Special Effects Artists and Animators

Today, AI is already helping with some animator tasks, though it rarely works alone. For example, Netflix reported using AI to generate a complex building‐collapse effect roughly ten times faster than traditional methods ^[1], and many new tools can auto-generate parts of a scene. Software like Previs Pro can add AI-generated props or lighting to storyboards ^[1], and LTX Studio can draft an animated scene from a text script ^[1].

These tools speed up routine steps – one study found AI shines on “standardized processes” (like rendering or filling in frames) but not on creative decisions ^[2]. Official job descriptions stress that animators use “independent judgment [and] creativity” ^[3], which AI cannot copy. In practice, most AI systems act as assistants that humans guide.

As Netflix’s CEO noted, these are “tools assisting real people and enhancing the creative process” (for example in planning shots) ^[1].

Whether studios adopt AI quickly depends on cost, tools, and trust. Cost savings are a big draw: Netflix said the AI effect “wouldn’t have been feasible” without AI help ^[1], and OpenAI is even helping fund an entire animated movie (Critterz) to show it can be done faster and cheaper than usual ^[4]. Many AI tools (for storyboards, backgrounds, animation, etc.) are now available, so technically adoption is easy.

On the other hand, social and legal factors slow change. Hollywood saw major strikes in 2023 over AI, so studios are cautious ^{[1] [1]}. For instance, Critterz still uses human scripts and actors so it can be copyrighted ^[4].

Reviewers note AI “reduces repetitive tasks” and speeds decision-making, but “without replacing the human element” ^{[1] [1]}. In short, companies may use AI to save time and money (especially on big projects) ^{[1] [4]}, but human animators – with imagination and judgment – remain essential.