English
Stage 7
Paper 1 Non-fiction 2026
Cambridge Lower Secondary Progression Test
Insert
3138_01_INS_3RP
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Text for Section A
How are AI video tools changing film production?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides in recent years, impacting various
industries and changing how people live and work. As it reshapes itself around cutting-edge
technology, the film industry is taking advantage of AI tools. AI tools have already recreated the 5
voices of famous people from the past for documentaries. AI is part of de-aging software which
can take decades off actors – just look at the main character in the last Indiana Jones movie, for
example. And now, everything from mind-blowing visual effects to advanced techniques in the
way stories are told, is becoming more available to filmmakers thanks to AI.
AI filmmaking tools let smaller filmmakers punch far above their weight. The new technology 10
brings big-budget1 opportunities to filmmakers who would normally never dream of such
possibilities in their storytelling. Not because they didn’t want to but because it wasn’t possible.
This offers more advanced storytelling options to these filmmakers.
Now, let’s explore the different types of AI tools used for video and filmmaking and then discuss
what this means for the future of the film industry. 15
Types of AI tools for video and filmmaking
1. Video editing
AI-powered video editing tools can analyse video footage, detect patterns, and automatically
edit and improve clips, making the editing process faster and more efficient. AI tools can identify
the best shots, eliminate unwanted parts, and even make video summaries. 20
Audio mixing has never been easier than with AI software. It automatically generates settings
that make your track sound as good as possible. It may not be absolutely right, but audio mixers
can use it as a starting point and then perfect it from there.
2. Scriptwriting and storytelling
AI has also found its place in the early stages of the filmmaking process. AI-based software can 25
process vast amounts of data, including scripts, books and movies, to generate plotlines,
characters and dialogue.
AI-generated scripts might not be able to match the depth of human creativity but they can help
filmmakers to make the initial opening steps, assisting them in exploring new ideas and
brainstorming fresh concepts. 30
One filmmaker created his short film using AI-generated images and video. While he is not
thrilled about AI tools writing his scripts, he enjoys playing with the ideas they can produce. So,
he still ultimately wrote the script himself but used AI to generate the individual shots to build up
the scenes that he had written. This filmmaker points out that the process isn’t streamlined. He
compares it to a millionaire photographer working in the dark, asking his assistant for help – but 35
the challenge is that the assistant doesn’t speak the same language. So, basically, you type the
photo shot you want and often get back images that don’t match what you had imagined. Then,
you can change the language a bit and recreate the image.
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3. VFX and animation
Creating stunning visual effects (VFX) and realistic animations often requires significant time 40
and resources. AI tools can speed up this process by automating tasks. By using AI tools,
filmmakers can reduce the production time and costs associated with VFX, making it more
accessible for filmmakers with less money.
4. Audience analysis and marketing
AI technology can analyse enormous amounts of data from social media, online platforms and 45
viewer statistics to track audience preferences. This information allows filmmakers to tailor their
content to specific target audiences.
AI-powered recommendation systems also play a crucial role in suggesting films and shows to
viewers, helping them discover content that is in line with their interests.
5. The future of filmmaking with AI 50
By speeding up editing, visual effects, and animation, AI helps save time, making it more
efficient and lowering production costs. Tasks that used to take days can now be done quicker.
This doesn’t just help big studios – it also gives smaller, independent filmmakers a better
chance to create high-quality films without needing a huge budget. Because of this accessibility,
more people from different backgrounds will take part in filmmaking, bringing fresh ideas. 55
AI also takes over repetitive tasks, giving filmmakers more time to explore innovative ideas. For
example, they can now use AI to plan out scenes ahead of time, helping them make more
confident and creative choices while filming. They can also experiment with storytelling
techniques as AI can show how a scene will look in advance. Additionally, AI makes remote
teamwork possible, allowing filmmakers to collaborate across geographical boundaries. 60
Ultimately, AI technology serves as a great tool for filmmakers, whether it’s as something to
build up and improve on or to take care of boring, repetitive tasks quickly. But there is some
concern relating to matters of data privacy as well as the worry of biased data. Added to these
issues is the potential loss of human jobs. Striking a balance between human creativity and AI
assistance is crucial to ensure that AI technology remains a tool rather than a replacement for 65
artistic expression and human talent.
Glossary
1
budget: the money needed to make the film
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Section A: Reading
Spend 35 minutes on this section.
Read the text, an article about AI and film-making, in the insert, and answer Questions 1–10.
1 Look at lines 3–9.
(a) Give an adjective from the first two sentences which means ‘highly advanced’.
[1]
(b) Give two quotations which show that artificial intelligence has been used to extend the
careers of actors.
•
[2]
(c) This text is written in a semi-formal style. It uses both formal and informal language features.
Complete the table below by giving an example from the text.
One example has been done for you.
formal/informal
example from the text
language feature
informal: personal opinion mind-blowing
informal: a dash is used
formal: use of third person
formal: use of passive form
[3]
(d) Why do you think the author has chosen to use a semi-formal rather than a formal style?
[1]
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2 Look at lines 10–13.
What does the writer mean by ‘punch far above their weight’?
Tick () one box.
have more employees than expected
have more money than expected
have more storylines than expected
have more potential than expected
[1]
3 Look at lines 14–15.
What is the purpose of this sentence?
[1]
4 Look at lines 16–20.
Give one word which means ‘get rid of’.
[1]
5 Look at lines 21–23.
How does the writer emphasise how easy audio mixing is?
Tick () one box.
by using a negative comparative
by using a compound noun
by using the passive voice
by using a simple sentence structure
[1]
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6 Look at lines 24–38.
(a) Give one word that means ‘simple and efficient’.
[1]
(b) The initial pictures created by AI are often different from the filmmaker’s intention.
Why?
[1]
7 Look at lines 39–43.
Why does the writer choose to begin the sentence in lines 41–43 with a subordinate clause?
[1]
8 Look at lines 44–49.
Give one verb which means ‘adapt something for a particular purpose’.
[1]
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9 Look at lines 50–66.
(a) Complete the list of the advantages and disadvantages of using AI technology in the
film industry.
Advantages
1 more efficient
Disadvantages
4
[3]
(b) Write a paragraph summarising the disadvantages of using AI technology.
Use no more than 40 words.
[2]
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(c) One idea is repeated throughout the text: that AI quickly completes tasks that take people a
long time.
Give the quotations that repeat this idea in the following paragraphs.
One example has been done for you.
1. Video editing and post production:
2. Scriptwriting and storytelling:
AI-based software can process vast amounts of data
3. VFX and animation:
4. Audience analysis and marketing:
[3]
10 Do you think AI tools will help improve the quality of films?
Tick () one box.
yes
no
Give a quotation from the text to support your answer. Explain how the quotation supports
your answer.
quotation
This shows that
[2]
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Section B: Writing
Spend 35 minutes on this section.
11 Write a review of a film where special effects played a major role.
You might want to think about:
• what the special effects are used for…to create characters, setting, action
• what the special effects add to the overall enjoyment of the film
• whether the film would be enjoyable without the special effects
• who you would recommend the film to.
Use the space in the box below to plan your answer.
Do not use the space for your answer.
You must write your answer on the answer lines on the next pages.
Space for your plan:
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[25]
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