The use of artificial intelligence in anime production continues to cause debate – and now an experienced animator has also spoken out critically. We summarize below.
Doubts about AI promises
Terumi Nishii, who was, among other things, chief animation director on “Jujutsu Kaisen” and the remake of “Rurouni Kenshin,” recently expressed doubts about the statements made by many large production companies that they would forego the use of generative AI in the future.
Specifically, she questioned whether corresponding promises – for example from Aniplex – could even be implemented in practice. Because even if individual companies were to forego AI, contracted studios could already have this technology firmly integrated into their work processes.
According to Nishii, storyboards or initial layouts are sometimes generated by AI before they are then further developed by human artists.
Industry in transition
In addition, the animator sees the danger that increased use of generative AI could have long-term negative effects on the industry. In particular, the promotion of new talent could suffer if production processes were increasingly automated.
However, economic aspects are also likely to play a central role. A company that wants to increase efficiency and achieve higher production volumes will hardly be able to avoid the use of artificial intelligence.
The debate about artificial intelligence in anime production will probably continue for a long time. However, it remains to be seen whether a common or uniform approach will be established. In any case, we will stay on the topic.
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© Nobuhiro Watsuki, Aniplex