What if AI could help anyone create film-quality stories inside the worlds they love? Ahead of World Summit AI 2025 (October 08–09, Amsterdam), Yalin Solmaz, AI Filmmaker at Filmique.ai asks us to imagine a new age of fan-made cinema, and warns of the darker path we risk if GenAI becomes just another tool of automation.
What’s your most compelling dream scenario for AI — a breakthrough that would fundamentally improve life on a global scale?
I believe that the greatest, as yet under-utilised, potential of GenAI in filmmaking lies in its ability to foster a new market for fan-made content. This content could achieve a quality level comparable to the original intellectual property (IP). Consider, for example, if Disney were to grant fans access to its various IPs through custom-trained models. This would empower individuals to create their own narratives within these established worlds, all with full IP clearance. Such a model presents a significant new revenue stream for IP owners, who could implement a revenue-sharing model. Furthermore, it has the potential to cultivate a vibrant new segment of the creator economy and seamlessly uncover emerging talent.
What’s a recent project or breakthrough you're especially proud of — and what kind of impact do you hope it will have in the real world?
For my most recent short film, Where Leo Went, I was able to leverage the latest GenAI technologies to achieve strict character and scene consistency. This not only enabled better scene coverage for more fluid storytelling, but it also allowed viewers to immerse themselves fully in the narrative, without being reminded of the GenAI tools used in its creation.
What’s a use case for AI that you think more people should know about — something positive that’s flying under the radar?
Generative AI's ability to stylise real footage is often overlooked due to the strong focus on developing fully synthetic, realistic content. This approach not only provides complete control over the camera and characters but also allows for continued collaboration with cameramen and actors. It represents a method of augmenting a creative team, rather than replacing it.
If you had to choose one nightmare scenario that keeps you up at night — whether realistic or speculative — what would it be, and what warning signs should we be watching for today?
I see a fork in the road with GenAI in video and filmmaking. On one hand, it can serve as a creative augmentation tool, enhancing human artistry. On the other, it risks becoming an ultimate automation agent. My greatest fear, within the realm of creativity and film, is a future where AI agents predominantly auto-generate content, solely aimed at exploiting the attention economy. The synergy of the attention economy and automated GenAI is a perilous path that I believe will swiftly erode any remaining trust in social media and brands.
Who or what do you think has the power to prevent your nightmare scenario above?
Like with every new technology, all branches will be developed, and we can’t rely on regulation, which is slow at best and misdirected at worst. Ultimately, it will be up to the audience - to us - to be the judge of what sticks. So, it's super important that we all get involved in guiding how it develops. Our opinions, whether we're pointing out issues, saying what we like, or suggesting improvements, are absolutely key. This feedback loop isn't just about how this tech plays out in entertainment, it's also about its bigger impact on our culture. If we don't actively participate, there's a risk it could go in directions that don't really line up with what we value or what's good for us.
What are we not talking about enough in the AI conversation today — something you believe could be hugely important five years from now?
There should be a greater emphasis on AI's potential in life-saving sectors like healthcare, medicine, and housing. Currently, the commercial drive for short-term returns in Generative AI steers focus towards creative applications and automation. This overshadows AI's incredible capacity for breakthroughs such as cancer cures and personalised treatments. We need more discussion and investment in these life-changing applications, which requires a longer-term view on return-on-investment.
If you look ahead 10 years, what do you think will be the biggest change in our daily lives?
In the entertainment industry, the most significant transformation will be the advent of fully personalised, on-demand content. Users will have the power to select their preferred actors, content type, duration, and even a story logline or general genre, resulting in a perfectly tailored viewing experience. While this sounds incredible on paper, we must consider its cultural implications. Will it foster greater isolation and therefore loneliness as shared viewing experiences diminish?
From a broader societal perspective, the most profound change will likely be a reduction to at least a three-day work week, if not the implementation of universal basic income (UBI). With the increasing prevalence of agentic AI, many process-oriented roles currently performed by humans will become obsolete. I anticipate a significant increase in business adoption of AI within the next decade, prompting governments to explore an "AI tax." This tax would offset the projected decrease in income tax revenue and fund a UBI scheme, essential for stabilising both society and the economy. Ultimately, humans remain the primary consumers, requiring a certain level of income to ensure continued economic activity and growth.
Do you think AGI is near? When will we have AGI?
I wanted to participate in the AI Summit because I want us to start consciously picking the future of AI we want to build. While all the advancements we get almost every day sound incredibly exciting, we can’t let the amusement and wonder stop us from being critical as well. We need a balanced approach to what is being built and start guiding the development proactively instead of watching it happen passively. Because at the end of the day, what will happen will happen to us, and the tech being built is not just better software. It is a system that potentially will develop the capability to transfer learning and surpass our methods of thinking.
World Summit AI global Summit series
World Summit AI
08 - 09 October 2025
Taets Art & Event Park, Amsterdam
World Summit AI Qatar
09 – 10 December 2025
Doha Exhibition & Convention Center