Ethical AI video tools for filmmakers.

Over the past few years, generative AI tools have burst onto the scene, promising to revolutionize how films are conceived, shot, and edited. From text-to-image generators that help you storyboard in seconds to AI-driven color grading suites that match cinematic palettes with a single click, AI in filmmaking offers both promise and fear for the damage it might do to employment in the industry. Netflix’s recent admission that they used AI to generate a scene in their new SCI-FI show has not done much to allay people’s fears. For first time filmmakers without access to Hollywood budgets these tools can be intoxicating. Platforms like Runway ML and Luma AI let indie creators whip up visual effects on a shoestring budget. Things have never felt more creative.

Yet beneath this creative gold rush lurks a less glamorous reality. Many of today’s AI video models are trained on vast caches of unlicensed footage scraped from the internet—raising serious questions around copyright, creative attribution, and legal liability. Filmmakers who bank on these tools can find themselves staring down takedown notices or, worse, infringement lawsuits, all while lacking transparency about where the training data came from.

This is where an “ethical AI” video model becomes more than just a buzzword. By insisting on openly licensed, opt-in datasets—and backing it up with indemnity guarantees—tools like the newly launched Moonvalley’s Marey aim to give filmmakers the legal peace of mind and creative control that every storyteller deserves.

Why “Ethical AI” Matters to Filmmakers

Moonvalley’s Marey isn’t just another text-to-video toy—it’s built on the promise of openly licensed training data, so you can create without wondering if your next clip will land you in legal hot water. In an era when other generative tools have scraped copyrighted footage (sometimes without recourse for creators), Marey stands apart by using only content from partners who have explicitly opted in and by offering an indemnity policy to shield you from takedown notices

Transparent Licensing & Creator Rights

• Exclusive, opt-in datasets. Moonvalley contracts “data brokers” and content owners to assemble fully licensed video libraries—no grey areas, no future disputes

• Opt-out & data deletion. Any creator whose work ends up in Marey can request removal. And if you supply your own footage, you can delete it from the model at any time.

• Indemnity guarantee. If someone claims Marey output infringes their rights, Moonvalley’s policy promises to have your back, letting you focus on the art instead of the paperwork

Democratizing Filmmaking, Ethically

We are all about democratizing film here at the festival so for us any tool that will open filmmaking up to the masses is worth looking into. For an independent filmmaker the biggest selling point is that it democratizes access to the top AI storytelling tools, especially for people who have long felt shut out of traditional filmmaking. It can cost hundreds of euro to rent equipment and a limited budget can inevitably end up limiting the scope of the stories people are trying to tell. Tools like Moon valleys Marley coupled with your mobile phone will help open up worlds to new voices in the industry- secure in the knowledge that every frame is legally sound.

Granular Creative Control, Guilt-Free

It’s not just about ethical filmmaking, it’s also about control. Moon valley’s Marey’s is also about giving it’s about filmmakers the tools to refine every shot:

• Frame-by-frame tweaks: Change camera angles, background elements, even lighting after generation.

• Source-footage remixing: Drop in your own clips and let Marey reframe them for new environments—from suburban roads to country highways

All without risking uncanny resemblances to unlicensed content—so your creative choices stay exactly that: yours. Behind the scenes, they’re also expanding their creator-partnership network, so the pool of ethical training footage keeps growing—and so does your peace of mind.

Takeaway: Ethics + Empowerment

The cat is well and truly out of the bag with this stuff. We even have an AI category at this point for Christ’s sake. (Something we have taken some heat on). What it’s about now is putting guard rails on it, making it fair for creatives.

The post How to use AI ethically in your film appeared first on DUBLIN SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL.

On July 6, the Dublin Smartphone Film Festival is proud to present an exclusive Documentary Filmmaking workshop hosted by the internationally acclaimed and multi-award-winning filmmaker SJ Van Breda. This event offers aspiring filmmakers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most accomplished professionals.

The post Book today! Documentary Filmmaking Workshop with SJ Van Breda appeared first on DUBLIN SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL.

LODI was filmed on an iPhone 14 Pro using Filmic Pro and Moment apps. Courtney chose a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, which gives the film a unique visual style and enhances its intimate and personal narrative.

A little bit about Courtney

Courtney is a multi-talented actor, poet, film producer, and director. 

Born and raised in southern Oregon, Courtney began her filmmaking journey by creating rap parody films for school projects using a borrowed Canon XL1. Her career advanced to production roles in major films such as Transformers: Bumblebee, Top Gun: Maverick, and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part I.  She is the Creative Executive on the feature development team at Lucasfilm, one of the world’s leading film and entertainment companies. That’s right, she works in a galaxy far, far away.

We asked Courtney questions about LODI, mobile filmmaking life and challenges. Here’s what she had to say. 

Can you tell us about LODI?

“This is an incredibly personal story that took a lot of time and courage to share. I decided to film on an iPhone 14 Pro because it felt akin to how I would document a trip with my family. [It’s also] way easier (and cheaper) to film with a phone when you shoot 11 pages in one day and drive over 200 miles in a vintage Mercedes with no A/C”.

What are the top 3 things you have in your film kit bag for mobile filmmaking? 

“I always have a pretty good lighting setup. I usually bring a gimbal and then always remember to bring a charger. That is essential!”

What was the last movie that made you cry?

“The last movie that made me cry was Ghostlight [Directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson]. I got to see it at a Film Festival, and it was a really beautiful story about a family dealing with past trauma”. 

What were the greatest challenges in making LODI?

“One of the main challenges in making the short film was the fact that it was so hot outside. When we were shooting, the cameras kept overheating, so we would put the phones in a little cooler and let them take a break between our takes. 

What is your biggest fear as a filmmaker? 

“One of the biggest worries I have about making a film is if it’s going to resonate with anyone. That’s the whole reason we tell stories. I want to speak to people’s hearts, to inform the way they change their relationships or live in the world. So that’s always the greatest hope but also the greatest fear that no one’s going to like or watch the thing you make. I’m very honoured and excited that Lodi is playing for the Dublin Smartphone Film Festival. I’m very grateful to the programmers. It’s always just a joy to know that people around the world are going to see your film”

Submit your film today—we’re excited to see your work!

We loved Courtney’s film LODI and learning about her journey in filmmaking. Whether you’re a budding or experienced mobile filmmaker, if you have a story to share, why not share it with the world? The Dublin Smartphone Film Festival is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work and connect with our community of filmmakers.

The post Courage and Creativity: An Interview with Award-Winning Filmmaker Courtney Coker appeared first on DUBLIN SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL.

Marketing Tip 1: Know your audience

A critical success factor for any short film is knowing your audience. Understanding who your audience is will shape not only the creation of your short film but also its marketing strategy and the choice of festivals you submit to.

Practical steps in identifying your audience

Research Similar Films:

Look at films with similar ideas to yours and identify their audiences. Examine how these films succeeded in reaching their viewers and where they may have fallen short. Learn from them. 

Create Audience Personas: 

Personas are the backbone of any marketing strategy and a great way to focus your efforts. Consider demographics, psychographics and media consumption habits. Ask yourself, ‘Who would be interested in watching my story?’

Social Listening:

Read social media comments and conversations about similar films or genres to learn about audience interests and likes.

Marketing Tip 2: Plan your promotional footage

Start planning what promotional stills and behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage you need before filming. Why plan BTS and promotional content early? Well, there are many reasons;

• Clear Direction: Knowing what kind of promotional material you need in advance allows you to create a cohesive and consistent marketing message that aligns with your short film’s vision.
• Time Efficiency: When you’re in the thick of production, time is precious. A plan allows you to capture BTS content without disrupting the filming process.
• Storytelling: BTS content can tell the story of your film’s creation, engaging your audience and building a community around your project even before its release.
• Marketing Assets: The more material you have (stills, interviews, video diaries, etc.), the more assets you have for various marketing campaigns and festival submissions.

Tips for Planning Promotional Content

The Role of a Professional Photographer

If your budget allows, hire a professional photographer to take key BTS and promotional film shots. Professional photographs in your arsenal offer numerous benefits that can enhance the film’s appeal, marketing, and archival value. 

• Enhanced Visual Appeal: High-quality, professional images significantly elevate a film’s aesthetic for festival juries and film audiences.
• Expertise in Storytelling: Skilled photographers can capture the essence of scenes with dynamic compositions and adept lighting management, enhancing the story’s visual narrative.
• Marketing Reach: Using professional photos across posters, social media, and press releases can expand the film’s promotional reach and engagement potential.
• Efficient Workflow: Photographers can capture valuable BTS content without interrupting the primary filming process. .
• Valuable Archival Content: High-resolution images serve as key archival material for future retrospectives or special editions, adding long-term value.
• Cost-Effective Investment: While hiring a photographer adds to initial costs, the benefits of increased festival acceptance, audience reach, and overall film impact generally far outweigh the investment.

Marketing Tip 3: Build a Strong Online Presence

Before you even think about submitting your short film, ensure you have a professional online presence, such as a website, dedicated page or social media channel for your film. Include important information, a compelling synopsis, cast and crew details, and eye-catching visuals. A solid online presence can help build anticipation and credibility. 

  Source: iwalkwithghostsfilm offical instagram page

Document your journey and share it. Create a buzz by posting about the production process, interesting anecdotes, and sneak peeks.

Create engaging teaser content like trailers, posters, and behind-the-scenes footage.

Tailor your material for different platforms. What works on Instagram might not work on Facebook or X. Make sure your content is easily shareable and formatted correctly for each platform

This continuous engagement can build an invested following for your film’s festival journey.

Marketing Tip 4: Use festivals to spotlight your film

Festivals are a valuable way to showcase your short film. There are a few simple steps to maximise the benefits of your film festival submission.

Understand the Festival Landscape

Each festival has its character and audience, so it’s essential to research to find a good fit for your film’s genre, style, and audience. Use platforms like FilmFreeway to streamline the submission process. Remember to look beyond the big names. Smaller festivals can offer more personalised attention and may be more receptive to films from independent filmmakers.

Maximise Every Film Submitted

For smaller festivals, each film submission is an opportunity to promote both the film and the festival. Even if a film isn’t accepted, just the act of submission and the festival’s acknowledgement can be used as a marketing tool, celebrating the film’s attempt to engage with the festival community.

Network

Network at festivals, even if your film isn’t showing. Building relationships with other filmmakers, festival programmers, and attendees can lead to opportunities for collaborations and screenings.

Feedback and Adaptation

Pay attention to feedback. If your short film isn’t accepted, find out why and use that information to improve your marketing strategy or the film itself. Adapt your film’s length or content based on the trends and preferences of your target festivals.

Create a Compelling Press Kit

A well-crafted Electronic Press Kit (EPK) can make a significant difference. It should include a synopsis, director’s statement, high-resolution stills from the film, bios of the key cast and crew, and any notable facts that make the film stand out. The more professional and polished your EPK, the more serious festivals will take your film.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=cbuo_oR3O1Y%3Fautoplay%3D0%26mute%3D0%26controls%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.dublinsmartphonefilmfestival.com%26playsinline%3D1%26listType%3Dplaylist%26list%3DPLaI4BbpCunp9Wf5Pvms-fb_zv_dS1w_cR%26showinfo%3D0%26rel%3D0%26iv_load_policy%3D3%26modestbranding%3D1%26enablejsapi%3D1%26widgetid%3D1

Keep Marketing Alive Post-Festival

Even after your film has been accepted into a festival or secured distribution, continue your marketing efforts. Through Q&A sessions, social media, and filmmaker interviews, engage with your audience. Positive buzz can lead to more opportunities and increased visibility.

Marketing Tip 5: Authenticity is Key

In your marketing efforts, don’t compromise your authenticity. Whether through a heartfelt director’s statement or a quirky, self-aware social media post, let your genuine passion for your film shine through. Authentic marketing resonates with audiences and festival juries alike.

Conclusion

Remember, marketing your short film for festivals is not just about getting your film shown; it’s about creating a presence in the industry. All marketing material should promote your film and tell a story about who you are as a filmmaker. With a smart strategy, even films that aren’t selected can gain traction and attention, setting the stage for your next project.

Embarking on the film festival circuit is a journey of storytelling within your film and the narrative you create around it. A thoughtful marketing approach can make all the difference in achieving festival success.

The post In the Spotlight: Marketing Tips for Short Film Festival Success appeared first on DUBLIN SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL.

In a world where smartphones are ubiquitous, why not leverage their power to create your very own film? We have you covered with some handy tips to help you shoot your next high-quality production entirely on your trusty mobile device. From finding inspiration to selecting the right audio and video equipment, we will guide you through the process.

First things first, get inspired!

As they say, reading makes for good writing and the same holds true for smartphone filmmaking. Check out other successful smartphone films like Tangerine or keep up with the latest at events like the Toronto Smartphone or even our own festival, the Dublin Smartphone Film Festival

Now, lets talk about sound.

Nothing breaks immersion more than bad audio, so make sure to invest in quality sound equipment. Consider adding a RØDE microphone, like the VideoMic ME, or even a separate sound recording device, shotgun mic, and professional sound recordist for the ultimate audio experience.

On to video equipment.

Don’t be afraid to use a camera rig and other accessories with your smartphone. A grip mount and lens kit, like those from Moment, can help take your filming to the next level. And don’t forget to check your phone’ s storage space so you can capture multiple scenes without running out of space.

But wait, there’s an app for that!

While its best to keep your phone free of excess apps, some can actually help you achieve better shots. Check out Filmic Pro for advanced camera features,

By combining all of these elements, you will be amazed at the cinematic quality you can achieve with your phone. Of course none of this matters if you have not spent time working on your story. Start there, get some great actors, stunning locations and then find the tech you can afford to tell your story. In most cases this will be your phone

The post How to Shoot a Short Film on Your Smartphone appeared first on DUBLIN SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL.

We talk an awful lot about mobile cinema here at the Dublin Smartphone Film Fest

vial . Having a mobile phone and the skills to create cinematic video can go along in other aspects of your life. Getting a job can be tough. It is a crowded, competitive landscape. Your mobile video skills could give you an edge. Filming an interview on a smartphone can be a great option, especially if you’re on a budget or need to be mobile.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your smartphone camera and get the best results:

Use a tripod:

Keeping your phone steady is important for a good quality video. A tripod can help you to stabilize your phone and make it easier to film the interview.

Use a microphone:

The built-in microphone on a smartphone can be good enough for casual

use, but for an interview, its better to use an external microphone. If you are a budding documentary filmmaker you might have a lavalier laying around. You can use a lavalier microphone that clips to the interviewees clothing or a directional microphone that attaches to your phone to pick up sound from a specific direction.

Choose a good location:

Much like low budget filmmaking, production value can go a long way here. Look for a quiet location with good lighting. Try to avoid busy or noisy areas, as these can distract from the interview.

Frame your shot:

Make sure you frame the shot properly so that the interviewee is centred

and in focus. Avoid using the zoom function on your phone, as this can decrease the quality of the video. Although a creative at heart maybe avoid some more experimental angles for these video’s. Your potential employer may enjoy a break from the norm but it can also backfire. So maybe no Dutch angles

Be mindful of the background:

Pay attention to what is in the background of your shot. You want to choose a location that is visually appealing and not distracting.

Control exposure and focus:

Most smartphones allow you to adjust the exposure and focus

of the camera by tapping on the screen. Make sure to focus on the interviewees face, and adjust the exposure to get the right amount of light.

Shoot B-roll:

To make your video more interesting, try to capture B-roll footage of the

interviewee’s surroundings or the topic of discussion. This will help add context to the interview and make the video more visually appealing. Again keep it simple, maybe avoid epic drone shots and stick to footage that helps reinforce what you are saying

Edit your footage:

Once you have finished filming, edit your footage to create a cohesive,

engaging video. You can use editing software or apps to add transitions, titles, and other effects to your video. Again has a filmmaker you might need to fight the urge to grade your footage or add in complex edits. Keep it simple, you are selling yourself not your video skills (unless that’s the job you are going for).

. By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can ensure that your interview comes out looking and sounding professional. Remember to choose a quiet and well-lit location, prepare your questions beforehand, and practice speaking clearly and confidently. Additionally, consider using a tripod, a high-quality microphone, and other recording equipment to enhance the overall quality of your video. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your self-interview. With some practice and perseverance, you can create a compelling interview that showcases your personality and expertise.

The post 8 tips to film a self interview on a smartphone appeared first on DUBLIN SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL.

In the age of TikTok and Instagram, it’s almost expected that you be able to churn out high-quality videos on your mobile device. But if you’re only starting out, chances are you don’t have the time or expertise to learn all the tricks of the trade. Luckily, we’ve got five tips that can help you take your videos from amateur hour to Hollywood quality in no time.

Start with Good Lighting

Good lighting is key when it comes to making any video look cinematic. If you’re shooting indoors, make sure to use natural light as much as possible. And if you’re shooting outdoors, make sure to choose a location with lots of natural light available so that your subject isn’t too dark or washed out.

Use an External Microphone

Mobile devices often come with built-in microphones, but they don’t always capture sound well—especially if there’s a lot of background noise. Investing in an external microphone will ensure that your audio is crisp and clear without any unwanted static or distortions.

We here at the festival are big fans of the BOYA directional microphone has a low cost way to get started

Stabilize Your Camera

Using some sort of camera stabilization tool (like a tripod) is essential for creating professional-looking video footage on your mobile device. Handheld sh

ots may look cool in certain situations but having a steady shot will make all the difference when it comes to making your video look high-end and cinematic.

Films like the Bourne series really pushed this handheld style. Be mindful that there is a difference between making it shaky on purpose and your film looking messy

Keep It Simple

Don’t try to cram too many elements into one shot—it can take away from the overall aesthetic of your video and make it look cluttered or chaotic instead of professional and polished. Instead, focus on one element at a time and keep things simple for maximum impact!

Edit Your Footage

Editing is an essential part of creating cinematic video footage on a mobile device, as it allows you to remove any unnecessary elements and add special effects that will bring your footage to life. There are plenty of free editing apps available for both iOS and Android devices—just be sure to play around until you find one that works best for your needs!

Remember, you don’t know what you have until you look at it in the edit. You will be surprised how music, and slight colour changes can bring your footage to like

With these five tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to creating some seriously stunning videos on your mobile device! Keep experimenting with different tools and techniques until you find what works best for you—and just remember that practice makes perfect! With enough practice, anyone can learn how to produce cinematic video footage like a pro!

The post 5 Tips for Creating Cinematic Video on a Phone appeared first on DUBLIN SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL.

I had a conversation with somebody recently told me that behind-the-scenes content, they didn’t see the value in it.

We can’t speak for every Festival but I would say again it comes down to this idea of shareable content. It comes down to this idea that social media requires 24/7 365 days a year. So the more content you have to talk about your film the more people are able to talk about it, they are able to share and they are able to understand it. So I think behind the scenes content if you have it shows value, it shareable, Its entertaining, It taps into this idea that people understand the process behind making something, understand the process behind creating and it gives better insight into your film.

So we think if you have somebody on set a stills photographer, somebody there to take photos to shoot video while you’re filming and you put all that together into an impressive bundle, I think behind-the-scenes footage moving forward will be something that people will look for a lot because people love to see people making stuff and people look to see the passion that goes into craft and I think that behind-the-scenes content is integral to moving forward.

The post How Important Is Behind the Scenes Footage for my Film appeared first on DUBLIN SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL.

In this article I will take you through another important tool that will help give you the edge.

A FIELD MONITOR!

Thanks to a recent update with Filmic Pro you can now get a Clean HDMI out from your phone. What’s a clean HDMI out I hear you say?

Let me explain

A clean HDMI out is the ability to be able to send a live signal from your phone through a HDMI cable to an external monitor. The reason for the word CLEAN is that this live signal does not contain any of the typical data that would appear on your phones viewfinder such as your recording status, exposure, focus, sound and recording time ETC.

How is this possible on my phone?

Up until now you could share a live feed from your phone using Filmic Pro but it would contain all the on screen information so it was just like mirroring your phone onto another device. It was helpful yes, but it didn’t give you a real representation of what the filmed image would look like. Thanks to a recent update within the Filmic Pro app you can now get a clean clutter free signal giving you a much bigger and better idea of what your Image would look like.

Why is this so important?

Everything is a little clearer

Size matters!! Shooting on your phone as revolutionized the way we shoot video. Having access to a phone 24/7 allows you to shoot some incredible footage. The drawback sometimes is your tiny screen. It’s not always easy to get a good look at the image you are shooting with your phone screen. There has been a time when I was sure a scene was adequately lit or in focus only to discover once I put it on a larger screen that was I had missed something. Having a field monitor onset will give you a bigger screen to give you a better Idea of what you are shooting. You can see changes you make in the focus, lighting or composition in much greater detail which is invaluable in ensuring you get it right on the day.

Everyone can see

Just because the device in your pocket allows you to write, shoot, edit and distribute your film all in a single device doesn’t mean you should do it all yourself. Film is collaborative after all so working with a crew is normally a sure fire way of ensuring a successful film. Up until now having your crew huddle around your phone screen as been a bit of a hassle. A field monitor changes all this, your actors and crew can get a better understanding of the scene being shot and this ensures there is less confusion on set

The leaps in technology is blurring the lines further between camera and camera phone and the addition of an additional monitor gives you even more of a leg up in filmmaking game. This coupled with your favourite SV ASSETS lens should push your filmmaking game into the stratosphere.

Happy shooting guys!

The post Clean HDMI out with Filmic Pro-Game changer appeared first on DUBLIN SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL.