In the realm of Bollywood, delays due to extended VFX timelines are almost an expected hiccup. This perception was turned on its head by actor-writer Naman Pincha and writer-director Syed Shadan, who discovered the groundbreaking software Wonder Dynamics. This AI-driven tool significantly streamlined their filmmaking process, enabling them to create their short film “Overdrive” in merely two weeks.
When we met with Pincha and Shadan, the dynamic duo behind the film, they were eager to share their journey. Wonder Dynamics, they explained, is not just any software but a pioneering tool that skillfully integrates AI and visual effects to both enhance and expedite the filmmaking process. Pincha elucidated, “The primary objective of this tool is to make high-quality visual effects accessible and affordable, specifically for filmmakers operating with stringent budgets. For instance, we previously took eight months to create a three-minute music video with CGI babies, whereas ‘Overdrive,’ which is far heavier on CGI, was completed in two weeks for only one-tenth of the cost. The speed and efficiency are truly mind-blowing.”
In September 2023, Pincha and Shadan’s collaboration resulted in “Overdrive,” a 15-minute narrative about a robot struggling to eat an apple, defying its programming that prohibits such an action. Shadan, who conceptualized the story, reflected on its origins, “Initially, we had no concrete story, just an image of a robot endeavoring to eat an apple. With AI advancing so much, it’s paradoxical that it struggles with simple human tasks. The plot draws many parallels, one of which is akin to Eve eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. In many ways, AI itself feels like that red apple.”
Pincha added that the film prompts a deeper contemplation: “The inspiration for Overdrive came post-watching Oppenheimer [2023]. It poses the broader question: how catastrophic can human innovation be? This theme is increasingly relevant in today’s tech-driven world.”
The filmmaking process of “Overdrive” involved Shadan behind the camera while Pincha performed as the ‘actor’ on screen. Although Pincha is not a trained actor, he had to step in due to the film’s solitary character requirement. After filming, the AI tool would superimpose the robotic character onto Pincha’s performance. “Originally, I wasn’t going to act in this film,” Pincha admitted. “But with Shadan managing the camera, I had to step up. It was a unique experience, revealing AI’s potential beyond just effects. There was a particular scene where the AI suggested a sympathetic head tilt, which I then incorporated into the performance.
. It felt like having a collaborative assistant guiding us in real-time.”
So, was the robot the real hero of the film with Pincha as its stand-in? Laughing, Pincha mused, “Isn’t it dystopian that it played out that way?” He dismissed the common narrative of AI overshadowing human jobs, asserting, “People remain central to any story or idea. The essence is to convey the intended narrative effectively. My on-set experience held more significance than what eventually appeared on screen. For Shadan, the biggest advantage of AI in filmmaking is its allowance for creative experimentation without ballooning costs. “In traditional filmmaking, altering camera angles mid-production is taboo due to budget constraints. AI eradicates these barriers, making trial and error feasible. We conducted several demo shoots and received instant feedback from AI, enabling us to try numerous variations without the fear of expense.”
Their film “Overdrive” was produced on a modest budget of Rs 10,000. In stark contrast, conventional VFX methods would have escalated the cost to several lakhs. Pincha is a firm believer that AI will revolutionize visual effects in cinema. “Currently, there are multiple specialists for different aspects of CGI, such as character modeling, movement, and rotoscopy. AI will streamline this pipeline, speeding up project turnaround times. While this technological advancement suggests a reduction in human jobs, Pincha argues that the pros outweigh the cons. “Art remains a human endeavor. If AI enables people to create extraordinary works, it should be embraced. Independent filmmakers, who would otherwise struggle to find producers, stand to benefit immensely. Although some jobs will be affected, new roles will emerge.”
In summary, Wonder Dynamics has propelled actor-director duo Naman Pincha and Syed Shadan into a new era of filmmaking with their AI-generated short film “Overdrive,” completed in just two weeks on a budget of Rs 10,000. The software enabled Pincha to perform on camera, with AI taking over to superimpose a robot character. By removing budgetary constraints, the tool empowers filmmakers to push creative boundaries and experiment with new storytelling techniques. This democratization of high-quality visual effects marks a significant milestone for independent filmmakers.
