From Shoestring Budget to Cinematic Revolution: “DreadClub” Pioneers First AI-Generated Animated Feature Film

By Kyra Greene

In a historic move for the film industry, independent filmmaker Hooroo Jackson has unveiled “DreadClub: Vampire’s Verdict,” the world’s first fully AI-generated animated feature. This groundbreaking $405 production redefines the boundaries of animation and artificial intelligence in filmmaking, challenging industry norms and pioneering new creative avenues.

Jackson’s accomplishment places him in the ranks of animation legends like Walt Disney (“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”), Mitsuyo Seo (“Momotaro: Sacred Sailors”), and John Lasseter (“Toy Story”). “DreadClub” narrates the tale of Betty Gray, a college student embroiled in a doomed romance with a man accused of being a vampire, seamlessly blending romance, courtroom drama, and supernatural intrigue.

“‘DreadClub’ isn’t your typical vampire romance,” Jackson asserts. “It’s a raw, unfiltered exploration of truth versus lies, reality versus fantasy. Betty is drawn to Duchamps just like we are drawn to AI.”

This landmark project underscores AI’s potential to democratize filmmaking. Created entirely by Jackson, “DreadClub” consists of over 17,000 AI-generated images, with all video, performances, music, and sound AI-generated. Remarkably, the film was produced for just $405—a stark contrast to the $1.5 to $2.5 million typically required for traditional production methods.

Despite its technological feats, Jackson insists “DreadClub” stands on its own artistic merits. “Anyone can enjoy it without knowing it’s AI,” he says.

The plot centers on a group of college students trapped on campus during summer break. As bodies start appearing, they find themselves entangled in a vampire murder mystery.

“Protagonist Betty Gray grew up enamored with classic gothic love stories. She falls into a world of passion she thought was only possible in stories,” Jackson explains. His favorite scene? “The vampire fashion show. The AI was giving me so many interesting costumes that I wanted to show them off all at once.”

“DreadClub” builds on Jackson’s previous AI milestone, “Window Seat” (July 2023), the first fully AI-generated feature film. This demonstrates remarkable technological progress within just one year. “People ridiculed ‘Window Seat’ for its raw, machine-generated video, not realizing it was part of a larger vision,” Jackson notes. “They are meant to serve as milestones showing the rapid evolution of AI filmmaking.”

The release of “DreadClub” sparks vital discussions about the future of animation, AI’s role in creative industries, and the democratization of film production. It challenges traditional studios to innovate beyond “sequels and reboots.”

Jackson addresses industry concerns directly: “When CGI streamlined technology in the ’90s, entire professions became obsolete. There was no pity then. AI is simply another tool, like CGI software. We’re not aiming to match Hollywood—but to inject much-needed adrenaline into its creative stagnation.”

Looking ahead, Jackson plans an even more ambitious project: a Pixar-style CG animated film using AI. “On both ‘DreadClub’ and ‘Window Seat,’ I started production before they were possible. Partway in, I carved out a path. A fully CG animated film is the most ambitious challenge due to the technical complexity.”