'Young Washington' Director Jon Erwin on Using AI to Make Water Sequences Safer and More Affordable

Director Jon Erwin reveals that AI tools played a meaningful role in the production of "Young Washington," the historical drama releasing nationwide on July 3. Speaking exclusively about the technology's impact, Erwin highlighted how AI enhanced efficiency and safety — particularly for physically demanding sequences involving water, where traditional VFX approaches fall short of replicating real-world physics.

Erwin's comments position AI not as a creative shortcut but as a practical production tool, helping the team manage risk and control costs on a period film. The behind-the-scenes account offers a candid filmmaker's perspective on how AI is being quietly integrated into mainstream historical drama production.