Switch’n Lanez

Over the past couple of years, I’ve been using AI tools to find new ways to bring diverse stories to life. My short film, Switch’n Lanez, started as a script I wrote over two decades ago in a screenwriting class. It sat on a hard drive until technology finally caught up, giving me the chance to tell it at the level it was meant to be told. For me, my work is about more than just making content — it’s about opening doors for voices and perspectives that too often go unheard.

What inspired the concept for this short film?

I originally wrote this script about 20 years ago in a college screenwriting class. It was sparked by what I kept seeing in San Francisco nightlife. People present one version of themselves, but underneath, it’s often a whole different story. Fast forward to now, I took that original outline and rebuilt it with the kinds of things people are actually going through and talking about in 2025.

Why did you choose to use AI as a tool in the creation process?

I’ve spent years working in animation and post-production, and I know firsthand how expensive it is to create a high-quality animated feature — we’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars up to a million in production costs. Thanks to how advanced AI has become, I was able to make this film for just a few hundred dollars and a whole lot of dedication — all in a fraction of the time it would’ve taken before. Honestly, without AI, Switch’n Lanez wouldn’t exist.

What message or feeling do you hope the audience walks away with after watching the film?

As the story plays out, the way you see these characters starts to change. I hope it gets people thinking — not just about themselves, but about their own decisions and what really matters to them.

How does this project reflect your evolution as a storyteller or artist?

After a decade of writing children’s books, I’m feeling the pull to dive into more adult themes — things that speak to the Black experience and the realities we face today. I’ve always been inspired by urban culture, from music to fashion to sports, and I think I’m finally in a place where I can share the stories and moments that helped shape who I am.

Were there any unexpected challenges—or surprises—that came up during the production?

What really surprised me was just how quickly AI technology is changing. While I was still in production, MidJourney and Runway ML released big updates that totally changed my workflow — and honestly, made the film better. It’s crazy to think the tools I relied on at the end weren’t even around six months earlier. The pace of innovation is unreal.

What cultural or personal influences shaped the world and characters in this film?

Bay Area nightlife is a big part of this story — it’s in the DNA of it. I used to DJ and make beats back in the ‘90s, and I still have close friends who are DJs, promoters, and club owners. Over the years, I’ve seen so many crazy, funny, and unreal moments, so being able to tap into that and share a piece of it through this film has been a dope experience.

How do you see AI playing a role in the future of filmmaking, especially for independent creators?

Honestly, AI is changing everything — and yeah, it’s going to replace a lot of jobs in film and animation. For years, creating beautiful, detailed visuals took serious time and talent. Now, with a simple prompt, you can generate something stunning in seconds. But here’s the thing — pretty pictures aren’t enough anymore. What really matters now is storytelling. Creatives need to bring something real, something emotional, something human. That’s what’s gonna cut through the noise.

What’s next for you—any upcoming projects or ideas you’re excited to explore?

This is just the start. I’m turning the film into a full series so I can really dig into these characters and their lives. This first story’s rooted in the Bay Area, but I’m planning to take these characters to L.A., New York, and Jamaica for the next chapters. Storytelling’s always been a passion of mine — I’ve seen some wild, funny, and unforgettable things over the years, and I want to share those moments in a way that brings people nostalgia, laughter, and maybe even a little self-reflection.