‘Pixels and Pencils’ Panelists Talk the Dangers of AI, Demanding Animation Processes and the Importance of Human Creativity

By Tanya Fedak

Tanya Fedak

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As artificial intelligence continues to advance, animators are increasingly facing questions about the future of their craft and the role of human creativity in filmmaking. But the majority are not interested in letting AI into their art of storytelling.

At Variety‘s “Pixels and Pencils” panel in Savannah, Georgia on Monday, leading filmmakers discussed the process of bringing animated stories to life and why technology can’t replace the work behind them. Six panelists joined Variety‘s Clayton Davis for the discussion, which was moderated in partnership with SCAD Savannah Film Festival. They included Brad Bird for Netflix’s “Ray Gunn”; Daniel Chong for Pixar’s “Hoppers”; Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado for DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island”; Travis Knight for Laika’s “Wildwood”; and Leah Nelson for Independent Film Company’s “Tangles.”

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