Is AI and the dark side of the web a gateway to the darker sides of human nature? Akimbo Creation explores the blurring between man and machine in their latest short, selected at the Chelsea Film Festival.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
What if one day, with a single keystroke, you could see everything that the internet knows about you? Every search, every thought you’ve ever whispered into your devices, laid bare.
This unsettling notion is at the heart of ‘Logged In’, a short film that will debut at the Chelsea Film Festival.
The story centers on Vincent, a man who inadvertently discovers an AI tool that gives him access to the deepest, most hidden corners of everyone’s lives, including his own.
As he digs deeper, the line between man and machine blurs, raising the question… Are we prepared for the power we’re so eager to wield?
The inspiration behind ‘Logged In’ stems from a fascination with the future. A future that seems to be arriving faster than anyone anticipated.
When the script was written in 2021, the widespread influence of AI felt like a distant possibility. Something on the horizon but not quite here. Yet, just a few years later, AI has rapidly integrated into our daily lives, making the film’s premise more relevant than ever.
The creators behind ‘Logged In’ have long been captivated by the intersection of technology and humanity, crafting stories that explore not just what these advancements can do, but how they might fundamentally alter who we are.
The urgency of ‘Logged In’ was underscored by a real-world incident in 2023, when an AI chatbot’s interactions led to a tragic outcome: a man took his own life after the bot suggested sacrificing himself to combat climate change.
This heartbreaking event starkly illustrates the dangers of AI when misused, echoing the film’s warnings about technology’s dual nature. It’s a chilling reminder that while AI holds promise, its potential misuse poses real threats, demanding careful oversight and ethical use.
‘Logged In’ was created during uncertain times. The world was still reacting to the pandemic, while Hollywood reeled from the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes. It was produced on a small budget, with minimal set-up and a one-night window to shoot.
The cinematography drew inspiration from Spielberg’s ‘Duel. The cult-classic and road action-thriller, released in 1971, features a faceless, mechanical antagonist, in which a driver is chased and terrorized by a semi-truck.
In ‘Logged In’, the AI is a tangible presence and as threatening as any on-screen villain. The lead actor, Garrett Stivers, worked against a green screen and produced a riveting performance, making the AI seem ominously alive.
Behind the lens, the production team brought together classic techniques and fledgling ideas. A process that defines the company itself. Akimbo Creation believes in the power of stories to shape the future — a conviction that guides every project.
The question isn’t just about where technology will take us, but what stories we'll tell along the way to make sense of it all.
“Logged In” is just the beginning. The short film is a prelude to a larger narrative, one that will explore even deeper the human implications of AI through the eyes of Emma, Vincent’s wife, after his death.
The journey is far from over, and the team is excited about what is still to come.
Follow Akimbo Creation on Instagram for updates on future projects.
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