Nonfiction Core⁢ Application Updated to Address‍ AI Use in Filmmaking

⁤ Updated June 14, 2025
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The Nonfiction Core Application, ‍a template designed to ease the application process for filmmakers, has been updated to address the growing use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in documentary filmmaking. The update, a ‍collaborative effort between the International Documentary association (IDA), ⁢the Archival⁣ Producers Alliance (APA), Google’s Artists + machine Intelligence (AMI) team, and the Sundance Institute Artist‍ Accelerator Program, integrates new questions focused on GenAI use.

Nonfiction Core application 3.1 includes ⁣five optional questions about GenAI, along with links to resources for further learning. ⁣These additions are informed by a community survey⁢ in March that⁣ explored how documentary producers and directors are using GenAI, their concerns, and their ⁤approaches to disclosing GenAI use to funders and audiences. The survey, which had 146 respondents, indicated a cautious ⁤but curious field. while 25% of respondents do not plan to use GenAI, others are motivated by its potential to improve workflow efficiency (25%) and expand creative abilities (21%).

The updated application includes questions in sections where artistic approach, ethical duty, and production practices intersect.

“If you⁢ plan to use generative⁤ AI to ‍realize any part of your artistic ⁢vision, describe how.”

This question encourages ⁢filmmakers⁤ to explain their GenAI use, promoting transparency between artists and funders and fostering ⁤a shared understanding of how these tools can shape a project’s narrative and aesthetics.

“if you are using generative AI, describe what ethical⁣ considerations⁣ or practices of accountability you are employing.⁣ [This can include workflow/tracking/legal review of AI-generated materials; transparency with your participants (if applicable), assessing algorithmic bias; consideration of possible impact on the historical record; copyright issues; and assessment of the AI tools or technologies you are choosing].”

This question prompts reflection on GenAI’s‍ ethical implications,⁣ encouraging⁢ responsible storytelling ‍and ensuring participants⁢ can respond with agency to the tools shaping the narrative.

“If you are using generative AI as part of your artistic approach, ⁣how do you plan to ⁣disclose it to your audience? If you don’t plan to disclose the use of AI, please explain why.”

This question addresses ⁢how GenAI use will⁢ be ⁣disclosed to audiences, promoting viewer trust and a deeper understanding of ⁢the filmmaker’s intent.

“Please ⁤provide a budget, from development through release, in U.S. dollars, including a budget total. Please ensure ⁤that any accessibility, safety, generative AI and duty of care costs mentioned in your above responses ‍are reflected in the submitted budget.”

This ⁤addition ensures that costs associated with GenAI use, such as licensing and ⁣ethical review, are included in the budget.

“What should reviewers ⁣be‍ looking for in your sample? Explain what is present and absent in the sample, ⁤and⁢ how it will differ as a finished film. Describe how it is representative of the intended story, style, subject, or other aspect of the‍ project. If your sample includes any ⁣audio, visual, or text elements generated with AI, please describe how and what tools or technologies you used. We encourage applicants not⁣ to spend extra resources creating a sample for each individual fund. If your current ⁤sample is outside of ⁢the suggested length requirements, please provide reviewers with the time codes of the portion of the sample ⁢that best reflects your intended style and approach (e.g., 3:15-12:15).”

This encourages applicants to contextualize GenAI usage in visual materials, fostering understanding and building a shared vocabulary around creative techniques.

what’s next

Alongside the application updates, resources are available to support understanding and ethical adoption of GenAI tools. The APA has published a Best Practices Guide for use of GenAI⁤ in Documentary, and also a companion Tool Kit. Sundance ⁢Collab will host “Navigating AI in ‍Filmmaking” and IDA’s Documentary Magazine features a regular column,“The Synthesis”,that explores the evolving⁣ role of AI in nonfiction media.