HPN AI Create Night: AI Hands-On Workshop for Christian Creatives

On August 8th, Christian creatives gathered in North Hollywood for the HPN AI Create Night -- an inspiring evening of learning, exploration, and hands-on creativity. The night began with a thoughtful talk from our speaker Finney Premkumar, who addressed the fear surrounding artificial intelligence. He reminded us that many cultural fears about AI are not grounded in truth. While some technologists speak about AGI replacing human beings or human consciousness, consciousness is not theirs to create or give away—it belongs to God. God is greater than AGI, and technology cannot replace the uniquely human qualities He has given us.

Following Finney’s talk, attendees divided into groups of five to seven to create a one-minute short film, trailer, teaser, or other proof of concept. Each group had an experienced team leader who guided participants through the creative workflow using Machine Cinema’s AI filmmaking tools. The teams brought together people at every stage of their careers—from emerging creators looking to build their portfolios to established professionals working at major studios who feel called to explore AI’s role in filmmaking. Participants also discovered that AI filmmaking does not have to replace traditional production. Sarah Kelly, for example, incorporated real footage of herself and used AI-assisted visual effects to help bring her project to life, demonstrating the potential of a hybrid approach.

At the end of the evening, everyone gathered to watch and celebrate the completed projects. As people gained firsthand experience with the technology, much of the fear surrounding AI began to fall away. Participants came to understand both its limitations and its creative potential. The evening reinforced a hopeful message: human beings are not being replaced by AI, but it is wise to understand and thoughtfully engage with this technology. By embracing AI with discernment, faith, and creativity, filmmakers and media professionals can use it for good and help lead culture in a positive direction.