AI-Assisted Previsualization in Film Education: A Mixed-Methods Case Study on Creativity, Efficiency, and Prompt Engineering

Abstract

This exploratory case study examines the impact of AI-assisted previsualization on creative decision-making, workflow efficiency, and skills development among 21 undergraduate students at an Indonesian film school that enrolled in Production Design course for whole semester. A 30-item questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.828 for the creative-influence scale) was administered after final presentations. AI strongly influenced mood/atmosphere (M = 3.86) and set decoration (M = 3.81); 80.9% of students described this influence as supportive rather than substitutive of their creative voice. Most students (71.4%) found AI faster than traditional methods, particularly for early-stage concept work. Culturally specific Indonesian settings were consistently difficult to render accurately, revealing a structural gap in how current AI tools handle non-Western visual contexts. Prompt engineering emerged as the primary new competency, cited by 71.4% of respondents.