newslounge.co · Dec 07, 2023

Good Morning. This is newslounge, your daily VFX/AI compass. We always point you in the right direction. you can help us by forwarding this email to your friends!

today’s menu:

• The future of VFX

• 2023 Ciclope Festival AI animation project

• 3D Renderings with AI

• Alibaba’s new AI tool

• A Brief History of A.I.

Google Gemeni, Godzilla x Kong and more :)

-Ardy

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HEADLINE

What is Shaping the Future of Visual Effects?

A little about where we are right now: In 2023, several industries(technology to entertainment and media) are undergoing significant transformations due to many technological and consumer behavioral factors.

Regardless of all the ongoing challenges, the VFX industry is a growing sector. It doesn't have as much market size as the big streamers and production studios but it is expanding rapidly.

How? The demand for VFX content from OTT platforms(Netflix, Hulu,...) is massive due to the rise in streaming and the need for high-quality visual experiences.

Integrating new OTT services across the existing subscription-based streaming devices will drive the usage of CG and VFX.

There has been a notable shift in revenue generation strategies in OTT platforms from the traditional subscription-based models towards ad-supported formats.

So VFX artists should have considerable leverage in the industry due to their high demand. right?

Well depends, Here is the problem: We can all agree that the visual effects traditional business model is currently being challenged, it is not completely obsolete but undergoing a significant shift. To adapt and survive in this evolving market, they will need to consider several key transformations such as:

• Market adaptation

• Reduce cost

• No more fixed-bid model: Studios might need to explore more flexible and adaptive pricing models, like retainer agreements or revenue sharing, to better manage financial risks.

• Investment in talent and training

The VFX industry is known for its rapid evolution. Artists often need to be adaptable and continuously update their skills. This suggests that ongoing training is a regular part of most VFX artists' careers. But even more so now, to the point that many artists wont find this work practices sustainable unless their salary would be doubled.

Artists will be in high demand, especially if they explore innovative avenues to apply their skills beyond the conventional studio employment model.

But currently, there is a significant disparity between the value artists believe they bring and the measures studios must take to remain viable.

The market will normalize itself eventually, but this will require some time.

Read the full article here.

-AA

CASE STUDY

Diogo Kalil and LOBO For 2023 Ciclope Festival

The 2023 Ciclope Festival in Berlin featured an innovative 3D animation sequence directed by Diogo Kalil and created by the team at LOBO. This project was notable for its use of advanced AI techniques in enhancing 3D animation. The process began with the creation of 3D models using Maya, followed by employing a technique known as stable diffusion. This allowed for a smooth fusion of artistic ideas into the animations.

ControlNet played a key role in aligning the final animations with the intended aesthetic goals, achieving an accurate representation of the original concepts.

Here are the main steps:

Initial Step: Creation of 3D models using Maya.

Stable Diffusion Technique: Employed to smoothly integrate artistic ideas into the 3D animations.

Use of LORA:

• Adapted large neural network models for specific tasks.

• Learned from unique artworks created by LOBO's artists.

• Captured the creative essence and stylistic details of these pieces.

• Enhanced the 3D models by integrating artistic nuances.

Implementation of ControlNet:

• Served as a precision-guiding tool.

• Translated the artistic vision into the animated models.

• Ensured accurate reflection of each nuance in the animations.

• Aligned the final animations with the intended aesthetic objectives.

This innovative process led to the creation of a visually captivating and thought-provoking sequence for the 2023 Ciclope Festival in Berlin, blending art and technology in a unique way.

Stable Video Diffusion Workflow

Follow this link to see our sample workflow plus the project files to get started with Stable Video Diffusion in ComfyUI.

-BW

NEXT LEVEL

3D Renderings with A.I.

TRENDING

Alibaba’s new A.I. Tool Turns Images Into Realistic Videos

The emergence of tools like "Animate Anyone," which enable the creation of realistic videos, indeed presents a mixed impact on various industries and professions.

Businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, can benefit from the cost-effectiveness of such tools. Instead of hiring expensive production teams or actors, they can create high-quality videos at a fraction of the cost.

Challenges: Fashion models and social media influencers might face competition from virtual models or influencers created by these tools. This could lead and there might be a pushback from audiences who prefer real human interactions and authenticity.

Future outlook: There could be a future where models and influencers collaborate with such technology, using it to enhance their own content or reach.

A Brief History of A.I.

A.I. is hard to miss, whether in cheeky chatbots or while playing chess. But how did artificial intelligence rise to such prominence?

Here are eight key moments that led to A.I.’s reigning supreme in the minds of business leaders and policymakers. 2-min read

Zoom out: Many companies are discussing artificial intelligence extensively, with nearly half of S&P 500 businesses mentioning AI during earnings calls this year. But, a recent survey by the Census Bureau indicates that less than 5% of U.S. businesses are actually implementing AI in their operations.

Why is that? There is a certain level of risk and uncertainty associated with implementing new technologies. Businesses might be concerned about the potential for AI to disrupt existing processes, lead to job losses, or result in unintended consequences.