The animation industry is still on the rise because of new technologies and faster production processes. Artificial intelligence is one of the major technologies in the industry because it is increasingly being used. Artificial intelligence assists in the creation of background images and the alignment of audio to animation, which is an aspect of animation production that is changing.
This raises one important issue, however: is AI an assistive technology for the creative industry, or is it perhaps a substitute for the human element that gives animation its purpose?
AI is being used in animation
These AI tools are intended to assist animation professionals. These tools can assist animation professionals in creating backgrounds, facial animation, rigging, and even voice syncing. These functionalities can assist animation professionals in increasing their productivity.
Some animation studios employ AI to create automatic in-betweens for key frames to save time on repetitive tasks. Others apply it in motion tracking or adding facial expressions to video references. At
3D Animation Studio Malaysia, AI is typically used in testing camera motions, block-out scenes, and analyzing early scripts. The tools allow animators greater latitude in terms of storytelling and emotions as opposed to focusing only on structure.
Even big-budget projects can benefit. “AI helps streamline workflow in various departments, ranging from layout to post-production,” says Reilly. However, speed is only half the solution.
What AI does well
It is designed to detect patterns. AI can analyze videos for hours, animate characters on their own, and sync lips with conversations very effectively. AI is a boon when it comes to automated tasks that involve repetition.
The animation services employ the usage of AI to assist in the process of rendering, lighting presets, as well as the creation of concept art. This is helpful in reducing the costs of production and achieving the set deadlines. For instance, a voice recording can be added to the animation, and the resulting facial expressions would be generated automatically.
This would take place of several hours’ work in a matter of minutes. Machine learning models would also enable the analysis of how real actors move, which would be used to create digital characters. These are useful, but they are not creative by themselves.
What AI still gets wrong
It can create perfect movement, but it doesn’t know the point of the scene. It doesn’t know the point of the pause or the point of the slow look.
At Animation Studio Malaysia, these are all choices that are made by human animators. They influence tone, pacing, and emotions. These are things that cannot be calculated by AI. Another is originality. AI is trained on existing data. This means that it is relying on data it has seen. This can create animations that look good but lack originality. This is particularly true if it is the same software being used at multiple animation studios.
A visually stunning scene in 3D Animation can be empty if the timing is not right or if the emotion is not conveyed properly. This is where AI lacks experience and insight that comes from being human. There are also some issues in practicality. There might be errors in character consistency, or there could be glitches in animations that are not apparent at first but are noticeable in hindsight.
Why human creativity matters
Animation is not only about moving pictures. It’s about meaning and the way that the story resonates with people on an emotional level.
The timing, expression, and feeling used by artists to make characters come to life are what make this story come across as real. They understand when to hold back on what they want to portray in any scene. Quality is important in 3D animation, but the attachment that viewers develop with the animation is what makes it memorable as a story. Technology, such as AI, is helpful but cannot replace creative vision.
It is the quality of human creativity to turn mere movement into a story.
The future of AI in animation
AI will continue to advance. There will be more studios adopting these tools to better their process and reduce costs and address increased demand. The best projects will be from people who combine technology and creativity.
The best studios will integrate AI for structuring and rapid execution while retaining the narrative process for seasoned artists.
Whether you’re creating a short video, explainer video, or series, our professionals can create creative content with assistance from the latest technology available. Connect with us today to learn how animation solutions can help shape your story.