AI is tipping the scales in animation industry: Is it in our favour or not?

AI played a significant role in both the writers’ strike and the struggles faced by VFX companies:

• Writers feared AI would replace them, leading to demands for job security against AI-generated scripts. Hollywood’s writers' strike, which lasted from May to September 2023, led to significant delays in film and TV production. With fewer scripts being written and projects being greenlit, post-production work—including VFX and animation—also slowed down. 

Since Technicolor was a major outsourcing hub for VFX and animation, this slowdown directly impacted their workload, revenue, and ultimately, their sustainability.

• In VFX and animation, AI-driven tools are increasingly automating tasks like motion capture, background generation, and CGI effects. While AI reduces production time and costs, it also puts traditional VFX jobs at risk, especially in outsourcing hubs like India.

The visual effects (VFX) and animation industry is undergoing a massive transformation, fueled by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). As AI-driven tools become more sophisticated, the way content is created, rendered, and delivered is evolving at an unprecedented pace. 

Now the question everyone’s asking is whether we are doomed or do we have a way out of this?

AI has revolutionized various aspects of the animation and VFX pipeline, from automating rotoscoping and motion capture to generating realistic environments and facial animations. 

Machine learning algorithms can now analyze vast amounts of data to replicate complex human movements, making animation more fluid and lifelike. AI-driven tools also allow faster rendering times, significantly reducing production costs and timelines.

Moreover, AI-powered software like DeepMotion, NVIDIA Omniverse, and Runway ML enables animators to create high-quality visuals with less manual labor, streamlining tedious processes such as background generation, color correction, and real-time rendering. These advancements allow studios to focus on more creative storytelling aspects rather than getting bogged down by repetitive technical tasks.

Does that worry you? It should, but all’s not doom and gloom.

While AI can enhance efficiency, it cannot replace the core essence of storytelling. Great animation isn’t just about realistic visuals—it’s about emotion, connection, and artistic expression. AI can assist in procedural animation and scene generation, but the nuances of human expression, emotional depth, and cultural storytelling require a creative touch that only humans can provide.

For instance, AI can generate hundreds of variations of a scene, but deciding which version best conveys a character’s emotions or fits the storyline still requires human intuition. 

The industry must recognize that AI is a tool, not a replacement for creativity. The magic of animation lies in its ability to evoke emotion, which AI alone cannot achieve without human guidance.

Rather than resisting AI, VFX and animation professionals should focus on leveraging it to enhance their skills. Here are some ways to embrace AI while maintaining the human element:

• Enhance Efficiency, Not Replace Artists – Use AI to automate mundane tasks like rotoscoping and background generation, freeing up time for animators to focus on storytelling and character development.
• Develop New Skillsets – The industry needs professionals who understand both AI-driven workflows and traditional animation techniques. Learning AI-powered tools can open new opportunities for artists.
• Preserve Artistic Integrity – AI-generated animations may look realistic, but they can lack the warmth and imperfections that make art unique. Animators must ensure that their work retains a human touch to engage audiences emotionally.
• Use AI for Concept Development – AI can generate rough drafts and mood boards, helping artists visualize ideas quickly before refining them with a personal creative touch.
• Adapt and Innovate – Staying ahead in the industry means continuously adapting to technological advancements. AI will continue to evolve, and those who embrace it as a collaborator rather than a competitor will thrive.

Despite concerns about job security, the animation industry continues to grow, with increased demand for high-quality content in gaming, entertainment, and education. India remains a leading hub for animation services, offering high-quality output at competitive costs. 

However, to stay competitive in an AI-driven landscape, the industry must invest in technology, upskill its workforce, and strike a balance between automation and artistry. Rather than seeing AI as an obstacle, studios and artists should recognize it as an opportunity to push the boundaries of storytelling. 

The future of animation isn’t about AI replacing humans—it’s about AI empowering artists to create more immersive, engaging, and emotionally resonant experiences. Those who learn to adapt and grow with AI will be the ones leading the next era of visual storytelling.

As for the question, ‘Is it in our favor or not?’—only you can answer that for yourself. Are you willing to learn and grow while embracing a little discomfort in the process? Because it’s going to require that you be the best of the best or be left in the dust. Competition is at an all-time high, the only way to make it to the top is to be really good at what you do. After all, anything worth pursuing is always a little difficult at first.

What are your thoughts on this? Leave them in the comments!