A sci-fi universe built using AI: Shekhar Kapur announces new series ‘Warlord'. Check plot and other details
New Model of Shared IP and Open-Source Creation
AI as an Equalizing Tool in Storytelling
Veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has announced his latest venture, a science fiction series titled Warlord, created entirely using generative AI. The project, developed in collaboration with Mumbai-based AI filmmaking company Studio Blo, signals a bold step into the future of digital storytelling.Kapur, who will take on the roles of writer, director, and producer, has described Warlord as a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and romance. At the heart of the series lies a central question: 'Can love exist across dimensions?' The teaser released for the series offers a glimpse into this narrative with surreal imagery, including a jellyfish-like spaceship hovering over an alien world, a luminous woman dissolving into energy, and a mysterious figure watching events unfold.According to a media statement, beyond its storyline, the project is also being positioned as the cornerstone of a much larger initiative. Kapur revealed that Warlord is the starting point of a shared cinematic universe, or what he refers to as a "living universe." The intention is to open up this universe to creators globally, encouraging them to contribute and build upon it.In an unconventional move, Kapur and Studio Blo plan to make production designs and character assets from the series publicly accessible. Creators from across the world will be allowed to incorporate these elements into their own stories and projects, provided they pay a nominal fee of one cent per use and agree to release their adaptations as open-source content. This initiative aims to democratize access to high-quality production assets while fostering a culture of collaborative storytelling.In a media statement, Dipankar Mukherjee, Co-Founder and CEO of Studio Blo, highlighted how Kapur's vision pushed their boundaries. According to him, the proposal involved multiple technical and creative challenges, from building an entire series using generative AI to implementing a decentralized intellectual property model. He said it led the team to reevaluate not just their tools but also their storytelling methods.Kapur emphasized that artificial intelligence in filmmaking can level the playing field for independent creators, enabling them to compete with big-budget studios. He sees Warlord not just as a show, but as a platform where creators worldwide can collaborate, remix, and contribute to an evolving narrative world unrestricted by traditional production limitations.The filmmaker, who has directed acclaimed films such as Masoom, Mr. India, Bandit Queen, Elizabeth, and The Four Feathers, is currently serving as the festival director of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). His venture into AI-led storytelling marks a new chapter in his career, showcasing his willingness to embrace innovation while encouraging a more open and inclusive creative ecosystem.The Warlord teaser, jointly released by Kapur and Studio Blo, offers only a brief look at what's to come.
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