Animators are debating AI technology

Driving The News: The Annecy Festival will screen four works using AI after receiving dozens of submissions that utilized the technology. This has sparked discussions within the animation community about the impact of AI on jobs, artistry, and workflow.

Why it matters: The increasing use of AI in animation is causing fear and uncertainty among professionals in the industry. Some worry that AI will make certain jobs obsolete, while others see it as a tool to enhance productivity. The debate surrounding AI’s impact on copyright, creation, and overall use is ongoing as the technology continues to evolve.

Big Idea: Industry leaders believe that animators and creatives must learn to master AI as a tool to remain competitive. They argue that AI can speed up certain tasks and improve productivity, but it cannot replace human creativity and innovation. However, the use of AI also raises concerns about copyright infringement, as some AI tools are trained on copyrighted material without permission. Animation studios are being urged to establish clear policies on how they will and will not use AI in their work to protect artists, filmmakers, and producers.