How AI is Optimizing/Improving VFX Workflows

Are you ready for a VFX revolution? Okay maybe not a complete revolution. But, well, it’s here, and artificial intelligence is leading the charge. With cutting-edge AI and ML algorithms, VFX studios can now automate tedious processes, eliminate manual errors, and create even more stunning work. Many studios and creators are already taking advantage of all the ways AI is supporting more efficient and capable workflows.

Here are some ways in which AI is optimizing VFX workflows:

Object Tracking

One of the game-changing ways that machine learning is transforming VFX workflows is through object tracking and removal. Traditionally, removing objects from a scene required a tedious and time-consuming manual process. Imagine being able to effortlessly remove objects from a scene with the help of intelligent algorithms. With AI algorithms, it’s now possible— objects can now be automatically tracked and removed, reducing the amount of manual work and increasing the accuracy of the final product. AI algorithms can identify objects that need to be removed and use intelligent algorithms to fill in the gaps left behind by those objects. This process can be applied to various types of objects, including wires, rigging, and other elements that need to be removed from the final shot. With AI, VFX artists can focus on what they do best: creating mind-blowing visuals.

We’re in fact building a tool in this area and we’re already seeing insane speed ups.

Crowd Simulation

But that’s not all. Crowd simulation, another notoriously difficult and time-consuming aspect of VFX, has also been revolutionized by machine learning algorithms. Whether you need to simulate a small group or a massive crowd, AI can help create more realistic and accurate simulations with ease, even in large-scale scenes. AI algorithms can analyze the movements of real crowds and use this data to simulate similar behaviors in digital crowds. This means that VFX artists can create complex crowd simulations in less time and with greater accuracy.

Motion Capture

Motion capture, which involves recording the movements of real people and applying them to digital characters, has also seen an upgrade thanks to machine learning. With the help of advanced algorithms, motion capture data can now be created with even greater accuracy, leading to more lifelike animations. By analyzing the data from motion capture, AI algorithms can identify movements that need to be corrected and adjust them accordingly. This leads to more natural-looking animations and reduces the amount of time required to create them.

Image and Video Analysis

And let’s not forget about image and video analysis. By using AI to analyze images and videos, VFX artists can now identify patterns and anomalies, resulting in even more exceptional work. For example, AI algorithms can analyze footage and identify areas that need color correction or other types of post-production work. This can help VFX artists save time and create more polished work. Additionally, AI algorithms can identify faces and track them across multiple frames, making it easier to apply facial animation techniques.

Rendering Optimization

Last but not least, machine learning algorithms can optimize the rendering process, which is a significant time sink in VFX workflows. By predicting which frames will take the longest to render, AI algorithms can prioritize the process and help VFX studios save significant time and resources. Additionally, AI algorithms can predict which render settings will produce the best results, further optimizing the process.

Artificial intelligence is transforming VFX workflows by automating processes, improving accuracy, and unleashing creativity, altogether improving the quality of work. By leveraging the power of AI, VFX artists can create even more stunning visuals in less time. As technology continues to advance, it’s likely that machine learning will play an even greater role in the future of VFX.

Considering these factors, let’s take a look at a couple VFX studios who are leading the change with their own AI tools.

Case Study 1: MARZ Vanity AI

MARZ, a VFX studio based in Toronto, has developed an AI-powered tool called Vanity AI that is transforming the way VFX artists work. Vanity AI uses machine learning algorithms to automate the process of rotoscoping, which is the process of manually separating foreground and background elements in a scene.

Traditionally, rotoscoping has been a tedious and time-consuming process that requires a lot of manual labor. With Vanity AI, however, this process can be automated, allowing VFX artists to focus on more creative tasks. Vanity AI can identify the foreground elements in a scene and automatically separate them from the background, creating a matte that can be used to apply visual effects.

Vanity AI is also capable of tracking moving objects within a scene, ensuring that the matte remains accurate even as the objects move around. This feature is particularly useful in scenes with complex camera movements or fast-paced action.

By automating the rotoscoping process, Vanity AI allows VFX artists to save time and work more efficiently. It also helps to reduce errors and increase the accuracy of the final product. With Vanity AI, VFX studios can deliver high-quality work in less time, which is essential in today’s fast-paced industry.

Case Study 2: The Mill Character Motion AI

Another VFX studio that is taking advantage of the power of AI is The Mill. The Mill has developed an AI-powered tool for character motion that is revolutionizing the way VFX artists create character animations.

Traditionally, creating realistic and lifelike character animations required a significant amount of time and effort, as well as a great deal of skill and expertise. With the Character Motion AI, however, VFX artists can create more natural and realistic animations in a fraction of the time.

The AI uses machine learning algorithms to analyze real-world movements and apply them to digital characters. By analyzing the movements of real people, The Mill’s AI can identify the nuances and subtleties of natural movement, leading to more lifelike animations.

Additionally, this AI can help VFX artists save time by automating certain aspects of the animation process. For example, the tool can automatically adjust the position and orientation of a character’s limbs to match the movements of a real person.

By automating the animation process and improving the accuracy of the animations, The Mill’s AI helps VFX studios deliver high-quality work in less time. This is essential in today’s fast-paced industry, where clients are often looking for quick turnaround times and high-quality work. The Mill’s Character Motion AI is a great example of how AI is optimizing VFX workflows and allowing VFX artists to focus on what they do best: creating stunning visuals.

Conclusion

Here at Shade, we’re super excited to see the opportunities that AI has to offer for the industry. We firmly believe that AI is not going to replace creativity any time soon, but is going to enable creatives to do their best work. That’s why we’re building AI tools starting from better asset cataloguing systems. We’ve built out the best search engine on the market that enables you to easily index all of your 2D + 3D assets while integrating with all of the tools that you love for a fraction of the costs. Better yet, we’re building some more powerful tools to empower your generative and boring tasks like Roto.

Interested? Let’s have a chat here.