OpenAI is venturing into feature film production with an animated movie titled Critterz, leveraging its generative AI tools. The film is slated for a debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May, followed by a global theatrical release.
Critterz tells the story of forest creatures embarking on an adventure after their village is disrupted by a stranger, according to the Wall Street Journal. The project originated from an idea by Chad Nelson, a creative specialist at OpenAI. OpenAI has partnered with London-based Vertigo Films and Los Angeles-based Native Foreign to bring the film to life.
A key focus is the accelerated production timeline. The animation is planned to be completed in approximately nine months, significantly shorter than the typical production time for traditional animated features. The budget is also notably lower, reportedly under $30 million, contrasting with the often substantial budgets of conventional animation projects.
Despite the heavy reliance on AI tools, human involvement remains crucial. The script for Critterz was written by human writers, some of whom previously worked on Paddington in Peru. Human artists have been commissioned to create sketches that will be transformed into animation using OpenAI’s technology. Furthermore, human voice actors, rather than AI-generated voices, will be cast for the characters.
The production crew for Critterz is relatively small, consisting of roughly 30 people, which is a significantly leaner team compared to typical animated feature productions.
The release of Critterz comes amid ongoing discussions and debates within the entertainment industry regarding the integration of AI technology into filmmaking. While some creatives express concerns about potential threats to their professions, major companies are actively exploring the use of AI to enhance their business operations. The success of Critterz could potentially influence a broader shift towards AI-driven animation within Hollywood and the wider film industry.
