Learn how generative AI can reshape the animation process: Corridor Digital 💡

Back in late-Feb 2023, Corridor & the Corridor Crew (9.87M YT followers) launched “Anime Rock Paper Scissors”, a revolutionary pro-level anime short film using Stable Diffusion to create all of the custom 2D animation. Last month, they were back with “Anime Rock, Paper, Scissors 2” where they explore new methods that they developed after their first film’s production and release.

Why this matters?

They’re pioneers in the creative space exploring the messy world of new technology, but their first focus is always “what’s the story”?

After receiving backlash from their first film for “ripping off” existing anime content, they took the message to heart and employed character artists & designer, Josh Newland, to create the look development for the film, much like a traditional animation would be approached.

Notable moments

Their artist, Josh, talks about the technological impact on artists and more importantly, the impact they can provide while shaping these new tools 👉 7:57 - 9:25 

• On relevance of artists & storytellers: “[If some say] this is so easy to create, why hire animators? That’s true, if you want to tell the most generic diluted story that’s been told a thousand times.”

• On fear of innovation: “The best possible thing for [this generative AI technology] is that creatives descend on it, ones that actually have moral compasses and passions and things that they care about. Because this generation can provide the template that future generations use when asking themselves “what’s the right way to handle this [technology and impact]?”

Also awesome points from Nico, Corridor’s Co-founder:

• Overall sentiment: “Who would have thought cutting edge tech like this would be in our hands for us to be able to play with... they have a really satisfying story to tell and they want it to be heard."

• On the unrelenting speed of innovation: “The only that will stop changing is us if we decide to standstill.”

If you’re technically inclined, and want to see how this film was made, Corridor made a one-hour click-by-click tutorial (no referral links, just props!)

Given Again is an emotionally resonant sci-fi short film directed by Jake Oleson that utilizes innovative AI technology. When Oleson learned as an adult that the father who passed away when he was nine was not his biological parent, it sparked complex emotions that inspired his film Given Again. The film follows a painter who becomes enthralled by a tree's roots before losing her grasp on reality. Oleson leveraged neural radiance fields (NeRF) to generate stunning 3D environments by corrupting the AI's datasets, creating a distorted ethereal world. Evoking touches of Kubrick and Tarkovsky, Given Again descends into a captivating audiovisual trip set to a mesmerizing electronic score. Oleson's innovative use of AI and vulnerability in exploring his past provides a wholly unique viewing experience.