The Old Times

Project Title: “Joseph and His Amazing Electric Dreams: A Modern Story of Dreams and Forgiveness” (A Modern Retelling of Genesis 37–50)

The weeks up to the break last week focused on moving the core concept from a high-level idea into a structured, executable plan, directly addressing the need to plan and develop ideas and manage information.

Tools Used so far: Claude, Perplexity AI, NotebookLM, JSON Schema

• Modern Narrative Development: I utilised Claude to refine the core story, establishing Joseph as a non-binary teenager in a diverse British city whose colourful identity and dreams lead to their betrayal and time in a Young Offenders Institution (YOI). The story structure was developed into a full synopsis and a detailed 15-minute performance structure across three acts (Dreams and Betrayal, The Institution, Reconciliation).

• Structured Data and Planning: To manage the complexity of the dreams and their interpretations, I implemented an Extended JSON Schema to catalogue each dream (Joseph’s, the Cupbearer’s, the Pharaoh’s), linking them to key themes (Destiny, Reconciliation, Providence) and generating specific image Prompt ideas. This use of JSON is critical for ensuring consistency and making the data machine-readable for later AI tool usage. Having said that, I am not sure I understand JSON sufficiently to use it in a completely professional way.

• Knowledge Synthesis: I used NotebookLM to synthesize the story structure, production notes, and theological research, generating a briefing document and a potential audio overview for a radio play/podcast script. The output confirms that the modern narrative focuses on Joseph leveraging their gifts to prepare the city for an economic crisis.

Reflection on Tool Use: The use of Claude proved valuable for handling the nuanced, ethically sensitive aspects of the modern retelling (identity, forgiveness, progressive Christianity) due to its reputation as being more ethically grounded and strong in deeper theological reflections.

2. Tool Exploration and Creative Experimentation (LO6, LO2)

Recent experimentation focused on image generation and video platforms, linking the technical capabilities of AI to the philosophical themes of the project. This addresses the mandate to identify and employ a range of emerging technologies and critically evaluate the work of practitioners.

Tools Used: Midjourney, FluxPro, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Notion

• Visual Language of Dreams: I conducted deep dives into image generation prompting, practicing the 5-Layer Framework for effective image prompts: [SUBJECT] + [STYLE] + [COMPOSITION] + [LIGHTING] + [TECHNICAL PARAMETERS]. I experimented with different lighting variations—such as Golden Hour, Neon Noir, Bioluminescent, and Chiaroscuro—to evoke the surreal, abstract, and emotional qualities of dreaming, which is a key requirement for the creative outcome.
• PKD and the Algorithmic Glitch: We explored Philip K. Dick’s themes, generating narratives where characters suspect they are living in a simulation. The discussion highlighted the tension between human paranoia (existential, subjective dread) and AI pattern-matching (calculated output based on predefined anomalies). This critical thinking is essential for documenting the creative process and demonstrating critical reflection on AI’s role.
• Cross-Tool Workflow: I utilized the combined “Creative + Academic” Project Template to ensure the creative components (e.g., visual storytelling and modern retelling) are linked to the academic requirements (e.g., biblical text study and theological reflection). The prompt cards generated (Creative Cards C1, C2, C3) provide clear instructions for developing the Modern Re-telling, Visual Prompt, and a TikTok Script.

3. Immediate Next Steps and Assessment Prep

The focus is now shifting toward finalising the creative artifact and its accompanying documentation for the exhibition in Week 12.

• Final Artifact Production: The decision has been made to produce a short film or podcast, having already generated the initial script structure and a digital media file titled Joseph__Dreams_&_Forgiveness.mp4. The next step involves using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Runway (for video) or ElevenLabs (for audio) to refine the final piece.
• Station Card Preparation: I need to prepare the Station Card for submission in Week 11. This card must include the project title, my name, a brief description, and the QR code linking directly to this blog. I was not able to download the Station Card from Miro so will speak to Matt for access next week.
• Continuing Reflection: I am continually gathering notes and screenshots (as required) and thinking about the content for the final Critical Reflection (max 500 words). This reflection must comment on how AI tools will impact my workflow and how I plan to use AI going forward, without using AI to write the final piece. I plan to use the Advanced Cards (A2: Quality Check, A3: Compare Voices) to critique my own output, which will inform this final critical piece.

This structured approach, leveraging AI not just for creation but for planning and critical analysis (JSON, Notion, Claude’s ethics check), ensures that the final delivery will meet all the criteria for the project’s learning outcomes.