Generative filmmaking is about utilizing code to create often abstract, stunningly beautiful images. Rather than shooting a film in the real world and tweaking it in After Effects, the visuals are created through automated computer processes in Flash, Trapcode, VVVV, openFrameworks, Processing, C++, and other software, then tampered with in After Effects to add the finishing touches. The results are often experimental and eclectic, with otherworldly visuals set to a piece of music which drives the narrative.

As a relatively new form of filmmaking, it’ll be interesting to follow its development and evolution, seeing what collaborations may come about between musicians and filmmakers, for instance, to create original scores that coincide with these fluid visuals.

So here, we take a look at some examples that caught our eye:

Ensa Misha Shyukin Ascension Chris Lavelle Silent Chandler B. McWilliams Metropolis Faust Nosferatu Holy Mountain The Dragon Painter Surface Details Tom Beddard Flocking Gwen Vanhee