As the debate over artificial intelligence’s impact on the global content industry intensifies, a groundbreaking course dedicated to AI for screenwriters has launched at the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School.
The screenwriting program at the Jerusalem institution, ranked among the top 15 film schools outside of the United States by The Hollywood Reporter, now includes the course, a first of its kind globally.
Taught by content strategist and screenwriter Omri Marcus, the new curriculum is designed to equip students with practical skills to utilize AI tools to realize their creative visions in a rapidly evolving industry.
"We are residing in a turbulent period." The storm is approaching, and we need to prepare for it,” said Marcus. “The storm does not care whether we are wearing a coat or not. But even if we deny reality, the storm will arrive, and we will get wet.”
The principal of the craft remains unchanged
Despite the fast-changing nature of the technology, Marcus emphasized that the core principle of the craft remains unchanged.
“In the end, this is still a deal of attention in exchange for a good story. The romance of the tortured writer does not have to disappear,” he explained. “But the goal of this course is to teach how to use artificial intelligence as a tool that makes us better: as an efficient assistant that saves time on research, a skilled editor that highlights structural weaknesses, a sounding board for ideas, and countless other possibilities we discover every day.”
Marcus also noted a broader shift in the field, describing a transition from "storyteller" to "storyshower."
“Ultimately, a screenplay is a tool—words meant to transfer a vision from the writer’s mind to the producer and the director,” he said. “When used correctly, screenwriters today can amplify their stories with images, video, and sound, without relying on additional institutions or intermediaries. Even non-technical writers can become a one-stop shop for video creation.”
Regarding the institution's decision to integrate the technology so quickly, Marcus noted the significance of the timing.
“It is impressive that Sam Spiegel understood early on that the filmmakers of tomorrow must be given the most advanced tools available if they are to remain relevant,” he concluded.