How ‘Ted’ VFX Team Used AI to Transform Seth MacFarlane Into Bill Clinton, and Why Animating the Bear Is Still Challenging

By Jazz Tangcay

Jazz Tangcay

Artisans Editor

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When Seth MacFarlane was brainstorming ideas for the second season of “Ted,” Bill Clinton came to mind. MacFarlane explains, “The show takes place in the ’90s, and we’re always looking for things that are quintessentially emblematic of that decade. Of course, one of those things is Bill Clinton.”

The Peacock series follows the ongoing adventures of the pot-smoking, foul-mouthed teddy bear Ted. In one episode, MacFarlane stages a masterful spoof of the former president, who appears in Episode 5, “The Sword and the Stoned.” In the scene, Clinton visits Matty Bennett (Scott Grimes), who works at the local Dunkin’ Donuts. When Matty criticizes Clinton for how badly he’s running the country, Clinton retaliates by throwing coffee at him.

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