What happens when a humanoid AI inspired by Jesus enters a small Florida church? Created by Marshall Critchfield and his team, AI Jesus is a Martin County-produced film that explores cultural tensions around artificial intelligence.
1. What initially inspired the concept behind AI-Jesus? Was there a particular moment that sparked the idea to highlight technological breakthroughs and their possible effects on faith or religion?
I had been reading and watching presentations about AI and I began to wonder how far it would go. The thought of having artificial intelligence at the pulpit seemed like a crazy idea, but since filming the movie in June, we've seen a number of instances where places of worship have brought this technology into their programing.
2. How did the team come together for this project? Were the collaborators longtime creatives in the area, or did the film attract new local talent?
The creative and the technical team have collaborated for years in Southeast Florida. Ideas get bandied about constantly but the topic of AI is so timely that we just jumped right in on this one. When it came to the actual performers, we not only attracted local talent, we discovered it.
3. What were some of the biggest challenges in developing a film that blends artificial intelligence themes with spiritual or philosophical questions?
Nobody wanted to diminish or poke fun at religion. There were times when the script - during development - crossed into a gray area. We were insistent that the final version receive the blessing of the two priests who helped make this movie possible.
4. From a technical standpoint, what tools or innovations did you rely on to bring this story to life?
In the world of independent filmmaking - from a technical standpoint - innovation is one of the most prevalent themes. You simply can't film a movie without it because nothing ever goes as planned. We didn't invent any new processes, but we certainly improvised in innovated ways.
5. How did the local creative community influence the film? Were local artists, businesses, or spaces involved in the production?
We only used one out-of-town actor and every scene was filmed in Martin County. The local community was remarkably supportive. St. Mary's Episcopal provided an incredible location for the majority of the film but we also shot scenes at the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa and Basil Garden Thai.
6. What aspects of producing AI-Jesus locally surprised you - either in terms of support, talent, or capability?
One of the producers lives in Stuart and was well aware of the city's general openness to the project. If there were any surprises it involved the performances of our supporting actors - plenty of whom took vacation time to be on set. They were great to work with and took it very seriously.
7. How did you approach portraying AI within a spiritual narrative in a way that felt respectful, insightful, and original?
Since the production team consisted mostly of "Chreasters" (Christians who mostly only attend church on Christmas and Easter), we relied on St. Mary's leadership to keep us from 'tugging at the cloth.'
8. When you think back to the earliest stages, what has changed the most between the initial vision and the final film?
The original script had a major medical component - the AI Jesus started upsetting the local physicians by learning everything there is to know about medicine. We realized before filming that we couldn't incorporate that element and stay on budget. The forty minute version was good, but the final version (15 min) was great.
The market for short films is almost exclusively the film festival circuit so you try to check 'their' boxes while staying true to your ideas and creative instincts.
9. What do you hope viewers walk away thinking or feeling after watching AI-Jesus?
For the festivals, we want them to like the freshness of the concept, appreciate the writing and see value in the production. The goal for audiences is to take them somewhere fun and meaningful and to get them to think about the possibilities of AI.
10. What’s your strongest piece of advice for people wanting to make their own films?
Florida author Tim Dorsey once said something to the effect of 'just grab a laptop and start writing.' That's how I wrote my first novel 'Alumni Affairs' - I just started writing. Spielberg would probably say "grab a camera and start shooting something - anything." I think that's the 'strongest advice' because I believe in learning by doing.
11. Do you see AI-Jesus as the beginning of a larger movement of tech-driven storytelling here?
Tech-driven story telling has been around forever. The game changer with AI is that we might not need human actors, writers or camera operators. This movie infers that we might not need human clergy. For the record I hope none of that comes true!
We're going to keep making movies because we like it. We have great careers outside of the film business. I tell people 'my boat never works and I'm a lousy golfer...' this is a hobby and these movies are passion projects. However, while I'm certain I'll never be a fishing guide or a pro golfer, there's a at least a remote chance of making a movie that hits the mark and becomes a commercial or artistic success.
12. Where can people in the community watch the film or learn more about your production work?
We're premiering AI Jesus at the Lyric Theater on December 30th at 7PM. You can find us on Instagram @aijesusmovie and the trailer is available on YouTube at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v8EDuuVAVvY&pp=ygUMQWlqZXN1c21vdmll
13. What’s next for your team?
We're buttoning up a full-length comedy screenplay about a fishing tournament that takes place in Stuart. It's going to be shot like a documentary/mockumentary and will highlight Florida's obsession with boating. We'll likely seek investors for 'The Stuart Tournament' and try to get a well-known actor to play the lead. And we'll need a lot of background actors with boats. The Stuart Tournament does have a Facebook page if anyone wants to participate or follow along.
