Chapman University's Dodge College Offers $40,000 in Grants for Student Films Using AI and New Technologies

Chapman University’s Dodge College, the film school known for training creators such as the Duffer brothers of Stranger Things, has announced a filmmakers challenge offering $40,000 in grants to students for projects that incorporate artificial intelligence and other new technologies.

The challenge was announced earlier this month by Dodge Dean Stephen Galloway, who sent an email to students outlining the opportunity. Galloway, formerly the executive editor of The Hollywood Reporter, emphasized the college’s commitment to fostering innovation through financial support.

Earlier this month, Dodge College promoted a talk by Tilly Norwood, described as an AI actress, which drew nearly 1,300 comments on Instagram. This event is part of a broader engagement with AI, following last year’s use of AI to enhance campus pictures—a project that was later removed from social media.

" The university has formed interdisciplinary groups to examine AI’s benefits and concerns and is conducting a survey of faculty, staff, and students to gather perspectives.

A university spokesperson stated that AI is becoming more integrated into society and industries, with the goal of preparing students to use it responsibly and ethically alongside human creativity, though some students question its impact on artistic work.

However, some students have expressed reservations. Wells Gorta, a senior in documentary film at Dodge College, said, "It’s one thing to provide an option to learn about AI, but it’s another thing to incentivise and push students towards something detrimental to meaningful work.

" Chapman University declined to disclose the identities of donors funding the filmmakers challenge. Dodge College has hosted notable guest speakers including Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, Daniel Craig, and Dwayne Johnson, underscoring its prominence in the film education landscape.