iQIYI Partners with Oscar-Winning Cinematographer for AI Storytelling Innovation

iQIYI and Peter Pau Team Up for a Groundbreaking AI Storytelling Lab

On September 10, iQIYI, a prominent entertainment platform in China, embarked on an innovative journey by partnering with Academy Award-winning cinematographer and director, Peter Pau. The collaboration aims to establish the "Peter Pau × iQIYI AI Theater" Storytelling Lab, setting the stage for a new generation of creators in AI-driven filmmaking.

The initiative is focused on the theme "Your Vision, The Next Dimension," and is designed to elevate the art of storytelling in the digital age. This marks an extension of iQIYI’s recent global AI Short Film Creation Competition conducted earlier this year with partners such as Google and ByteDance. By moving from talent discovery to the realm of professional film production, iQIYI is reinforcing its leadership in shaping the future of storytelling.

Mr. Xiaohui Wang, Chief Content Officer at iQIYI, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "AI is reshaping every facet of content creation at iQIYI, redefining the very way stories are told." He emphasized that the lab aims to empower talented individuals by providing them with robust platforms and opportunities to express their creativity and shape the future of entertainment.

The AI Storytelling Lab will open its doors to submissions for AI-powered films that span a minimum of 15 minutes. Creators are encouraged to develop proposals based on specific themes such as "Journey to the West", "Gender, Happiness, and Faith", and "Truth." Interested filmmakers can register and submit their film ideas and initial scripts via the official event website from September 10 through October 25.

A total of thirty teams will be selected for an immersive one-week residency, where they will receive mentorship from an esteemed group of instructors, led by Peter Pau himself. Out of these, 15 standout projects will be promoted to the official production slate of the "Peter Pau × iQIYI AI Theater," with iQIYI offering support for production, distribution, and promotion, as well as ongoing mentorship from Peter Pau. Premieres of final works are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, and creators involved will benefit from a share of 30% of net profits.

Peter Pau, who made history as the first Hong Kong cinematographer to win an Oscar and has also been recognized at various film awards, discussed the transformative potential of AI in filmmaking. He stated, "AIGC is unleashing a visual revolution, transforming how stories are told and breaking the traditional limits of filmmaking." Pau articulated his belief that the AI Storytelling Lab will serve as a global platform for creators to leverage AI in innovative ways, pushing the boundaries of imagination and redefining entertainment's future.

To ensure quality and originality, the program will implement a stringent evaluation system, with submissions being assessed not only on artistic and commercial merit but also on the effective integration of AI technologies into the creative framework.

Through this ambitious initiative, iQIYI continues to redefine entertainment's boundaries by merging exceptional content expertise with advanced AI technologies, setting a new standard for the global industry and paving the way for the next generation of storytellers in the realm of digital media.