AI is turning up in more and more of what we watch, and people are right to ask how it's being used. I'd rather be upfront about it than leave you to guess.
My films only work if people trust what they're seeing. So this is how I use it, and the things I won't do.
The line
If someone is talking to you in one of my films, they're a real person. That isn't something I'm willing to fake.
There are two situations where I might use AI imagery in a film. Both are about supporting a story, never replacing the people in it.
01
Sometimes a sequence needs a shot that's impossible to capture on camera. When there's no real footage to be had, I may create that scene with AI rather than leave a gap in the story.
02
Now and then a story calls for a gathering of people. If it fits the narrative, I may use AI to create a crowd scene. These are background moments, not people you're meant to believe you're hearing from.
If I've had to use AI imagery in a film we make together, I'll tell you.
The whole aim of my work is to tell true stories well. That means real people and honest footage wherever it's possible to get them.
AI can help fill the occasional gap. It will never be a substitute for sitting down with someone and listening to what they have to say.
Some of the illustrations on my Insight articles are created with AI. Where they are, they're labelled.
I also use AI tools to help me stay organised, with things like planning, notes and admin.
I'm careful about what goes into them. I never sell or pass on client information, and if you'd rather your material wasn't used with AI tools at all, just tell me and it won't be.
Last updated September 2026. I'll keep this page current as the tools and my use of them change.
If anything here raises a question, ask me. I'm happy to talk it through before we start.
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