Chinese streaming giant iQIYI has partnered with Oscar-winning cinematographer Peter Pau to launch the "Peter Pau × iQIYI AI Theater" Storytelling Lab. The initiative aims to train a new generation of filmmakers in AI-powered storytelling, building on iQIYI's recent global AI short film competition.

The lab invites creators to submit proposals for AI-driven films over 15 minutes long, centered on themes such as "Journey to the West", "Gender, Happiness, and Faith" or "Truth". Registrations are open at https://ppai.iqiyi.com/until Oct 25.

Thirty selected teams will receive a week of intensive mentorship from Pau and other experts. Fifteen finalists will then receive full production, distribution, and promotional support from iQIYI, with their films set to premiere in Q1 2026. Creators will be eligible for 30 percent of the projects' net profits.

"AI is reshaping every facet of content creation," said iQIYI Chief Content Officer Wang Xiaohui. Pau added that AIGC is "unleashing a visual revolution" that breaks traditional filmmaking boundaries.

Projects will be judged on artistic and commercial value, as well as seamless AI integration into the creative process. The lab further reinforces iQIYI's strategy of combining top-tier content with cutting-edge AI to set new benchmarks for the entertainment industry.