Faculty Spotlight

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March Faculty Spotlight: Mr. John Darbonne, Pioneering AI in Filmmaking

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is transforming industries worldwide, and a Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi instructor is among those at the forefront of this shift. This month’s Faculty Spotlight highlights Mr. John Darbonne, a filmmaker and assistant professor of Media Production, integrating AI into his courses, preparing students for the future of digital storytelling and film production.

Two years ago, Mr. Darbonne attended Adobe Max, an online conference showcasing cutting-edge advancements in digital media. Witnessing the rise of generative AI in image processing, he foresaw its inevitable expansion into video production. Since then, AI filmmaking has accelerated at an unprecedented rate, fundamentally reshaping his field. Recognizing the importance of AI literacy, Mr. Darbonne pursued certification in AI filmmaking from Curious Refuge last summer. This deep dive into AI-driven video tools cemented his belief that students who master AI will gain a competitive edge in the workforce.

One of Mr. Darbonne’s primary concerns is ensuring that AI enhances, rather than replaces, creativity. In his screenwriting courses, he encourages students to use AI as a guide rather than a creator. “I start my screenwriting sessions by telling AI not to generate content but to interview me. It asks questions to refine my ideas, keeping my voice intact,” he explained. His approach ensures that students develop their unique perspectives while leveraging AI for structure and clarity.

This semester, Mr. Darbonne launched the university’s first AI filmmaking course. While the curriculum evolves in real time due to AI’s rapid advancements, students are immersed in cutting-edge techniques, including character design with tools like Midjourney and Magnific Mystique. They create 3D models, animate characters, and integrate AI-generated assets into film projects. Beyond storytelling, AI has revolutionized post-production. Tasks that once took months—such as audio editing, color grading, and visual effects—now take weeks. “AI has increased my workflow efficiency by 300-500%,” Mr. Darbonne shared. This allows students to focus more on storytelling rather than getting bogged down by technical barriers.

Looking ahead, Mr. Darbonne envisions Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi becoming a leader in AI-driven filmmaking. With federal investments in AI technology pouring into Texas, he sees an opportunity for the university to establish itself as a hub for AI and robotics in film production. He has pitched a grant proposal to transform the Black Box Theatre into a virtual production space, mirroring the LED-screen technology used in The Mandalorian.

For faculty who may be uncertain about AI, Mr. Darbonne acknowledges the challenges of adapting to new technologies but encourages engagement, stating, “It’s important to stay informed and explore how AI can be a valuable tool rather than a replacement.” He himself had to learn Python to stay ahead, but the rewards have been immense. Whether using AI for syllabus creation, removing bias from grading tasks, or streamlining course development, AI has the potential to revolutionize education. Through his innovative teaching methods, Mr. Darbonne is equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in an AI-driven industry. “I want our Islanders to be competitive candidates when they graduate,” he affirmed. His dedication to integrating AI into filmmaking is not only preparing students for success but also positioning Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi as a pioneer in this evolving landscape.

Stay tuned for further developments as AI continues to shape the future of digital storytelling at TAMU-CC!