British writer, director, and producer Dan Hartley, known for the BAFTA and Emmy-nominated HBO/Sky feature documentary The Boy Who Lived, has partnered with Chris Bird, the former Managing Director of Amazon Prime UK, to introduce CineMe—a groundbreaking visual development tool for filmmakers powered by proprietary AI.
CineMe is designed to empower content creators, allowing them to construct a visual narrative seamlessly from script to screen.
The duo has also unveiled a data analysis platform called HawksHead AI.
CineMe leverages AI and generative technologies to facilitate an end-to-end workflow, enabling broader access to advanced tools traditionally available only to major studios and streaming services.
CineMe transforms a script into a visual storyboard filled with photo-realistic images in mere seconds. This innovative feature fosters collaboration among producers, directors, production designers, DPs, location scouts, costume designers, and VFX teams, streamlining idea sharing while significantly reducing time and costs.
Currently in its Beta phase, CineMe is already associated with several “confidential, high-profile” productions. Key advisors and notable figures from the film, technology, and investment sectors will be announced shortly. As the platform expands, it aims to introduce generative AI VFX capabilities, enabling the creation of complex visual effects—such as explosions or large-scale sets entirely through AI—thus minimizing the need for expensive practical shoots.
One core commitment from Hartley and Bird is the establishment of the CineMe Future Fund, which will allocate 5% of the company’s equity to a charitable trust aimed at equipping the screen-based creative industries workforce with enterprise-grade artificial intelligence. Hartley, who experienced financial challenges during the pandemic and Hollywood strikes, expressed his hope that the Future Fund will spark a dialogue on how to support the many freelancers who face vulnerability while ensuring the UK remains a leader in the global film industry.
Reflecting on CineMe’s launch, Dan Hartley stated, “Over a 20-year career, I have been fortunate to work with some of the brightest minds in the British film industry and have seen firsthand the importance of uniting teams around a creative vision. I believe CineMe will aid the next generation of storytellers by offering affordable tools that will revolutionize the way they develop, produce, and distribute films. Unlike before, where you had to wait to see your film after it was made, now you can visualize it earlier in the process.”
Chris Bird added, “Having spent 15 years at Amazon, I witnessed how new technologies can lower costs, enhance decision-making, and boost efficiency. I am excited to apply that philosophy in the UK’s content creation sector through CineMe. We are on the brink of substantial change in our industry, and CineMe is uniquely positioned to assist creators in realizing their visions more effortlessly than ever before.”
In addition to CineMe, Hartley and Bird have launched HawksHead AI, a data analysis platform that enables content creators to predict audience performance from the earliest stages of development, starting with scripts or synopses. Utilizing proprietary AI tools and private databases, HawksHead assesses the potential performance of projects within distinct audience demographics and offers revisions on scripts, casting, or creative approaches to enhance audience connection. The platform aims to help creators secure commissions or investment from broadcasters and streaming services by “supporting creative intuition with solid data.” Furthermore, HawksHead offers a “Synthetic Panel” feature, allowing creators to test changes and receive feedback within hours, rather than weeks.
Jon Creamer
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In conclusion, the launch of CineMe and HawksHead AI marks a significant advancement in the filmmaking industry, providing creators with tools that enhance collaboration and streamline production. As the creative landscape continues to evolve, these platforms promise to support a new generation of filmmakers in realizing their visions more efficiently than ever before.
