In a recent video shared by a student of the California College of the Arts, former Pixar animator Craig Good, known for his work on iconic films like “Toy Story” and “Finding Nemo,” has expressed skepticism regarding the applicability of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to the demanding standards of blockbuster animation expected by audiences, as well as the potential threat it poses to animation jobs in Hollywood.
Good’s critique centers around the challenge of incorporating generative AI, such as OpenAI’s Sora video generating tool, into the production workflow of major studios. In the video, Good highlights the crucial role of iteration in the filmmaking process, emphasizing the need for continuous refinement and adjustment to achieve the desired creative vision.
“Making a movie is all about iterating. It’s iteration. And if you can’t iterate on one of these, I don’t know how you would possibly use it in production,” Good remarked while reviewing footage of a cute monster interacting with a burning candle generated by the AI tool.
Drawing from his extensive experience at Pixar, Good elaborated on the intricate process of making small but significant tweaks to shots, a practice essential for meeting the expectations of directors and refining the animation to perfection. He emphasized the challenge of integrating generative AI into such a dynamic and iterative workflow, questioning its feasibility in a production context.
“I spent decades at Pixar making tiny tweaks to shots. The director is going to give some fairly specific notes that the animator, the artist is going to have to interpret and then show that revised work the next day and then get further notes on it. I don’t know how you would use it in production if you can’t iterate in a controlled way,” Good explained.
Good’s critique follows a viral post on social media last week, which shared an unconfirmed story from an art director at a major studio regarding a failed experiment involving the recruitment of generative AI experts without animation backgrounds.
The concerns raised by Good shed light on the ongoing debate within the animation industry regarding the potential impact of AI technologies on traditional production methods and employment opportunities. As the industry continues to explore the capabilities of AI, the balance between innovation and maintaining the essence of craftsmanship remains a topic of significant discussion among industry professionals.
