AI & Virtual Production: Character Arcs (Want vs. Need)

Hey everyone,

I'm Ngozi Emeka, a working screenwriter, and I'm genuinely wrestling with something. As virtual production pipelines become more common and advanced AI tools for script analysis get more accessible, I'm finding myself wondering about their impact on how we conceive and build character arcs, especially around that core 'want vs. need' dynamic.

I'm currently outlining a new pilot, and I've been experimenting with some AI tools to help with early-stage character development, trying to map out emotional beats. It's fascinating how quickly it can pull together narrative structures, but I keep circling back to this question: could AI really help pre-visualize arc progression in a meaningful way, like simulating how a character's 'want' shifts to their 'need' based on escalating conflict? Or, does relying on these tools too much risk making our storytelling, particularly those crucial character journeys, feel formulaic and less organic? What are your thoughts on this?