The Time Machine
"The Time Machine: An AI-Powered Adaptation"
This innovative short film reimagines H.G. Wells' classic novella using cutting-edge generative AI. Our Time Traveller discovers a future divided between the idyllic Eloi and the subterranean Morlocks, racing to change the course of history.
Showcasing AI's potential in filmmaking:
Visuals: AI-generated imagery blends Victorian and futuristic aesthetics.
Audio: AI-synthesized voices and sound design create an immersive experience.
Screenplay: AI-drafted script, human-refined, explores inequality and progress.
Music: AI-composed score enhances the emotional journey.
Directed and edited by Mann Wynn Shramana, this project demonstrates AI's power in storytelling, enabling a visually rich and complex film on a beyond-minimal budget. It serves as both an engaging adaptation and a testament to AI's role in evolving film production.
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Mann Wynn ShramanaDirectorCreative Director - Shadow of the Moon Official Music Video (2024)
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Mann Wynn ShramanaWriter
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Claude 3.5 SonnetWriter
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Mann Wynn ShramanaProducer
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Project Type:Animation, Short
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Runtime:11 minutes 44 seconds
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Completion Date:August 24, 2024
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Production Budget:5,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Generative AI
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
Distribution Information
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Matthew WalkerDistributorCountry: United StatesRights: All Rights
Mann Wynn Shramana is a visionary filmmaker blending traditional cinematic techniques with cutting-edge AI technology. His journey in filmmaking began in the late 1990s during high school, where he discovered his passion for editing. This early interest evolved into a lifelong dedication to the art of cinema.
Though largely self-taught, Shramana's experience includes a two-year stint in Hollywood as a set and costume designer in the late 2000s. His work is influenced by a diverse array of acclaimed directors, including Tim Burton, Georges Méliès, Guillermo Del Toro, and Hayao Miyazaki, among others.
Shramana's exploration of AI in creative processes began in 2017, inspired by Max Tegmark's "Life 3.0". Since the introduction of GPT 3.5 in late 2022, he has dedicated himself to becoming a pioneer in AI-assisted filmmaking. His unique blend of technological expertise and traditional filmmaking knowledge positions him at the forefront of cinema's evolving landscape.
Recent works include serving as the creative director for Jordan Rudess's 2024 "Shadow of the Moon" official music video. Currently, Shramana produces short film adaptations and original works for his YouTube channel, "Bytesized Stories", showcasing his innovative approach to storytelling.
Thematically, Shramana's work explores universal aspects of the human condition, infused with sincere optimism despite the challenges of our era. His visual style draws from diverse influences including steampunk, cyberpunk, Art Deco, German Expressionism, and Surrealism.
Looking ahead, Shramana aims to continue refining his craft, with aspirations to create feature films that seamlessly integrate AI technology with traditional filmmaking methods. His work stands as a testament to the potential of AI in expanding the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.
"The Time Machine," H.G. Wells' seminal work, has been a guiding light throughout my life, its themes resonating more powerfully than ever in our current age. As we stand at the precipice of the 4th Industrial Revolution, with AI as its cornerstone, I felt compelled to revisit this classic through the very lens of the technology that defines our era.
In adapting this story, I saw an opportunity to hold a mirror to our society, where income inequality has surpassed even that of the Gilded Age which inspired Wells. The Eloi and Morlocks serve as stark metaphors for the potential consequences of unchecked disparity, a warning as relevant today as it was over a century ago. My hope is that this adaptation will spark reflection on how we can use emerging technologies to uplift all of humanity, rather than further divide us.
The creation of this film has been a unique challenge, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in independent filmmaking. Generative AI has allowed me to create on a scale previously reserved for large studios, democratizing the filmmaking process. However, the true art lies not in the generation of assets, but in the careful curation and assembly of these elements into a cohesive, evocative narrative. This process has reinforced my belief that while AI is a powerful tool, the heart of storytelling remains inherently human.
As both a devotee of classic literature and an advocate for AI in filmmaking, I aim to bridge worlds with this project. I hope to introduce new generations to the timeless wisdom of Wells' work while demonstrating the potential of AI to empower individual creatives. In a landscape often hostile to this new technology, I firmly believe that AI can be a force for creative liberation, allowing filmmakers to realize their visions without the constraints of traditional production models.
Ultimately, "The Time Machine" is not just a cautionary tale of potential futures, but a call to action in our present. Through this adaptation, I invite viewers to consider the world we're building with our choices today. As we stand at this crucial juncture in human history, my hope is that this film will inspire us to use our technological prowess to create a future of equality and shared progress, avoiding the pitfalls Wells so presciently warned us about.
In reimagining this classic for the AI age, I've sought to honor Wells' legacy while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in independent filmmaking. It's my sincere hope that this project will not only entertain but also provoke thought, spark discussion, and perhaps, in its own small way, contribute to shaping a more equitable future.