OpenAI is gradually expanding the testing of Sora, its innovative AI video generation model, to a broader group of creative professionals. Initially introduced to filmmakers, Sora is now being explored by digital VFX pioneers, architects, choreographers, engineering artists, and creative entrepreneurs. This strategic move is designed to better understand the model’s capabilities and limitations, informing future research to develop safer AI systems.
Despite its potential, access to Sora remains highly restricted as safety testing continues. However, OpenAI is celebrating the early adopters of this technology by sharing their experiences and creative outputs. The visuals generated by Sora are entirely AI-driven, with artists adding sound and final edits through traditional filmmaking techniques.
One such pioneer, Benjamin Desai, a creative technologist and digital artist specializing in augmented reality, has been at the forefront of exploring Sora’s potential. As the cofounder of Radical Realities, an award-winning immersive studio, Desai used Sora to create an imaginative video that merges early 20th-century film aesthetics with whimsical scenarios, placing animals in unexpected roles.
In the video, viewers are transported into an alternate past where a bear cycles through the streets, a gorilla skateboards, and a panda dances with joy. The surreal imagery continues with a man riding a dinosaur and a woman traveling on a giant turtle. The result is both unsettling and awe-inspiring, showcasing the blend of creativity and cutting-edge technology.
Desai reflects on the process, stating, “Creating with Sora is still an experimental process, involving a lot of iteration and fine-tuning. It’s much more of a human-AI collaboration than a magic button solution.” His work aims to evoke wonder while demonstrating the possibilities of modern technology.
As OpenAI continues to broaden Sora’s reach, this collaborative approach with diverse creative professionals is crucial for refining the model and advancing AI’s role in the arts.
