StoryWorld Stories #3: The Dumb Film Test
The following is a story design where the creator's idea is fleshed out using AI.
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The following story outline is created
, as part of an exercise we did during our offsite, designed by the . We had 2 minutes to come up with an idea for a story without using AI. We shared that with the others, then used 25 minutes to flesh out a one-page treatment, while allowing to use AI.The content includes the interactions Nicolas had with Gemini, with a summarized story concept, character descriptions, and plot in the beginning, according to the Hero’s Journey framework, with a few pictures created with Substack’s image generator.
Key highlights from the process will be described in a future writing summary of the team’s reflections from the exercise!
Treatment: The Dumb Film Thesis
Logline: In a future saturated with AI-generated filmmaking, a skeptical film student must create a movie without any intelligence for her final thesis, navigating chaotic school politics, the challenges of forgotten methods, and the deception of the geeky crush she can't admit she likes.
The Hero's Journey
Ordinary World:
Maija is a film student in a world where AI is the undisputed standard for movie-making; she takes its ubiquity for granted.
Maija is a film student in a world where AI is the undisputed standard for movie-making; Despite outwardly playing along, Maija is skeptical and even bothered by AI-generated content, suppressing her true feelings because her crush, a geeky classmate, is deeply enthusiastic about it.
Maija and her crush are close friends, both secretly harboring romantic feelings but too afraid to confess for fear of losing their existing relationship.
The film school itself is a chaotic environment filled with absurd chance and unpredictable elements.
Call to Adventure:
Their eccentric professor, an idealist with lofty, often unrealistic ideas, declares that the final thesis project for all students must be a film made without any intelligence (AI).
Refusal of the Call:
Maija finds the challenge exciting but immediately worries her crush will dismiss her for genuinely attempting this "pointless exercise." Her core dilemma is that if she succeeds, he might think less of her.
Meeting the Mentor:
An unlikely mentor emerges: a cleaner at the school who possesses knowledge of how films were made before the AI era. He decides to help Maija.
a cleaner at the school who possesses knowledge of how films were made before the AI era. Crossing the Threshold:
Maija fully commits to the "no-AI" project when her crush acts like an idiot, and she has a pivotal realization that his opinion is no longer a factor in her pursuit of true artistry.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies:
Challenges:
Sourcing and Learning "Dumb" Equipment: Her first hurdle is finding a camera without AI-driven features (which the cleaner provides) and mastering its manual operation.
Manual Editing & Special Effects: Struggling with painstaking cuts, transitions, and the complete absence of sophisticated AI visual effects.
Manual Sound Design & Scoring: Creating all audio manually, even making her own foley sounds with an old-school recorder.
Manual Shot Composition & Cinematography: Grappling with lighting, focus, and framing without AI assistance.
Allies:
The Cleaner (mentor for pre-AI techniques).
A friend from class (emotional support/sounding board).
A well-meaning, oblivious professor who accidentally blurts out crucial, forgotten information.
Enemies:
The school administrator, who has a vested financial interest in the AI businesses funding the institution.
The school administrator, who has a vested financial interest in the AI businesses funding the institution The Crush's Deception: He remains outwardly supportive but condescending towards Maija's "primitive" methods. His own film appears effortlessly perfect due to covert AI use, stemming from his belief that the "no-AI" exercise is pointless.
Approach to the Inmost Cave:
Maija faces a seemingly impossible technical hurdle within her film – a piece of filmmaking "knowledge lost to the world." The cleaner doesn't know it, but the solution is accidentally blurted out by the oblivious professor.
The Ordeal:
The climax is the final public screening of all thesis films. Maija's raw, authentic "no-AI" film is presented alongside her peers' seemingly perfect, AI-generated works.
Her film is unanimously deemed brilliant, deeply moving the audience and sparking discussions about reintroducing "no-AI" teaching methods into the curriculum.
Inspired by Maija's integrity, her crush confesses his deception, revealing he was secretly inspired by her authentic efforts all along.
Reward (Seizing the Sword):
Maija gains a profound and nuanced understanding of artistry that transcends the simple AI vs. non-AI dichotomy. She learns the irreplaceable value of human intention and connection in art.
The Road Back:
Maija processes her triumph and newfound insights. Her relationship with her crush is left ambiguous, hinting at a possible reconciliation but without a definitive resolution, focusing on her individual journey.
Resurrection:
Maija faces a final, public challenge: she must defend her stance on human-made art and its significance in a high-stakes debate before the powerful AI companies funding the school.
Return with the Elixir:
Maija returns to the world transformed, now truly believing in artistry that transcends the specific tools or methods (AI or non-AI). Crucially, she feels she no longer has to prove herself to anyone, having found her authentic artistic voice and confidence.
If the story outline seems interesting share this post with someone who needs the inspiration!
The following is the entire conversation with Gemini in markdown format, extracting it otherwise proved challenging.
**User:** Act like a screenwriting coach and help me flush out this idea to a treatment. Ask relevent questions of story design according to the hero’s journey format. Here’s the idea; A future”Maija” is studying movie making in a world where most of all movie making has some level of intelligence to it, and most of everything is ai generated. In this not all too dostant future her prefessor ver my exetric individual gives the class the impossible task of creating a momvie without using any intelligence. Its a parody has a romantic twist with the guys she likes in class is using ai to look like his movie is not made using ai.
**Gemini:** That's a fantastic premise with a lot of potential! I love the blend of satire, romance, and the timely exploration of AI in creative fields. Let's break this down using the **Hero's Journey** framework to really flesh out your story.
---
### The Ordinary World
First, let's establish Maija's "ordinary world."
* **What is Maija's life like before the "call to adventure"?** What are her daily routines, her aspirations, and her understanding of filmmaking in this AI-dominated world?
* **How does she feel about AI-generated content?** Is she fully embracing it, a skeptic, or somewhere in between?
* **Who is the guy she likes?** What's his personality like, and what's their current relationship (or non-relationship) in this ordinary world?
* **What's the general atmosphere of this film school?** Is it highly competitive, collaborative, or something else entirely?
---
### The Call to Adventure
This is where the inciting incident occurs.
* **Tell me more about this "eccentric" professor.** What makes them eccentric? What's their reputation?
* **How exactly do they present this "impossible task"?** Is it a challenge, a philosophical statement, or a last-ditch effort to preserve traditional filmmaking?
* **What's Maija's immediate reaction to this call?** Does she embrace it, resist it, or is she conflicted?
---
### Refusal of the Call
Often, the hero initially hesitates.
* **What are Maija's initial doubts or fears about taking on this challenge?** Does she feel it's truly impossible, or is she worried about failing in front of her crush?
* **Are there any external pressures or characters (friends, family, other students) who try to dissuade her from this "no-AI" project?**
---
### Meeting the Mentor
The mentor provides guidance or a tool to help the hero on their journey.
* **Is the professor the mentor, or is there another character who helps Maija understand how to approach this task?** Perhaps an older, forgotten filmmaker, or even an unlikely peer?
* **What specific wisdom or tools does this mentor provide Maija with?** It doesn't have to be physical tools; it could be a different perspective on creativity.
---
### Crossing the Threshold
The hero commits to the adventure and enters a new world.
* **What's the moment Maija fully commits to the "no-AI" film project?** Is it a personal decision, a public declaration, or a realization that sparks her determination?
* **What does this "new world" of traditional filmmaking feel like to her?** Is it frustrating, liberating, or both? How does it differ from her previous experience?
---
### Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Now the journey really gets going.
* **What are the specific challenges Maija faces in trying to make a film without any AI?** Think about the practical aspects: editing, special effects, sound design, even basic shot composition if AI usually handles it.
* **Who are her allies in this endeavor?** Does she form a small group of like-minded students? Does her crush initially seem like an ally before the twist?
* **Who are her "enemies" or obstacles?** Besides the technical difficulties, are there other students who mock her efforts, or perhaps the film school's administration?
* **Let's talk about the romantic interest.** How does he interact with Maija during this phase? When does the audience start to get hints that he's using AI, or when does Maija first suspect it? What's his motivation for cheating? Is it pure ambition, fear of failure, or something else?
---
### Approach to the Inmost Cave
The hero prepares for the ordeal.
* **What's the biggest challenge or confrontation Maija anticipates with her film project?** Is it the final presentation, a particular scene she can't crack, or the impending reveal of her crush's deception?
* **How does she prepare for this?** Does she seek out more obscure, traditional filmmaking techniques? Does she have a moment of doubt before finding renewed determination?
---
### The Ordeal
This is the central crisis where the hero faces their greatest fear or obstacle.
* **What is the climax of your story?** Is it the final screening of the films? Is it Maija confronting the guy she likes about his cheating?
* **How does Maija's "no-AI" film stand up against the seemingly perfect AI-assisted films, especially her crush's?**
* **How is the romantic interest's deception revealed?** Does Maija expose him, or does he confess? What are the immediate consequences for him?
---
### Reward (Seizing the Sword)
The hero experiences the consequences of surviving the ordeal.
* **What does Maija gain from this ordeal?** Is it recognition for her film, a deeper understanding of true artistry, or a personal victory over technological dependence?
* **What is the immediate fallout from the revelation about her crush?** Does it impact her feelings for him, or does it solidify her conviction about authentic art?
---
### The Road Back
The hero begins their journey home, but isn't quite there yet.
* **How does Maija process the events of the ordeal?** Is she celebrated, or does she face new challenges because of what she's done?
* **What's the status of her relationship with the guy she likes at this point?** Is there a chance for redemption, or is it irrevocably broken?
---
### Resurrection
The hero faces a final, more intense test, often a "death and rebirth."
* **Is there one last hurdle Maija has to overcome?** Perhaps a final critique of her film, or a public debate about the role of AI in art, where she must defend her stance?
* **How does she apply the lessons learned throughout her journey to this final test?** This is where she truly proves her transformation.
---
### Return with the Elixir
The hero returns to the ordinary world, transformed, bringing a gift.
* **How has Maija changed from the beginning of the story?** What new perspective or skill does she possess?
* **What "elixir" does she bring back to her world?** Is it a new way of thinking about filmmaking for her peers, a re-evaluation of art in an AI age, or simply her own personal triumph and integrity?
* **What's the ultimate resolution for Maija and the romantic interest?** Do they reconcile, or does she move on, having learned a valuable lesson about authenticity?
---
This is a great starting point! Answer these questions, and we'll have a solid foundation for your treatment. Don't worry about getting everything perfect right now; just get the ideas down. What are your initial thoughts on some of these points?
**User:** Good question. Ask these questions one at a time ill give the answer remember we need to output to be a one pager in bullet point form
**Gemini:** Excellent! Let's take it one step at a time. This will help us build a strong foundation for your treatment.
Here's your first question:
**1. What is Maija's life like before the "call to adventure"? What are her daily routines, her aspirations, and her understanding of filmmaking in this AI-dominated world?**
**User:** Ordinary she takes ai as granted in her future
**Gemini:** Okay, so Maija just takes AI as a given in her filmmaking world, almost like electricity or the internet. That's a great starting point for her "ordinary world."
Next question:
**2. How does she feel about AI-generated content? Is she fully embracing it, a skeptic, or somewhere in between?**
**User:** She’s feels sceptic, but actually is a bit bothered but playes along because her crush is super into it
**Gemini:** Ah, interesting! So Maija has this inner conflict – **she's skeptical and even bothered by AI-generated content, but she suppresses it to align with her crush's enthusiasm.** That immediately adds a layer of internal struggle and defines her relationship with the AI world.
Next question:
**3. Who is the guy she likes? What's his personality like, and what's their current relationship (or non-relationship) in this ordinary world?**
**User:** Geeky their friends but neither thinks is just that, but they dont know how to have that conversation as they both think theyd loose the relationsip
**Gemini:** Okay, so the guy is **geeky**, and they're **friends who secretly like each other but are afraid to admit it**, fearing they'd jeopardize their existing connection. That's a classic and relatable romantic tension! It sets up a great dynamic for later when his AI deception comes to light.
Next question:
**4. What's the general atmosphere of this film school? Is it highly competitive, collaborative, or something else entirely?**
**User:** Its chaotic, and elements to the parody in the form of absurd chance
**Gemini:** A chaotic atmosphere with elements of absurd chance – that's perfect for a parody! It means anything can happen, which will be great for the challenges Maija faces.
---
Next up, let's move into **The Call to Adventure**:
**5. Tell me more about this "eccentric" professor. What makes them eccentric? What's their reputation?**
**User:** He has lofty ideas and thinks everything is possible when its not
**Gemini:** Okay, so the professor is an idealist with **lofty ideas who believes everything is possible, even when it's clearly not.** This sets him up as either a visionary or completely deluded, which is excellent for the parody aspect and for the "impossible task" he's about to set.
---
Now for the next question, still in **The Call to Adventure**:
**6. How exactly do they present this "impossible task" of creating a movie without using any intelligence (AI)? Is it a challenge, a philosophical statement, or a last-ditch effort to preserve traditional filmmaking?**
**User:** Its the premise of the final thesis for all students
**Gemini:** Got it. So this "impossible task" isn't just a quirky assignment; it's the **entire premise of the final thesis for all students.** That raises the stakes significantly and makes it a much bigger deal for Maija and her classmates. It's a high-pressure situation!
---
Next question, moving into **Refusal of the Call**:
**7. What's Maija's immediate reaction to this call? Does she embrace it, resist it, or is she conflicted?**
**User:** She finds it excisting but is worried her crush will dismiss her for her interest in actually making it happen
**Gemini:** Perfect! Maija's reaction is **excitement mixed with the immediate worry that her crush will dismiss her for genuinely pursuing it.** This ties directly back to her earlier conflict of suppressing her skepticism to align with his AI enthusiasm, and significantly raises the romantic stakes.
---
Now, let's explore **Refusal of the Call** further:
**8. What are Maija's initial doubts or fears about taking on this challenge beyond her concern about her crush? Does she feel it's truly impossible, or is she worried about failing in front of everyone?**
**User:** She has the dilemma that if she succeeds her crush will think less of her
**Gemini:** Understood. So her primary "refusal" isn't about the *task's impossibility*, but the **dilemma that if she succeeds, her crush will think less of her.** This keeps the romantic tension front and center, highlighting her internal conflict and vulnerability.
---
Now, let's transition into **Meeting the Mentor**:
**9. Is the professor the mentor, or is there another character who helps Maija understand how to approach this task? Perhaps an older, forgotten filmmaker, or even an unlikely peer?**
**User:** There is a cleaner in the school who knows how films where made before the ai era that decides to help her
**Gemini:** Love it! A **cleaner as the mentor** is a fantastic choice, offering an unexpected source of wisdom and a grounded, perhaps nostalgic, perspective on pre-AI filmmaking. This character will be able to teach Maija practical, forgotten techniques.
---
Let's move to **Crossing the Threshold**:
**10. What's the moment Maija fully commits to the "no-AI" film project? Is it a personal decision, a public declaration, or a realization that sparks her determination?**
**User:** When her crush acts like an idiot and she decides what he thinks is no longer a factor
**Gemini:** Fantastic! That's a strong turning point. So, Maija fully commits to the "no-AI" project when **her crush acts like an idiot, and she realizes his opinion is no longer a factor in her decisions.** This not only propels her into the adventure but also signifies a crucial step in her personal growth and self-reliance, giving her the emotional push she needs to cross the threshold.
---
Now, let's dive into **Tests, Allies, and Enemies**:
**11. What are the specific challenges Maija faces in trying to make a film without any AI? Think about the practical aspects: editing, special effects, sound design, even basic shot composition if AI usually handles it.**
**User:** For this come up with a multitude of challenges you deem fit and choose your forst option
**Gemini:** Okay, Maija is going to face a mountain of practical challenges without AI. Here's the first one that comes to mind, hitting at a fundamental aspect of modern filmmaking:
**12. Challenge 1: Manual Color Grading and Correction.** In an AI-dominated world, color grading is likely highly automated, perhaps even "perfected" by AI. Maija would struggle with the nuances of traditional color correction – understanding color theory, using primitive (or at least non-AI-assisted) tools to balance shots, and achieving a consistent look across her film without the AI "auto-correcting" or suggesting perfect palettes. This could lead to a visually inconsistent, amateurish look initially, highlighting just how much she relies on the AI crutch.
**User:** Sounds good though before this she need to find a camera that is not ”intelligent” and the cleaner has one
**Gemini:** You are absolutely right! Before she can even *think* about color grading, she needs the fundamental tool. That's a crucial step.
Let's integrate that. The challenges I'll propose will flow from this:
**11. What are the specific challenges Maija faces in trying to make a film without any AI?**
Here's the first major practical challenge, now reframed with the camera in mind:
**Challenge 1: Sourcing and Learning "Dumb" Equipment.**
In a world where all cameras and filmmaking tools are inherently "intelligent" (autofocus, auto-exposure, AI-driven composition suggestions, digital stabilization, etc.), Maija's first significant hurdle is simply finding a **camera that is truly "dumb"**. Her mentor, the cleaner, eventually unearths an antique or forgotten model – perhaps a clunky, old-school digital camera or even a film camera that requires manual focus, aperture, and shutter speed. Maija then has to contend with the steep learning curve of operating this basic equipment, grappling with manual settings, shaky footage, and out-of-focus shots that AI usually corrects seamlessly.
**User:** Sounds good
**Gemini:** Perfect. So, Maija's initial challenge is finding and learning to operate that "dumb" camera, which the cleaner provides. This sets a fantastic stage for all the other manual challenges she'll face.
Here's the next practical challenge she'll encounter:
**13. Challenge 2: Manual Editing and Special Effects (or Lack Thereof).** In her world, AI likely handles seamless cuts, transitions, and even basic visual effects. Maija would struggle with the painstaking process of manual editing, requiring precise cuts, careful timing, and learning to create visual interest without the aid of sophisticated AI algorithms. She'd also face the stark reality of how "special effects" are achieved without AI – perhaps practical effects, clever camera tricks, or simply having to *imply* things rather than show them. This will make her film look decidedly different from her peers'.
**User:** Sounds good
**Gemini:** Great! So, Maija's challenges are piling up: finding a "dumb" camera, then grappling with manual editing and the stark absence of AI-driven special effects.
Here's the next significant hurdle she'll face:
**14. Challenge 3: Manual Sound Design and Scoring.** In a future where AI likely crafts bespoke soundscapes and even generates musical scores, Maija would struggle immensely with creating authentic audio. This involves everything from recording clean dialogue without AI noise reduction, foley artistry (making sounds by hand), to composing or sourcing royalty-free music and manually syncing it, all to build an immersive aural experience that an AI would have whipped up in seconds. Her sound design will likely be raw, perhaps even a bit clumsy, highlighting the artificial "perfection" of her peers' AI-generated audio.
**User:** She makes the sounds her herself with an old school recorder
**Gemini:** Fantastic! That detail about her making the sounds herself with an old-school recorder really grounds the "no-AI" concept and highlights her commitment. It also provides opportunities for some humorous or poignant scenes as she struggles with foley.
---
Here's the next challenge, crucial for visual storytelling:
**15. Challenge 4: Manual Shot Composition and Cinematography.** In an AI-driven filmmaking world, intelligent cameras likely suggest "perfect" framing, track subjects flawlessly, and automatically adjust for optimal lighting and depth of field. Maija would struggle with the foundational principles of manual cinematography: understanding the rule of thirds, leading lines, negative space, lighting setups, and manual focus/exposure to achieve desired visual effects. Her early attempts might be visually awkward, poorly lit, or unfocused, forcing her to learn the art of composition by trial and error, relying solely on her eye and understanding of film theory.
**User:** Sounds good
**Gemini:** Perfect! We're building a solid list of the practical hurdles Maija will face without AI.
---
Now, let's consider her **allies** in this journey:
**16. Who are Maija's allies in this endeavor? Does she form a small group of like-minded students?**
**User:** Its her friend from class, and a professor in the school who loves everyone and doesnt understand everyone think shes stupid, she just happened to blurp the right stuff infront of Maija
**Gemini:** Okay, this is great! So, Maija's allies are:
* **The Cleaner:** Who knows how films were made pre-AI and is helping her source "dumb" equipment and teach manual techniques.
* **Her Friend from Class:** This friend could be a moral support, or perhaps they're also struggling with their own AI-free film and they become a sounding board for each other.
* **A Well-Meaning, Oblivious Professor:** This is a fantastic element for the parody! This professor "loves everyone and doesn't understand why everyone thinks she's stupid," and just happens to blurt out useful "right stuff" to Maija by chance. This professor could unintentionally provide insights or resources simply through their unfiltered nature.
These allies offer a mix of practical help, emotional support, and comedic relief, which is perfect for your story's tone.
---
Next up, let's talk about the **enemies** or obstacles Maija will face:
**17. Who are her "enemies" or obstacles? Besides the technical difficulties and her own internal doubts, are there other students who mock her efforts, or perhaps the film school's administration?**
**User:** The adminstrator who has a vested interest with AI business in the industry
**Gemini:** Excellent! Having the **administrator** as an antagonist who has a **vested interest in AI businesses** in the industry creates a perfect external conflict. This person can actively try to undermine Maija's project, making the stakes much higher than just a grade. They could see her no-AI film as a threat to their investments or the status quo.
---
Now, let's circle back to the romantic interest, specifically how he fits into these "Tests, Allies, and Enemies":
**18. How does the guy Maija likes interact with her during this phase? When does the audience start to get hints that he's using AI, or when does Maija first suspect it? What's his motivation for cheating? Is it pure ambition, fear of failure, or something else?**
**User:** His motivation is that its pointless excersice
**Gemini:** Okay, that's a brilliant motivation for his cheating: **he sees the "no-AI" exercise as pointless.** This isn't just about ambition or fear of failure; it ties directly into the story's core theme about the value of human-made art versus AI. It also means he genuinely believes he's *not* doing anything wrong, just being pragmatic.
Here's how he interacts and how the deception could unfold:
**18. How does the guy Maija likes interact with her during this phase? When does the audience start to get hints that he's using AI, or when does Maija first suspect it? What's his motivation for cheating? Is it pure ambition, fear of failure, or something else?**
* **Interaction:** He's initially **supportive but condescending** towards Maija's project. He might offer her "help" that subtly nudges her towards AI solutions, or he might just shrug off her struggles, saying things like, "Why are you even bothering? Just let the AI do it." He might even try to "teach" her efficient AI workflows, thinking he's helping her see the light, completely oblivious to her true intentions. Their conversations could be laced with his dismissive comments about her "old-fashioned" methods, creating a quiet tension between them.
* **Hints/Suspicion:** The audience gets hints early on through the sheer **perfection and rapid progress of his own film**. While Maija struggles with basic sound syncing or getting a consistent shot, his project seems effortlessly polished, visually stunning, and seamlessly edited, almost *too* perfect given the "no-AI" constraint. Maija might start to suspect when he casually mentions how quickly he "finished" a complex sequence, or when she notices a particular visual effect in his rough cut that seems impossible to achieve manually in their chaotic, resource-strapped environment. Maybe she sees a subtle digital artifact, or a style element that reminds her of a common AI template.
* **Motivation:** His motivation is purely **pragmatic and philosophical: he believes the "no-AI" exercise is a pointless, archaic endeavor.** He doesn't see it as cheating, but as simply being efficient and modern. He likely thinks Maija is wasting her time with "primitive" methods and that truly innovative filmmaking *must* involve AI. This makes him a more complex character than a simple villain, as his actions stem from a deeply held (and future-typical) conviction.
---
That gives us a lot to work with for his role! Let's move into the next stage of the Hero's Journey.
**19. What's the biggest challenge or confrontation Maija anticipates with her film project as she approaches the "Inmost Cave"? Is it the final presentation, a particular scene she can't crack, or the impending reveal of her crush's deception?**
**User:** Its a thing she cant crack because the ”knowledge has been lost to the world” the mentor doesnt know it but the blurping ally does it for her
**Gemini:** Perfect! This creates a fantastic dramatic irony and a true test of Maija's ingenuity, especially with her allies' specific roles.
---
Here's your answer for **Approach to the Inmost Cave**:
Maija's biggest challenge as she approaches the "Inmost Cave" is a **specific, seemingly impossible technical hurdle within her film that the "knowledge has been lost to the world."** This isn't something her cleaner mentor knows, as it's a technique or solution so fundamental it was entirely superseded by AI. The breakthrough comes unexpectedly from her well-meaning, oblivious professor ally, who **"blurts out" the exact piece of forgotten wisdom or method** that unlocks Maija's ability to crack this seemingly unsolvable problem, allowing her to advance her no-AI film.
---
Now we're heading towards **The Ordeal**. This is the central crisis.
**20. What is the climax of your story? Is it the final screening of the films? Is it Maija confronting the guy she likes about his cheating?**
**User:** Final screening of films the crush is a side story
**Gemini:** Got it. The **final screening of the films** will be the climax, with the crush's deception and their relationship serving as a crucial, impactful subplot rather than the main climax itself. This allows the thematic core of human creativity versus AI to take center stage.
---
Here's your answer for **The Ordeal**:
**21. What is the climax of your story?**
The climax of your story is the **final, highly anticipated public screening of all the students' thesis films.** This is where Maija's meticulously handcrafted, "no-AI" movie will be presented alongside the seemingly perfect, AI-assisted creations of her peers, including her crush's film. The tension will stem from the contrast between her raw, authentic work and the polished, yet deceptively generated, content surrounding it. The audience's and professors' reactions to her unique film, and the subtle ways her crush's deception might start to unravel during or immediately after the screening, will form the core of this pivotal moment.
---
Now, let's consider the immediate aftermath of this climax, moving into **Reward (Seizing the Sword)**:
**22. How does Maija's "no-AI" film stand up against the seemingly perfect AI-assisted films, especially her crush's?**
**User:** Everyone thinks its brilliant and no ai teaching are introduced back into the world
**Gemini:** That's a powerful outcome! It means Maija's film isn't just a personal victory, but a catalyst for widespread change.
---
Here's your answer for **Reward (Seizing the Sword)**:
**23. How does Maija's "no-AI" film stand up against the seemingly perfect AI-assisted films, especially her crush's?**
Maija's "no-AI" film doesn't just stand up against the AI-assisted films; it **eclipses them entirely**. Despite its raw, perhaps technically imperfect nature compared to the seamless AI creations, everyone at the screening finds it **brilliant and deeply moving**. Its authenticity, humanity, and the visible effort behind its creation resonate profoundly in a way the AI-generated perfection simply cannot. This overwhelming success leads to immediate discussions about reintroducing **"no-AI" teaching methods back into the film curriculum and potentially the wider industry**, signaling a shift in artistic values.
---
Now, let's address the reveal of the crush's deception, which is a key part of this reward/fallout:
**24. How is the romantic interest's deception revealed? Does Maija expose him, or does he confess? What are the immediate consequences for him?**
**User:** He confesses inspired by maija and its revealed he was actually inspired by her
**Gemini:** That's a fantastic turn for the romantic subplot, allowing for emotional depth and a redemption arc that reinforces Maija's impact.
---
Here's your answer for **Reward (Seizing the Sword)**, specifically regarding the crush:
**25. How is the romantic interest's deception revealed? Does Maija expose him, or does he confess? What are the immediate consequences for him?**
Inspired by the profound impact and undeniable brilliance of Maija's authentic film, the guy she likes **confesses his deception on the spot or very shortly after the screening.** His confession is a direct result of being moved by her integrity and artistry, revealing that he was actually **secretly inspired by her "no-AI" pursuit all along, even as he feigned disinterest and used AI for his own project.** The immediate consequence for him is a **mixture of relief, shame, and a burgeoning sense of admiration for Maija.** While there might be academic repercussions (perhaps a reduced grade or resubmission), the primary consequence is the emotional reckoning he experiences, and the potential for a new, more honest foundation for his relationship with Maija.
---
Now, let's move into **The Road Back**.
**26. What does Maija gain from this ordeal? Is it recognition for her film, a deeper understanding of true artistry, or a personal victory over technological dependence?**
**User:** Deeper understanding of artistrt that transends ai and non ai film making
**Gemini:** Excellent! That's a profound and mature takeaway for Maija, elevating the story beyond just "AI vs. non-AI."
---
Here's your answer for **The Road Back**:
**27. What does Maija gain from this ordeal?**
From this ordeal, Maija gains a **profound and nuanced understanding of artistry that transcends the simple dichotomy of AI vs. non-AI filmmaking.** She learns that true art isn't defined by the tools used, but by intention, human connection, and the unique spark that only human creativity can provide. She now sees the value in both approaches, understanding when and how intelligence (human or artificial) can serve the story, but also recognizing the irreplaceable magic of pure, unassisted human effort. This deeper insight empowers her, making her a more thoughtful and effective filmmaker.
---
Now, let's address the immediate impact on her relationship with her crush as she begins to process everything.
**28. What's the status of her relationship with the guy she likes at this point? Is there a chance for reconciliation, or is it irrevocably broken?**
**User:** There might be reconsiliation but the movie doesnt tell in the end
**Gemini:** Perfect! Leaving the romantic reconciliation ambiguous adds a nice touch of realism and focuses the story on Maija's personal journey and artistic growth.
---
Here's your answer for **The Road Back**:
**29. What's the status of her relationship with the guy she likes at this point?**
Following his confession and her triumph, the status of Maija's relationship with the guy she likes is **left ambiguous at the end of the film.** There's a clear possibility for reconciliation, as his confession was rooted in admiration and inspiration rather than pure malice, and his initial "pointless exercise" stance has clearly been shaken. However, the film doesn't explicitly resolve their romantic tension, implying that their future together is still uncertain as they both process the revelations and the profound shift in their understanding of filmmaking and each other.
---
Now, let's move into **Resurrection**. This is often the final, most intense test.
**30. Is there one last hurdle Maija has to overcome? Perhaps a final critique of her film, or a public debate about the role of AI in art, where she must defend her stance?**
**User:** She must defend her stance infront of the ai companies funding the school
**Gemini:** That's a powerful and high-stakes "Resurrection" moment! It externalizes the core conflict of the film onto a grander, more impactful stage.
---
Here's your answer for **Resurrection**:
**31. Is there one last hurdle Maija has to overcome?**
Yes, Maija faces a crucial final hurdle in a **public forum or special review board assembled by the AI companies heavily funding the film school.** Following the unexpected success and buzz around her "no-AI" film and the subsequent discussions about reintroducing traditional methods, these powerful industry players demand that Maija **defend her stance on human-made art and the role of intelligence in filmmaking.** This isn't just a critique; it's a high-stakes debate where she must articulate the *why* behind her methods and the intrinsic value of her film, directly challenging the very foundation of their business model and the technological status quo. This final confrontation is where she truly proves her transformation and conviction.
---
Finally, let's wrap up with **Return with the Elixir**:
**32. How has Maija changed from the beginning of the story? What new perspective or skill does she possess?**
**User:** She believes in artistry beyond ai or non-ai way of working and she feels she doesnt have to prove herself to anyone
**Gemini:** This is a fantastic and compelling arc for Maija! Her journey from reluctant compliance to confident artistic integrity, transcending the AI/non-AI debate, is a powerful core theme.
---
## Treatment: The Dumb Film Thesis
**Logline:** In a future saturated with AI-generated filmmaking, a skeptical film student must create a movie without any intelligence for her final thesis, navigating chaotic school politics, the challenges of forgotten methods, and the deception of the geeky crush she can't admit she likes.
---
### The Hero's Journey
* **Ordinary World:**
* **Maija** is a film student in a world where AI is the undisputed standard for movie-making; she takes its ubiquity for granted.
* Despite outwardly playing along, Maija is **skeptical and even bothered by AI-generated content**, suppressing her true feelings because her crush, **a geeky classmate**, is deeply enthusiastic about it.
* Maija and her crush are close friends, both secretly harboring romantic feelings but **too afraid to confess** for fear of losing their existing relationship.
* The film school itself is a **chaotic environment** filled with absurd chance and unpredictable elements.
* **Call to Adventure:**
* Their **eccentric professor**, an idealist with lofty, often unrealistic ideas, declares that the **final thesis project for all students must be a film made without *any* intelligence (AI).**
* **Refusal of the Call:**
* Maija finds the challenge exciting but immediately worries her crush will **dismiss her** for genuinely attempting this "pointless exercise." Her core dilemma is that **if she succeeds, he might think less of her.**
* **Meeting the Mentor:**
* An unlikely mentor emerges: a **cleaner at the school** who possesses knowledge of how films were made before the AI era. He decides to help Maija.
* **Crossing the Threshold:**
* Maija fully commits to the "no-AI" project when her crush acts like an idiot, and she has a pivotal realization that **his opinion is no longer a factor** in her pursuit of true artistry.
* **Tests, Allies, and Enemies:**
* **Challenges:**
* **Sourcing and Learning "Dumb" Equipment:** Her first hurdle is finding a camera without AI-driven features (which the cleaner provides) and mastering its manual operation.
* **Manual Editing & Special Effects:** Struggling with painstaking cuts, transitions, and the complete absence of sophisticated AI visual effects.
* **Manual Sound Design & Scoring:** Creating all audio manually, even making her own foley sounds with an old-school recorder.
* **Manual Shot Composition & Cinematography:** Grappling with lighting, focus, and framing without AI assistance.
* **Allies:**
* The **Cleaner** (mentor for pre-AI techniques).
* A **friend from class** (emotional support/sounding board).
* A **well-meaning, oblivious professor** who accidentally blurts out crucial, forgotten information.
* **Enemies:**
* The **school administrator**, who has a vested financial interest in the AI businesses funding the institution.
* **The Crush's Deception:** He remains outwardly supportive but condescending towards Maija's "primitive" methods. His own film appears effortlessly perfect due to covert AI use, stemming from his belief that the "no-AI" exercise is **pointless**.
* **Approach to the Inmost Cave:**
* Maija faces a seemingly **impossible technical hurdle** within her film – a piece of filmmaking "knowledge lost to the world." The cleaner doesn't know it, but the solution is **accidentally blurted out by the oblivious professor.**
* **The Ordeal:**
* The climax is the **final public screening of all thesis films.** Maija's raw, authentic "no-AI" film is presented alongside her peers' seemingly perfect, AI-generated works.
* Her film is **unanimously deemed brilliant**, deeply moving the audience and sparking discussions about **reintroducing "no-AI" teaching methods** into the curriculum.
* Inspired by Maija's integrity, her crush **confesses his deception**, revealing he was secretly inspired by her authentic efforts all along.
* **Reward (Seizing the Sword):**
* Maija gains a **profound and nuanced understanding of artistry that transcends the simple AI vs. non-AI dichotomy.** She learns the irreplaceable value of human intention and connection in art.
* **The Road Back:**
* Maija processes her triumph and newfound insights. Her **relationship with her crush is left ambiguous**, hinting at a possible reconciliation but without a definitive resolution, focusing on her individual journey.
* **Resurrection:**
* Maija faces a final, public challenge: she must **defend her stance on human-made art** and its significance in a high-stakes debate before the powerful **AI companies funding the school.**
* **Return with the Elixir:**
* Maija returns to the world transformed, now truly believing in **artistry that transcends the specific tools or methods (AI or non-AI).** Crucially, she feels she **no longer has to prove herself to anyone**, having found her authentic artistic voice and confidence.
That’s how far Nicolas got fleshing out his idea. The story context can be copy pasted into a text file for further iterations!
The refeclections of this writing excersice will be summarized in future StoryWorld writing!
That’s all for now! Stay tuned for more stories! Share this with someone who would find some inspiration!
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