AI in special effects discussed at festival

David Sheldon-Hicks, co-founder and director of Territory Studio, spoke at the KIKK Festival in Namur, Belgium, about the impact of artificial intelligence on the special effects industry. He described the current shift as both promising and requiring careful consideration.

Industry changes and AI tools

Sheldon-Hicks mentioned that generative AI tools like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, introduced in 2022, have transformed how visual effects are created. These tools allow for faster and more creative workflows, but they do not replace the need for human expertise in special effects.

Historical AI project example

He highlighted a project where AI was used to reconstruct the face of Lily Parr, a historical female footballer, for an interactive advertisement celebrating International Women's Day. The project drew interest from filmmakers and museums, showing AI's potential in historical and cinematic storytelling.

Industry transition and economic factors

Sheldon-Hicks acknowledged that the special effects industry is undergoing change, with recent layoffs at companies like Disney and Technicolor. However, he pointed out that these changes are influenced by multiple factors, including competition from video games and rising interest rates, not just AI.

Role of major studios and AI’s evolution

He argued that major special effects studios like Weta and ILM will remain important, especially for directors who need precise control over visuals. Sheldon-Hicks compared the current AI integration to past transitions, such as moving from film to digital, and noted that AI is not a new concept in filmmaking.

Future of cinema and human emotion

Sheldon-Hicks concluded by discussing how directors are increasingly portraying a "troubled" future in their films. He also noted the emotional connection people have with technology, such as the use of emojis, and how it influences the storytelling in cinema.