Katherine Rodriguez’s "Flea", the Runner-Up in the 2026 Storytelling Category at the MetaMorph Award.

What was the original creative spark behind your film, and why did you choose to tell this story using AI? 

Katherine Rodriguez: We had been sitting on the script for Flea for a while, but didn’t go further because of the workload and time commitment it would take. Thanks to AI, we were able to bring this story to life with two weeks and a two person team.

How did working with AI change your role as a filmmaker, artist or storyteller during the process?

Katherine Rodriguez: I have been working in post production for 10 years, and working with AI video generation truly feels like being a director. The technology is constantly evolving, but the communication skills needed to get the right shot and emotion remain the same.

Where did you feel most in control of the work, and where did the technology surprise you?

Katherine Rodriguez: I felt most in control in the early stages of production, specifically with character and scene development. I greatly enjoyed playing with styles and not resting until I was happy with how our characters and environments looked. Once that was set, I was surprised how well the AI video model ran with it while remaining consistent.

What part of the film feels most personal to you?

Katherine Rodriguez: The most personal part of the film for me is when Flea hears the little girl crying and realizes the destruction he has caused. He is genuinely sorry and didn’t mean any harm, he was just trying to have fun. I feel the same way about AI. We have a wonderful new world to explore, but we need to be mindful of how our actions affect others.

What does being part of MetaMorph 2026 mean to you at this moment in the evolution of AI storytelling?

Katherine Rodriguez: Being a part of MetaMorph 2026 has been so inspiring and validating. I am pleased that our story resonated with people, and I am eager to work on our next project!