Filmmaking Trends & Predictions for 2025

Virtual production, AI integration, and workflow optimization emerge as key themes shaping the production landscape in 2025.

Here's what professionals need to watch.

1. More Accessible Virtual Production Tools with Smaller Set Ups

Virtual production is becoming more accessible through compact, modular solutions that don't require dedicated studio space.

• Nant introduced dynamic volume systems with movable LED walls for flexible space configuration

• Vu released smaller-scale offerings like Vu One Mini for space-constrained productions

• ARWall's StudioBox provides a self-contained computer system for plug-and-play virtual production

• Disguise offers Meptik Studio Pro that drastically reduces the time needed to set up a virtual production studio

• Equipment manufacturers are focusing on portable, reconfigurable solutions for varied production needs

2. 3D Space is Going to be the Next Big Gen AI Focus

Converting 2D images into navigable 3D environments is becoming a key capability for virtual production and environment creation.

• World Labs, Genie 2, CAT4D, and Playbook demonstrate single-image to 3D space conversion

• Technology enables consistent environment creation across multiple camera angles

• Particularly valuable for pickup shots and virtual production planning

• Opens new possibilities for location scouting and pre-visualization

3. Rise of LED Wall-less Virtual Production

The industry is exploring alternatives to traditional LED wall setups, focusing on post-production solutions for environment replacement.

• Beeble (SwitchLight) showcasing advanced environment replacement technology

• Skyglass and Lightcraft Jetset integrates environmental imagery and composites it in real-time

• New tools enable lighting and background modification without LED walls

• Technology focuses on maintaining realistic lighting and reflections

• Current solutions show promise but aren't yet production-ready

4. More Visual and Intuitive Ways to Steer Gen AI

AI tools are moving away from text prompting toward more intuitive, visual interfaces that align with production workflows.

• Luma Dream Machine emphasizes visual inputs over text commands

• Sora introduced storyboard-based prompting for timing control

• Runway exploring visual graph structures for video generation

• Industry pushing for camera-like interfaces for AI direction

5. Shift Back to On-Prem Storage, AI Models Run Locally

Cost and control considerations are driving renewed interest in on-premises solutions for both storage and AI processing.

• Cloud storage costs and inflexibility pushing teams toward local storage

• Growing interest in running AI models locally for cost and security

• Increased focus on hardware solutions for AI model training

• Trend particularly relevant for productions with large media libraries

6. Agentic AI Will Start Improving Workflows

Agentic AI's combination of autonomy, adaptability, and goal-oriented behavior shows promise for automating routine production tasks.

• Potential applications in media management and organization

• Capabilities for creating preliminary rough cuts from scripts

• Focus on automating assistant editor functions

• Technology emphasizes learning and improvement from actions taken

7. More Collaborative Tools for Post Workflows

Remote collaboration tools continue to mature, with increased integration into standard post-production workflows.

• Blackmagic Cloud demonstrates seamless collaborative editing potential

• Tools like Parsec, PostLab, and Louper enable efficient remote machine access

• Industry ready for more integrated solutions from major NLE providers

• Growing acceptance of remote post-production as standard practice

8. Stock Footage and Music Will Mostly be AI Generated

Generic stock content faces significant disruption from AI generation, pushing creators toward more specialized offerings.

• Standard corporate footage likely to shift to AI generation

• Background music particularly vulnerable to AI replacement

• Opportunities remain in specific, hard-to-replicate footage

• Market may shift toward custom request fulfillment model

9. Immersive Content Will Increase

Despite mixed hardware reception, demand for high-quality immersive content continues to grow, particularly in venue-based experiences.

• Venues like Sphere and Cosm demonstrate market interest

• Tools like Blackmagic’s URSA Cine Immersive support content creation

• Growing demand for IMAX-scale immersive experiences

• Opportunity in location-based entertainment venues

10. Real-Time AI and Hardware Interfaces

Integration of real-time AI processing with camera hardware presents new possibilities for immediate visual effects and environment manipulation.

• Early concepts show real-time segmentation potential

• NVIDIA’s Jetson Nano hints at integrated AI processing

• Industry exploring camera-based AI interfaces

• Focus on reducing post-production time through real-time processing

Key Takeaways for Professionals

• Experiment with new tools while maintaining focus on practical applications

• Analyze current workflows for potential AI integration points

• Stay informed about emerging technologies without becoming over-dependent

• Consider how these trends might enhance existing processes rather than replace them