China ex-train driver creates US$440 short film, receiving Hollywood director praise, job offer

A moderately educated young man in China spent 10 days and just 3,000 yuan (US$440) to make a short film using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.His efforts have won him the favour of a Hollywood director who even offered him a job.The work, called Zombie Scavenger, was released on mainland social media websites on May 9 by Liu Ziyu, 29, who lives in Xinping County in southwestern Yunnan province, the Chuncheng Evening News reported.Liu Ziyu, above, talks about the making of his short film. Photo: WeiboIt did not make waves in China until being recommended by PJ Accetturo, a famous Hollywood-based AI filmmaker, on social media the next day.So far, the short film has been viewed more than 60 million times around the world, the report said.“This is one of the best short films I have seen in years,” wrote Accetturo.“If anyone can find the director, please link his socials. I would love to hire him but I cannot find him, I think he is a Chinese creator on Douyin,” the director added.A scene from the film, above, shows a robot cowboy riding an ostrich. Photo: WeiboAfter some internet users forwarded Accetturo’s message to Liu, he responded honestly by saying: “I do not speak English. I want to focus on my work in China.”Liu said he had exchanged several letters with Accetturo’s team. While he shared his other AI creations, Accetturo’s team told him that he could contact them if he hoped to make s or films in the United States in the future.“Right now, I do not have a plan to go to the US. For me, they are like my friends in the US,” Liu was quoted as saying.Another still from the film, above, shows two of the characters involved. Photo: WeiboLiu’s short film, which lasts three and a half minutes and is made in an Atompunk style, is a love story about a robot and a model doll. Liu said he was inspired by the movie WALL-E, a 2008 Disney computer-animated romantic sci-fi film.Further ReadingLiu completed his creation alone in 10 days. It cost him 3,000 yuan buying software subscriptions and tokens.Liu is not trained in information technology (IT) or art. Instead, he graduated from a technical school with a major in combustion engine driving and maintenance.The above image from the film shows a futuristic cityscape. Photo: WeiboBefore he took his current job as a wedding photographer, he had been a train driver for three years.Liu began using AI to make videos at the beginning of this year after his parents urged him to prepare some promotional materials for their family-owned hotel’s opening ceremony.He said one of his secrets is to tell the logic clearly to AI to produce vivid videos.Film director PJ Accetturo, above, was mightily impressed by Liu’s work. Photo: Getty Images“My prompt formula is: movement plus motivation plus mood, rather than simply telling AI to do what movements,” said Liu.The intellectual property rights for Zombie Scavenger have been authorised to a Chinese film company, with Liu in charge of the major narrative direction of the story, he said.“I hate becoming dizzy with a short-term success. I will continue studying,” said Liu.“I look forward to my next work project and hope it can also pass the scrutiny of the public.”