Black Frame LLC, a Hollywood-based production company, has collaborated with students at New Mexico State University using cutting-edge AI-enhanced, photorealistic technology in two recent series projects in Las Cruces – showcasing the ever-changing landscape of the film industry.
Produced by Michael Wright, Jodi Binstock and Burt Warner, the productions employed more than 15 students from the Creative Media Institute (CMI) at New Mexico State University (NMSU) as crew members during the month-long shoot.
“Black Frame” is co-directed by Adrian Quintero and Jarrett Gladstone, a student and recent graduate of New Mexico State University. “Silk & Saddle” is co-directed by NMSU students Josh Tyler and Brissa Castillo.
“We are very excited to be producing what we believe are among the first AI-enhanced, photorealistic animated series created in New Mexico, and to collaborate with students from the Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University,” Wright, Binstock and Warner shared in a joint statement.
“Black Frame” follows a young couple who vanish during a late-night stargazing trip to a remote field. The only evidence is a mobile phone containing escalating psychological horror intensified by darkness, distortion, claustrophobic proximity and the terrified face of a young woman trapped within the frame.
“Silk & Saddle” tells the story of a black-sheep heiress and a stable hand who impulsively marry to defy her domineering families, only for her to discover that he is secretly a billionaire whose true loyalty is not to power or wealth — but to the heiress.
The productions continue to generate meaningful economic and educational impact in Las Cruces and southern New Mexico through an ongoing partnership with NMSU. This partnership includes a paid internship and training focused on AI-assisted photorealistic animation.
“This collaboration has been an exceptional experience, providing students with hands-on training in emerging film technologies while helping build a skilled local workforce,” Wright, Binstock and Warner stated jointly. “We are continuing to expand our slate of AI-assisted photorealistic animated vertical micro-dramas, along with AI-assisted traditional series and feature films being produced in New Mexico.”
“These productions are innovative and are giving back by training New Mexico State University students through this program,” said Steve Graham, director of the New Mexico Film Office. “The New Mexico film industry continues to evolve in exciting new directions, and productions like these help move the industry forward through innovation.”
