Sep 10, 2025
In this episode of People of AI , we take you behind the scenes of "ANCESTRA," a groundbreaking film that integrates generative artificial intelligence into its core. Hear from the director Eliza McNitt and key collaborators from the Google DeepMind team about how they leveraged AI as a new creative tool, navigated its capabilities and limitations, and ultimately shaped a unique cinematic experience. Understand the future role of AI in filmmaking and its potential for developers and storytellers.
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction to Ancestra: AI in filmmaking
3:38 - The Origin Story of ANCESTRA
5:35 - Google DeepMind and Primordial Soup collaboration
11:47 - Veo and the creative process
20:21 - Behind the scenes: Making the film
28:47 - Generating videos: Gemini and Veo tools
38:11 - AI as a creative tool, not a replacement
47:41 - AI's impact and the future of the film industry
53:51 - Generative models: A new kind of camera
57:46 - Rapid fire & conclusion
Resources:
Ancestra → https://goo.gle/4mVScNW
Making of ANCESTRA → https://goo.gle/3JVJil1
Veo 3 → https://goo.gle/4mWn3Kz
Veo 3 Documentation → https://goo.gle/46qqFOV
Veo 3 Cookbook → https://goo.gle/3VMVFSZ
Google Flow → https://goo.gle/3VMVR4F
Watch more People of AI → https://goo.gle/PAI
Subscribe to Google for Developers → https://goo.gle/developers
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Speaker: Christina Warren, Ashley Oldacre, Eliza McNitt,
Ben Wiley, Corey Matthewson,
Products Mentioned: Google AI, Gemini, Veo 2, Veo 3