AI-native studios can build own IP, VFX veteran tells Busan
Small studios built around artificial intelligence can now develop and own their original stories, effects veteran Hong Jae Cheol has told creators at Busan.
His point is about ownership. Tiny teams running automated pipelines, linked software tools that carry work from idea to finished image, can build intellectual property, the characters and worlds that power sequels and licensing, rather than working only for hire, according to Variety.
Hong is a producer-director at Viscode. He began his career at Industrial Light & Magic and worked on Iron Man, Transformers and Pirates of the Caribbean, according to Variety.
He set out his view at the InnoAsia AI Creators Camp, part of the Asian Contents & Film Market attached to the Busan International Film Festival. He said the industry is moving from using AI to generate single images towards using AI as part of a complete production workflow, according to Variety.
Large studios still hold key strengths. Hong said traditional players keep advantages in established franchises, production infrastructure, talent and distribution, according to Variety. In short, small teams can start something new. Big companies are still hard to beat once a series is running.
Coverage of the Busan AI discussion also names Mark Wachholz, chief creative director of Berlin-based Dreamkite Studios, and Climax Studio director Ahn Jaehong, who turned to AI filmmaking after arm injuries ended his work behind the camera, according to Variety.
The debate is not new at the festival. The Motion Picture Association hosted a conversation on AI reshaping animation and filmmaking at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, according to the Motion Picture Association. Separately, Seoul-based AI media tech startup Studio Freewillusion has introduced its proprietary AFX pipeline, which pairs AI with visual effects, to Hollywood executives, according to Yahoo Finance.
Labour concerns form part of the wider picture. The Writers Guild of America sought to restrict the use of artificial intelligence in writing film and television scripts, according to Reuters.
What makes this stand out for general viewers is the shift in who gets to originate a franchise. For decades that door was held by those who could fund large crews and long post-production schedules. Hong is telling Busan newcomers the lock has changed, even if the big houses still own most of the street.
