Los Angeles: As artificial intelligence reshapes the entertainment industry, a new kind of film school is training creatives to work with emerging technology rather than fear it. Programs focused on AI powered filmmaking are attracting thousands of students eager to remain relevant in a rapidly changing Hollywood landscape.
One of the most visible initiatives is Curious Refuge, an online learning platform founded by Caleb and Shelby Ward. The school has trained more than 10,000 students worldwide, many of them professionals in film, television, advertising and digital media. Courses combine recorded lessons, live sessions and global meetups, teaching participants how to use AI tools for visual storytelling, video production and marketing content.
Interest in these programs has grown as job listings increasingly demand machine learning and AI skills. Visual effects artist Michael Eng joined the training after noticing employers seeking candidates familiar with automation tools. Others, such as Petra Molnar, have used AI video skills to switch careers and enter the advertising field.
Generative AI tools can create images, video scenes and special effects in minutes, allowing creators to produce content faster and at lower cost. Supporters say this technology lowers barriers to filmmaking and opens opportunities for independent storytellers who previously lacked resources.
At the same time, the rise of AI has stirred anxiety across the industry. Labor groups and performers worry about job security, especially after criticism of AI generated actors and digital replicas. A 2024 study suggested that as many as 120,000 jobs in film, television and animation could be reshaped or lost as generative AI expands.
Curious Refuge now serves students in more than 170 countries and offers instruction in multiple languages, reflecting the global demand for AI production skills. The school was recently acquired by AI entertainment startup Promise, which aims to build a pipeline of creators trained in AI driven filmmaking.
Industry observers say education will play a key role in how quickly Hollywood adapts. Some compare the rise of AI tools to the early days of online video platforms, which lowered production barriers and launched new creative careers.
While concerns remain about ethics, copyright and job displacement, supporters argue that artificial intelligence could lead to new forms of storytelling rather than replace human creativity. For many filmmakers, learning to work alongside AI is becoming not just an option but a necessity for the future.