Image Source: Barley Studios
Neill Blomkamp, the acclaimed South African sci-fi director behind "District 9" and "Elysium," recently announced on X the launch of his new venture, Barley Studios, which will specialize in AI-generated video content.
Blomkamp also simultaneously unveiled Barley's inaugural AI short film, "NIGHTBORNE" (full video available via the link below). The approximately 13-minute piece was entirely generated using Seedance 2.0 software, incorporating facial and vocal data from 32 real individuals who granted permission for their likenesses and voices to be used.
Blomkamp revealed that he has been quietly experimenting with AI technology for several years, and his current results have reached a point where he feels ready to tackle feature-length productions.
Directed by Blomkamp himself, "NIGHTBORNE" is presented as a mockumentary. Its concept draws inspiration from Canadian sci-fi novelist Peter Watts' 2006 novel, "Echopraxia," which explores a narrative where the U.S. government reanimates fallen soldiers, implanting chips to transform them into zombie-like super-soldiers.
Blomkamp previously founded Oats Studios, a venture known for producing a series of experimental sci-fi shorts. While Barley's output is expected to align with Blomkamp's signature sci-fi aesthetic, it will distinguish itself by being entirely generated using AI software.