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One Film, Two Ways: Exploring Cinema's New Frontier

In a monumental leap for the film industry, visionary director Hooroo Jackson is set to redefine cinematic storytelling with his latest project, "A Very Long Carriage Ride." Scheduled for release in May 2025, this film is making headlines as it stands to be the first ever to be simultaneously launched in two distinct formats: stop-motion and Disney-style 2D animation. This unprecedented approach, described by Jackson as 'One Film, Two Ways,' opens new doors in the world of cinema by offering audiences a choice in how they want to experience the narrative.

The recently unveiled trailer provides a sneak peek into the dual worlds that viewers can engage with. The film follows Autumn Watt, an 18th-century socialite, portrayed with grace in her animated hand-drawn form alongside her stop-motion counterpart, conveying a sense of jagged charm. This cinematic experience is not just about aesthetics; it embodies a groundbreaking concept that extends far beyond traditional filmmaking. According to Jackson, this release illustrates what he calls 'The Living, Breathing Cinema,' enabling stories to adapt to what resonates most with individual viewers.

What sets "A Very Long Carriage Ride" apart from its predecessors is not just its dual release format but also its status as the first fully AI-generated stop-motion animated feature film, alongside being the first Disney-style AI animation. This combination brings to life a Dickensian-inspired narrative, where Autumn joins forces with a disgraced businessman to expose the dark secrets of a millionaire at his wedding, all while navigating through magical phenomena and complex loyalties.

Jackson is not new to pioneering work in AI cinema. His previous projects, including "Window Seat" (2023), which was the first fully AI-generated feature film, and "DreadClub Vampire's Verdict" (2024), also broke new ground in the animation genre. Creating this film required a separate and exhaustive approach to crafting both versions from the ground up. Jackson emphasizes the importance of this dual approach, reflecting on the future possibility of films offering a spectrum of endings and perspectives, all stemming from a singular plot.

His latest collection of essays, "The New Machine Cinema Foundations in AI Film Theory," provides a comprehensive discourse on the intersection of AI and filmmaking. Within these concepts, Jackson advocates for 'One Man, One Film' for solo directorial authorship and 'Speed of Mind,' a revolutionary idea that argues cinema should operate at the pace of human thought. This positions him uniquely as both a theorist and practitioner, demonstrating these theories through his cinematic works.

As audiences eagerly anticipate its release, Jackson envisions a future where films could offer multiple experiences, with viewers having the liberty to choose their journey through enhanced and personalized storytelling. The premiering of "A Very Long Carriage Ride" in May 2025 invites us to witness this new era of cinema where AI technology will not just serve as a tool, but will redefine the essence of storytelling itself.

Stay tuned for the release of the trailer here and visit Jackson's official website for more about the film here.

In this extraordinary blend of innovation and narrative, audiences can prepare for a cinematic experience that they can truly call their own.