Director Martin Scorsese is using artificial intelligence tools from startup Black Forest Labs to create storyboards and prototype set ideas for his next film [1].
This move by one of cinema's most respected figures signals a potential shift in how Hollywood elites view generative AI. While many artists fear the technology threatens their livelihoods, Scorsese's adoption suggests a path where AI serves as a digital sketchpad rather than a replacement for human vision.
Scorsese, who is 83 years old [2], has also taken an advisory role with Black Forest Labs [1]. He is utilizing the company's tools to translate visual concepts from his imagination into tangible prototypes more efficiently [3].
According to reporting from June 5, 2026 [4], the director said AI can push the bounds of creativity and help cinema evolve [1]. By using these tools for pre-production, Scorsese aims to refine the visual language of his upcoming project before filming begins [3].
The adoption of these tools has drawn mixed reactions from the artistic community [3]. Some filmmakers have expressed concern over the precedent this sets for the industry, while others view it as a natural evolution of the director's toolkit [3].
Scorsese has previously emphasized the importance of the cinematic experience. In this instance, he is positioning AI as a means to expand that experience by allowing for more rapid iteration of complex set designs and framing [1, 3].
“Martin Scorsese is using artificial intelligence tools from startup Black Forest Labs to create storyboards.”
Scorsese's partnership with Black Forest Labs represents a strategic bridge between traditional filmmaking and generative AI. By focusing the technology on storyboarding and prototyping—the 'blueprinting' phase of production—he is advocating for AI as a supportive utility for the director's intent rather than a tool for automated content generation. This distinction may influence how future labor agreements and creative workflows are structured in Los Angeles.
