Speaker: Vivek Anchalia, Founder & CEO, Amazing Indian Stories , Moderator, Lulu Raghavan, President, APAC Landor
Vivek Anchalia – The Future of Storytelling with AI
Vivek Anchalia delivered an insightful keynote on how AI is transforming the creative landscape, especially in advertising and film production. His address focused on the evolution of storytelling tools and processes powered by AI, highlighting both efficiency and creative possibilities.
Key Highlights:
Reimagining Visual Storytelling:
AI is revolutionising how stories are visualised and produced, pushing the boundaries of creativity in advertising and cinema.
The New Previsualisation:
AI-generated spec ads now surpass traditional animatics in narrative and visual clarity, offering more immersive and convincing previews.
Smarter Production Decks:
One AI-generated slide today can effectively convey elements such as actor appearance, lighting setup, costume, mood, and location—streamlining the entire pitch and planning process.
Integrated Production Modules (IPM):
AI-powered IPMs have slashed prep time from hours to mere minutes, enabling faster, more agile production workflows.
Massive Cost Efficiencies:
With AI, the need for physical locations, large crews, and heavy equipment is significantly reduced—cutting down production costs dramatically.
More Campaigns, More Creativity:
Brands are no longer limited by budget constraints; AI makes it feasible to produce multiple campaigns for different collections simultaneously.
Strength in Style, Not Yet in Story:
AI currently excels in crafting montage-style visuals, fashion mood films, and atmospheric brand imagery. However, it’s not yet ready to handle performance-driven storytelling.
Case Study – Naisha:
Vivek’s upcoming feature film Naisha is a pioneering project—entirely AI-crafted except for the music. It stands as a proof-of-concept for AI-driven filmmaking.
AI Drone Shots:
Naisha features AI-generated drone visuals, eliminating the need for costly on-location shoots in areas like Uttarakhand.
Empowering Creators, Not Replacing Them:
Anchalia emphasised that AI is not here to replace filmmakers but to empower them—enabling grander visions with fewer compromises.
Takeaway:
AI is becoming an essential creative partner, reshaping not only how stories are told but also who gets to tell them—and how far they can go.
Vivek Anchalia & Lulu Raghavan – Navigating the AI-Creativity Intersection
This insightful conversation between filmmaker Vivek Anchalia and brand expert Lulu Raghavan explored the evolving role of AI in creative industries, especially advertising and storytelling. The discussion unpacked both the opportunities and limitations of AI, with a focus on practical implementation and the human factor in creativity.
Key Takeaways:
AI Reduces, But Doesn’t Eliminate Costs:
While AI slashes production expenses by removing the need for physical locations and large crews, skilled AI artists still command premium fees for their expertise.
Agencies Still Play a Critical Role:
Despite AI’s capabilities, agencies remain essential for crafting brand narratives, building communication strategies, and understanding cultural and consumer context.
Stronger Pitches, Faster Buy-In:
AI gives agencies sharper tools to visually and data-wise support their ideas, resulting in faster and more convincing client presentations.
Human Insight Remains Irreplaceable:
Interpreting a brand’s DNA, consumer behaviour, and market sentiment requires human intelligence—something AI cannot replicate.
Limits of AI in Music and Emotion:
AI-generated music lacks the emotional nuance needed for cinematic depth. In Naisha, human composers were used to preserve rhythm and emotional control.
Effective for Utility, Not Emotion:
AI works well for generic sound effects but falls short in delivering complex emotional audio experiences.
AI Can’t Mimic Creative Signatures:
The storytelling rhythm and directorial voice of auteurs like Tarantino or Rajkumar Hirani are beyond AI’s current capabilities.
Learning AI Is Self-Driven:
Vivek advocates for hands-on learning—via YouTube, online communities, and experimentation—over formal training. Institutions like ISDI and IID are beginning to offer structured courses.
Industry Sentiment Is Divided:
While creative professionals are wary of disruption, business leaders are embracing AI’s potential. Even visionaries like James Cameron are exploring AI integration.
Final Message – Don’t Fear AI, Embrace It:
Vivek urges creatives to explore AI fearlessly as a tool to achieve what was previously impossible.
AI Is Underhyped, Not Overhyped:
Lulu concluded that those who grasp AI’s storytelling power early will shape the future of creative communication.
