How AI is Redefining the VFX Playbook

From a niche specialty, VFX has come of age as one of the driving forces of the entertainment industry that create cinematic spectacles, and as a crucial part of those cinematic adventures, for which the average movie lover waits, like heaving at an on-screen storm: From the visually stunning action of Avengers: Age of Ultron to unbelievable landscapes in Star Wars: Episode VII, these VFX artists are an inevitable part of filmmaking these days. 

We recently had a session with Utkarsh Gupta, who is a Lead Compositor at Outpost VFX, and his work has shaped some of Hollywood’s most iconic scenes in blockbuster films. As VFX becomes an integral part of modern filmmaking, it is hard to ignore the influence of technology, especially AI.

Want to learn more? Watch Mentoria’s webinar where leading experts discuss the future of VFX and how technology will shape it.

Expert Opinion: The Future of VFX with Technology

Utkarsh Gupta gives interesting insights into the ever-evolving VFX industry, which he discusses particularly with a focus on the role technology is playing. When it comes to talking about the influence of AI, he is explicit about its potential without overemphasizing its abilities. He says, “AI gives you tools, but it can never replace human creativity. The imagination, work ethic, and vision of a director can’t be replicated by a machine.” He believes that AI can make things easier and faster for artists so that they can deliver high-quality work in less time. However, Gupta believes that AI will never replace the artistry and vision that VFX artists bring to the table. “What AI does is make our jobs easier by enhancing the tools we already use, but it will never have the creativity of a human mind.”

Gupta explains, “Just like the IT boom in India, VFX is experiencing rapid expansion. New studios are opening, and there’s an increasing demand for skilled artists across the globe.” The giants in ILM, too, have opened branches in Mumbai. With such vast opportunities emerging for aspiring VFX artists, the growth in this industry is massive, with increased demand for quality visual effects in films, television, and digital media.

Emerging Trends in VFX

The growing role of AI in VFX is reshaping the industry in exciting ways. AI is particularly beneficial in automating repetitive tasks like rotoscoping, tracking, and cleanup, allowing artists to focus on more creative aspects. Machine learning also aids in enhancing image quality by upscaling footage and reducing noise, and is used for complex simulations like fluid dynamics and crowd behaviours. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to streamline production pipelines and enhance creative tools will further transform VFX, offering even more dynamic and immersive visual experiences in the future​

AI, automation, and new software will be imbued with the future of VFX. The trends defining the industry will be:

AI-Powered Tools for Efficiency

AI is known to be unable to replace the human touch, but it helps in simplifying workflows. Adobe Sensei and Runway ML are examples of AI-driven software that enable VFX artists to avoid repetitive tasks such as rotoscoping or keyframe that used to take hours. It ensures creativity with productivity without compromise.

Real-Time VFX Creation

Real-time VFX tools revolutionise how visual effects are produced on set, powered by AI and machine learning. For instance, VFX elements can now be created live on set instead of post-production using virtual production in Unreal Engine. This allows for quicker decision-making and more room for creativity during the filming process.

Automation in Scene Creation

Automation is changing the realism and scale of blockbusters VFXs. Software like Houdini is being used to generate very complex simulations for fire, water, and explosions and therefore, reduces the time required for generating realistic effects. According to Gupta himself, “Houdini is challenging, but it’s very much an essential tool for a VFX artist. It’s a tough software to master, but it’s crucial for generating high-quality FX.” In Houdini, there is a node-based system that helps better manage resources when dealing with complex simulations.

Advancements in 3D Modelling and Sculpting

With tools like ZBrush and Maya, VFX artists can now create incredibly detailed 3D models and textures. AI is being used to enhance these models, improving their realism and ease of manipulation. For example, AI can assist in adding wrinkles or skin details that would otherwise be time-consuming to model manually​.

AI in Post-Production

AI is also on the move in post-production, particularly in compositing. It’s a post-production process where elements from various shots are combined to make a seamless whole. As Gupta puts it, “Software like Nuke is an industry standard in compositing, and now, AI is helping artists handle the heavy lifting, like cleaning up shots or matching lighting, much faster than before.” AI tools help match shadows, colors, and lighting between various shots, which makes compositing work much more efficient​.

The Future of VFX and AI Integration

The future of VFX is bright, and AI will be a significant contributor to the workflow revolution and creative enhancement. As Utkarsh Gupta points out, “AI will never replace the human mind or the director’s vision, but it will make our work easier and allow us to focus on the creative aspects.” As AI-based tools evolve, VFX artists will be able to generate more detailed and sophisticated visuals faster than ever before.

With the rapid growth of VFX, there’s probably never been a better time for pursuing a career in VFX. Artists can look forward to an increasingly wide range of work: from traditional film and newer formats, as studios seek ever more VFX-laden ways to create those imaginative worlds. But with technology, the demand for creative, resourceful minds to make the best of these tools remains high. AI will be an excellent tool, but artistry and vision will always remain at the heart of this dynamic industry.