Hybrid AI-VFX Workflow

1. The 99.9/0.1 Rule

While AI can accomplish 99.9% of a task in just 0.1% of the time, that final fraction of a percent can become a major bottleneck in production. This is an even more extreme version of the traditional VFX "95/5 rule." Without addressing that final crucial detail, we risk production chaos.

2. AI's Current Limitations

When AI misunderstands requests, the process can become almost farcical. For instance, we've seen amazing face replacements that can't be edited, or AI-generated code that looks promising but ends up consuming as much time as traditional methods to debug and perfect.

3. The Power of Human Integration

Humans have a unique ability to bridge divides in the real world that AI cannot. We can easily switch between platforms and navigate the physical boundaries of formats, while AI is constrained by these limitations. This gives us a significant advantage in a human-designed world.

4. AI as a Complement, Not a Replacement

AI works best when integrated into the crevices of traditional processes. Generated content can be conformed as normal, and cleanup work can be enhanced with machine-made mattes. AI thrives on clear, specific briefs within established workflows.

5. The Need for Bulletproof Solutions

Until AI becomes absolutely bulletproof, a hybrid system remains the only viable answer. Traditional VFX workflows provide reliable fallbacks when AI solutions fall short, ensuring we can always deliver the required results.

In conclusion, while AI is revolutionizing VFX production, its true power lies in how we integrate it with existing workflows rather than expecting it to completely replace them. The future of VFX lies not in choosing between AI or traditional methods, but in skillfully combining both approaches.