Utopai Studios is working with Japanese tech company DeNA, which operates across mobile games, live streaming, sports, and more, on an AI-assisted animation production workflow.
The deal with DeNA’s entertainment development business unit will see DeNA incorporate Utopai Studios’ proprietary cinematic storytelling AI system, PAI, into its experimental animation production workflows. With the collaboration, Utopai Studios’ AI production specialists will work with DeNA’s creative and production teams for opportunities to use PAI across visual development, character and environment design, scene planning and production iteration. Artists will continue to determine the story, visual style, performances and tone of the work and retain final approval over all creative decisions.
“Japan is one of the world’s most important and influential animation markets, and DeNA brings a deep understanding of both its creators and audiences,” said Cecilia Shen, CEO and co-founder of Utopai Studios. “By integrating PAI into an animation-production workflow in Japan, we are building a model that combines new production capabilities with the artistry, judgment and authorship that define great animation. This collaboration is an important step for Utopai Studios in Japan and the foundation for a relationship we believe can grow significantly over time.”
Naoki Minabe, head of DeNA’s entertainment development business unit, added, “Animation production requires an exceptionally high degree of creativity, overall consistency, and attention to detail. Through our collaboration with Utopai Studios, we will explore how AI can help create an environment where creators can focus on their craft while making production workflows more efficient. As an initiative separate from the other animation productions currently underway at our company, we will combine the strengths of both companies and open new paths for Japan’s anime industry to continue competing globally.”
