Does Advent of Generative AI Also Signal the End of Specialisation?
Published on : Sunday 10-09-2023
Generative AI can be seen as a tool that complements specialisation rather than replaces it, says Dr Ravi Prakash Mathur.
Embracing the realm of generative AI opens doors to myriad personas and perspectives. As ChatGPT and other generative AI companions weave information into knowledge, one can effortlessly don diverse roles and inhabit numerous identities. They enable you to wear many hats and assume many avatars. One does not need to be a part of a profession to know about its inner workings or to have insights about the skill that comes from many years of experience any longer. Learnings and insights are available on the click of a button.
The marriage of AI and search engines accelerates learning, sparks the contemplation: Does the rise of generative AI herald a departure from specialisation? An engaging proposition indeed, offering both disruption and amusement. One can fast track learning with the use of AI and search engines. Here is a light-hearted take on the subject.
Learning through AI can be an exuberating experience. In a world where everyone is looking for hacks to hasten up things, it is only logical to find hacks to use AI effectively. One hack that can be used for learning is to use AI and search engines to validate your intuitive observations. Intuition, when paired with reasoning and meticulous fact-checking, becomes a formidable tool in expediting the learning process. Intuition adds an element of quick comprehension, pattern recognition, and intuitive leaps that can guide efficient exploration and understanding of new concepts. It often operates in the background, providing hunches and insights that can be further validated through reasoning and fact-checking. This combined approach allows learners to grasp information more rapidly, make connections between ideas, and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Yes, AI does tend to hallucinate, but combined with fact checking it can be fun and a fascinating journey. After a few attempts one can get the knack of it.
So, let’s dive into the rabbit hole. Who knows where it might lead?
Breaking bad
In the world of acting there is a term called ‘Break Character’, which means come out of a projected persona. So, with the help of ChatGPT I managed to take off my supply chain thinking hat and put on the hat of a movie script writer. Or take on a different avatar or persona, so to say, of that of an expert in movie script writing.
The distance between crafting film scripts and the skill set of a supply chain professional is vast. However, this divergence also presents an intriguing playground to test the hypothesis that AI tools can expedite learning.
I choose the script writing as the area because as audience we enjoy the outcome of a well-crafted script and often have our own observations and opinions of the same. If you enjoy movies and appreciate the craft of creating movies, I hope you enjoy the conversation.
Have titled it “Character Development in Script Writing Vs Character Tropes”.
You can also call it “use of Archetypes in script writing’.
Just one disclaimer – there is nothing here to learn about strategy or leadership; just some reflections. Here's what happened during my fun chat with ChatGPT.
Character development in script writing Vs Character tropes
User – In the making of movies, character actors are sometimes used as cinematic devices that have predictable behaviours; sometimes also stereotypes.
Chat – Yes, that's correct. In the making of movies, filmmakers often use character actors as cinematic devices with predictable behaviours or stereotypes. Character actors are performers who specialise in playing specific types of roles and often embody certain traits or characteristics that the audience can easily recognise and relate to. These predictable behaviours and stereotypes can serve several purposes in storytelling:
1. Establishing familiar archetypes: Character actors can embody archetypal figures, such as the wise mentor, the comedic sidekick, the supporting friend, the villainous antagonist, or the damsel in distress. These archetypes help the audience quickly understand the roles and relationships of the characters in the story.
2. Adding comic relief: Some character actors are known for their comedic abilities and are cast in roles that provide humour and levity to the film. These characters often have predictable behaviours that generate laughter and break tension.
3. Enhancing emotional impact: Stereotypical characters can evoke specific emotions from the audience because they resonate with familiar beliefs or cultural norms. For example, a nurturing mother figure or a stoic hero may tap into universal feelings of love and admiration.
4. Simplifying storytelling: Stereotypes and predictable behaviours can streamline the narrative by reducing the need for extensive character development. The audience can quickly grasp the character's traits and motivations without requiring elaborate backstory or exposition.
In modern filmmaking, there is an increasing awareness and push for more diverse and nuanced portrayals of characters, moving away from one-dimensional stereotypes and embracing more complex, authentic, and well-rounded individuals.
User – It is as if script writers have a library of characters they can pick from and weave them in a story.
Chat – Yes, you've hit on a common observation about scriptwriting and character development in movies. Scriptwriters often draw from a vast "library" of archetypes and character tropes that have been established and recognised over time in storytelling. These archetypes and character types are like narrative building blocks that writers can use to craft their stories. Using archetypes, scriptwriters can create characters with familiar traits and behaviours that resonate with audiences. This approach can be effective because it allows the audience to quickly understand and connect with the characters, saving time on extensive character development and allowing the story to progress smoothly.
However, while using established character types can provide a solid foundation for storytelling, it's crucial for scriptwriters to add depth and uniqueness to their characters to avoid falling into clichés and stereotypes. By giving characters individual personalities, motivations, and personal journeys, writers can make them more relatable and interesting.
User – Talk about situational archetypes in story telling through movie scripts.
Chat – Situational archetypes in storytelling refer to recurring patterns or settings that have been used throughout history in various myths, folktales, and movies. These archetypes serve as fundamental plot structures that resonate with audiences and tap into universal themes and emotions. Here are some common situational archetypes frequently used in movie scripts:
1. The Hero's Journey: The Hero's Journey is one of the most iconic situational archetypes, popularized by Joseph Campbell. It follows the protagonist's transformative adventure from their ordinary world into a special realm, where they encounter challenges, mentors, and enemies.
2. The Quest: In the quest archetype, the protagonist embarks on a journey to find or achieve something of great importance. This could be a physical object, a piece of knowledge, or a resolution to a problem. The quest often involves trials, obstacles, and a series of adventures leading to the ultimate goal.
3. Rags to Riches: This archetype follows a character's rise from humble beginnings to great success or wealth. The protagonist typically faces adversity, overcomes challenges, and achieves prosperity or recognition.
4. Comedy: The comedy archetype involves humorous and light-hearted situations, often cantered around misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and comedic mishaps. The story typically ends with a positive resolution and a sense of harmony restored.
These situational archetypes are not mutually exclusive, and many movies incorporate multiple archetypes to create complex and engaging narratives. By using these timeless patterns, scriptwriters can tap into the collective human experience and create compelling stories that resonate with audiences across cultures and generations.
User – Talk about scene archetypes in movies.
Chat – Scene archetypes in movie scripts refer to recurring types of scenes that have been used in storytelling to convey specific emotions, advance the plot, or explore character dynamics. These scene archetypes serve as essential building blocks in crafting engaging and impactful movie narratives. Here are some common scene archetypes found in movie scripts:
1. Introduction Scene: This is the first scene that introduces the audience to the main characters and sets the tone for the story. It often establishes the central conflict or theme and hooks the audience's interest.
2. Action Sequence: Action sequences are high-energy scenes involving physical conflict, stunts, and intense moments. They are common in action movies and provide excitement and adrenaline to the audience.
3. Dialogue or Character Interaction Scene: These scenes involve characters engaging in conversations that reveal their personalities, motivations, and relationships. They are crucial for character development and audience connection.
4. Flashback/Flashforward Scene: Flashback scenes take the audience back in time to reveal crucial backstory or significant events that inform the present-day plot. Flashforward scenes create anticipation and tension.
5. Climactic Scene: The climactic scene is the high-stakes, intense moment where the central conflict reaches its peak. It often involves the protagonist confronting the main antagonist or facing a critical decision that determines the outcome of the story.
6. Resolution Scene: This scene comes after the climax and provides closure to the story's main conflict. It may include the resolution of character arcs, explanations for plot twists, and the restoration of balance or harmony.
7. Chase Scene: Chase scenes involve characters pursuing or being pursued by others.
8. Training/Montage Scene: These scenes show characters undergoing training, learning new skills, or preparing for a significant event. They are often accompanied by music and quick cuts, condensing time and highlighting character growth.
9. Revelation Scene: Revelation scenes involve significant plot twists or the uncovering of important information that changes the course of the story.
10. Confrontation Scene: Confrontation scenes involve characters facing each other in emotionally charged conflicts, arguments, or verbal sparring. They reveal underlying tensions.
These multiple archetypes can be combined and adapted to suit various genres and storytelling styles. Successful movies often feature a mix of these scenes and tropes carefully crafted into a script to create a well-paced and emotionally resonant narrative.
The Resolution Scene
Continuing with the cinematic theme of script writing, proving here the resolution to the initial discussion, and attempting to restore balance and harmony.
In the world of creative endeavours, such as scriptwriting for movies, generative AI offers new possibilities for ideation, brainstorming, and even generating initial drafts. However, the creative process, character development, and storytelling nuances still require the human touch to infuse depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance into the narratives.
Generative AI can be seen as a tool that complements specialisation rather than replaces it. It can serve as a source of inspiration, a means to validate ideas, and a platform for exploration. The marriage of AI and specialisation creates a symbiotic relationship, where AI enhances the learning journey and professionals contribute their deep expertise to guide and refine AI-generated insights. The advent of generative AI does not spell the end of specialisation but rather introduces a complementary force that accelerates learning and creativity.
Dr Ravi Prakash Mathur is Vice President Supply Chain Management and Global Head of Logistics, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. He is Co-Chair, Shipping & Logistics Committee, FTCCI and an Elite Member, CII Institute of Logistics. A supply chain and logistics professional with 30 years of work experience; ‘National Thought Leadership’ Awardee; expertise in handling Global Logistics, Digital Supply Chain Planning Systems and Procurement; proven track record in leading Supply Chain Transformation; published author with academic paper available on HBR stores; Visiting Faculty at Business Schools; Member of Academic Boards; Blogger, Speaker, Trainer, Digital Innovator and Influencer.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmathursupplychain/
