Exploring the AI challenge...

In this post, I'd like to share a video, motivated by several compelling reasons.

Firstly: it explores a potential new format for personalised, brand messaging.

Secondly: it is a case study from one of the most refreshing and engaging conversations I have had recently.

Thirdly: the client is unlike almost any of my previous clients.

More on these points in further blog posts. But in this post, I particularly want to share some of the learning and experience I gained from exploring emerging video and AI technology.

The Impact and Opportunity of AI

We know our uncertain world is changing rapidly and it is very difficult, even overwhelming, to try to keep up to date.

This post explores my outcomes when I faced into the challenge of one of today's 'hot topics' - AI.

AI is moving so quickly and is changing our world - like the development of the internet did, but probably even more so.

I have some expertise, but great curiosity in this space, having always been interested in 'tech' and am probably an 'early adopter' in orientation, if not achievement.

The Video

The video below is far from perfect but it marks my first attempt at, and the 'outcome' from, exploration of several emerging AI technologies as they come together. The combined technology was only announced by the developer a few days beforehand but having known that it was in development I was keen to explore it for possible use in my marketing.

The Script

I had created the draft story of one of my most rewarding coaching conversations, similar to many of my earlier case studies. I used AI to edit the script but then made further changes. Thinking that I would probably never publish the resulting video, I didn't complete all the editing.

The Voice

I had previously explored, and used an AI-generated version of my voice, so created an updated version to 'voice' the script.

The AI version sounds like 'me' but misses my inflections, rhythms, tones and pronunciation, it is obviously AI speaking my words and not 'me'.

The Avatar

This was the innovation I particularly wanted to explore. I uploaded a single headshot photo to the app. From that one photo the AI tool generated the movements in the avatar and lip-synced with the script.

I apologise for the video being so long and unfinished, I could have spend more time or given the AI editor more scope to shorten it. Actually I didn't expect the outcome would be 'good enough', I was only playing with it, but I was so amazed by it I thought I would share it - rough as it is.

A Few Observations

I have created a few videos and the intricacy of script writing, editing, filming, and then editing, then reshooting, let alone the time in 'hair and make up', lighting, equipment checking etc can take many hours.

This experiment to create an avatar-based video was completed within about 30 minutes, little longer than writing a similar email. And when compared to producing a 'proper' video the time-saving with these innovations is of an order of magnitude! 

Whilst this example is imperfect, for many reasons, with what I have learned from this experiment I will be able to make significant improvements next time. And the technology will also have improved. 

This innovation offers a new 'format' for personal messaging for anyone who doesn't really feel at home in front of the camera. How does the engagement and impact of the avatar compare with the original 'live' human in front of the camera? 

As 'live' musicians are supplanted by technology, and some cars become 'driverless',  AI is enabling new, faster, efficient ways of doing things, we are all facing choices to engage or not. There are benefits and opportunities as well as downsides. Much discussion will focus upon the security, safety and ethics of this opportunity, but it is here, now.