Wētā & AMD to explore AI VFX tools

Wētā FX and AMD have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore development of next-generation rendering and AI tools for VFX. 

Coming shortly after Wētā also partnered with AWS to develop AI VFX tools, the deal will see the pair work on, “power efficient software leveraging modern compute architectures to power the next generation of capturing and transferring actor performances to fantastical creatures in an onset environment.”

They will also build on Wētā’s Deep Image processing to, “create an extended array of tools to unlock and accelerate the emerging field of volumetric workflows,” and, “utilize AMD CPU and GPU integration to power software providing networks of AI models running interactive sessions with better artistic control and flexibility.”

John Canning, director of strategic partnerships for M&E at AMD, said: “As the demands for creating cutting-edge visuals continue to grow in today’s biggest stories, we are proud to work alongside Weta FX—a studio renowned for its extraordinary talent and relentless drive to define the frontier of next-generation tools and technology. Together, we are helping shape the future of cinematic storytelling through breakthrough innovation and artistry.”

Daniel Seah, Wētā FX CEO, added: “Wētā FX has always been at the forefront of technology innovations that serve our storyteller clients best, bringing their visions to life for audiences around the world to enjoy. By partnering with AMD, we look forward to leveraging the potential that AI brings to artists in the movie-making process.” 

Kimball Thurston, CTO at Wētā FX, said: “AMD has powered our CGI rendering for years. With this MOU, we are looking to create tools for the next generation of storytelling as we integrate AI into an artist-centric creative experience.”