponential excitement, especially in white collar industries, for the possibilities of cost-cutting and streamlining tasks across industries. However, creative industries which were historically driven by human artistry report majority fear regarding copyright/fair-use, legal protections, and job security.
Production Designs and Art Departments in particular question how, or even if, their talent and creativity will fit into an AI powered entertainment industry. Since the inception of filmmaking, Art Departments have brought fantastical visions to life through set design, props, art, costumes, and beyond. Yet, in the age of AI, Text-to-Image (T2I) and Text-to-Video (T2V) generative AI models promise to digitally “create” these visions for a fraction of the time and price.
This thesis aims to understand current attitudes about AI and workflow integrations of AI specifically in entertainment Art Departments to analyze current and future effects of generative AI on workflows, legal policy, and employment opportunities in entertainment Art Departments. And, above all, how Art Departments and filmmakers can combat narratives that their human inspiration is so easily replaced.
Recommended Citation
Gaylord, Katherine; Howard, Charles; and Rohrer, Richard, "DANGER! AI Art Directors Ahead: An Analysis of Text-to-Image and Text-to-Video AI Integrations in Production Design for Film and Television" (2026). Honors Thesis. 609.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/honors-thesis/609
Research and Final Thesis Deck
