Mark Stern and Lloyd Braun have launched Intelligent Animation, a new artist-led AI animation studio, with two shows slated for aTwist, the soon-to-launch microseries studio and platform co-founded by Braun, Jana Winograde, and Susan Rovner.
The new studio has built a proprietary production process that utilizes traditional and new technologies to make animation faster and cheaper than standard animation models. It is backed by Stern, a former Syfy and Universal Cable Productions exec, and Braun, a veteran of ABC Entertainment Group and WME,
“The creative process begins and ends with the human artist,” Stern said. “From the outset, our goal has been to give those artists a unique set of powerful tools that can help them unleash the full extent of their vision; to expedite the tedious, time-consuming steps of the production process while keeping them in control of their creative output. We’re proud to have built an ethical way to apply these powerful new technologies. We never use AI to create scripts, original artwork, or actors’ performances, and our systems are protective of the copyrights of others as well as of the material we’re creating.”
The two new microseries for aTwist are based on webcomic IP licensed from Tapas: The Dragon Prince’s Bride, adapted from the novel by C.J. Young; and The Prince’s Personal Physician.
Tapas Entertainment’s Mike Zhu said, “From the moment we started working with Mark and the Intelligent Animation team, it was clear they were building something special. They’re passionate, professional, respectful of the source material and were genuinely collaborative every step of the way. They kept the artists and the story at the center of everything, and truly got what makes these stories resonate with fans. We couldn’t be more excited to see The Dragon Prince’s Bride and The Prince’s Personal Physician come to life this summer.”
Other projects at the studio now in development include Expeditionary Force, adapted from the best-selling 19-book action/adventure science-fiction series from author Craig Alanson; the Tapas series, Prince of Silk and Thorn and Governess of a Tyrant; and the aTwist project, Kidnapped by the Pirate Prince. Leading the slate is Nick Garland, head of development.
