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Who is Gabe Michael?

Gabe Michael is an award-winning filmmaker and creative technologist shaping the future of creative production with AI. In his current role at ElevenLabs, he works with creative teams and enterprise clients, bringing his expertise in traditional and AI-powered production.

Previously, Gabe served as the SVP and Global Lead of AI Production at Edelman, where he built and led the agency’s global AI creative production function from the ground up. He spearheaded the integration of generative AI across the agency’s studios and global operations, establishing the tools, workflows and training that enabled teams worldwide to adopt AI and produce award-winning work.

As an early adopter of generative AI in filmmaking, Gabe brings a rare combination of hands-on creative expertise and executive experience implementing AI at enterprise scale. His films have screened at Tribeca and earned Best Odyssey at Project Odyssey, as well as Best Character and Best Art Direction at the Runway Gen:48 AI Film Competitions. 

A recognized voice on AI, filmmaking and the future of creative work, Gabe has spoken at major international events including CES, NAB, Silicon Valley Video Summit, Upscale Conf and Runway AI Summit.

Drawing on years of experience directing and producing for leading studios, brands and digital platforms, Gabe also educates creative professionals on the practical applications of AI in filmmaking through YouTube, LinkedIn, and Curious Refuge. He teaches graduate-level courses for UCLA’s Producers Program.

What is your mission in AI filmmaking?

My mission is to enhance the future of storytelling with AI, showing how generative tools can enhance creativity rather than replace it. I want to empower filmmakers, creatives, and brands to embrace AI as a storytelling tool.

At the same time, I aim to demystify AI filmmaking, addressing misconceptions while developing new workflows that bridge the gap between traditional production and AI-powered creation.

Learn more about my AI filmmaking techniques.

How did you get into AI filmmaking?

My background is in producing and directing for digital media and the creator economy, but I’ve always been drawn to new technologies that push the boundaries of storytelling. As AI tools like Runway, Pika, and Suno emerged, I saw the potential to revolutionize filmmaking—allowing independent creators and studios alike to explore stories that were once limited by budget and resources.

I dove deep into AI filmmaking, experimenting with generative tools and refining workflows. This led to multiple award-winning AI films, collaborations with top AI platforms, and my role as a leader in AI-driven creative production.

What are your biggest accomplishments in AI filmmaking?

  • Runway Gen:48 AI Film Competition – Winner of Best Character & Best Art Direction in two consecutive competitions
  • Project Odyssey – Season 1 Winner of “Best Odyssey,” Season 2 Judge
  • Directed ‘The Chef Experience’ – The first interactive digital novel using AI chatbot technology
  • Cannes AI Film Awards – Won Crystal Brain Award – for Best Character
  • Speaker at Tribeca Film Festival, NAB Show, UCLA, Silicon Valley Video Summit and other major industry events

How do you use AI in filmmaking?

I use AI at various stages of the filmmaking process, from concept development and scriptwriting to AI-generated video and post-production enhancements. AI is a tool, not a replacement—it allows for faster iteration, unique creative styles, and previously impossible visual storytelling.

Some key AI tools I use include:
🎥 Runway, Luma, Kling, Minimax & Veo2 – AI video generation and style transfer
📝 Custom GPT models – AI-assisted scriptwriting and storyboarding
🎶 Suno – AI music generation for original soundtracks
🎨 Midjourney, Imagen & Flux – AI-assisted concept art & worldbuilding

Check out my AI filmmaking projects here

What’s your take on AI vs. human creativity?

AI is not a magic button, and it won’t replace filmmakers. Instead, it’s a creative amplifier—a tool that enhances human storytelling and artistic vision. The best AI-generated films come from human direction, with AI serving as an advanced tool.

True creativity comes from emotion, experience, and perspective—things AI lacks. My goal is to show how AI can free filmmakers from technical limitations so they can focus on storytelling.

What’s the biggest misconception about AI filmmaking?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that AI filmmaking is effortless—that you press a button, and a perfect movie appears. In reality, it requires skill, iteration, and a deep understanding of storytelling.

Another myth is that AI will replace filmmakers. While AI can generate visuals, sound, and scripts, it still lacks human intent, emotion, and narrative structure. AI is a tool, not a storyteller.

What advice do you have for filmmakers exploring AI?

  1. Start with storytelling – AI is a tool, but your vision drives the project.
  2. Experiment with different tools – No single AI tool does everything.
  3. Iterate, refine, and guide AI – Prompt engineering is an art.
  4. Combine AI with traditional filmmaking – The best results come from hybrid workflows.
  5. Stay ethical – Respect copyrights, training data concerns, and ethical AI use.

Check out my Youtube channel for more.