The visual effects (VFX) industry has always thrived on technological innovation, from the early days of practical effects to the digital revolution that brought us photorealistic CGI. But today, VFX professionals face an entirely new challenge—one that could either propel the industry into an unprecedented creative era or render much of it obsolete.
The rise of generative AI tools such as Stable Diffusion models, ComfyUI, and AI-powered video generators like VEO2, Sora, and Kling AI is shaking the very foundations of how digital imagery is created. For decades, complex visual effects required teams of highly skilled artists and powerful rendering farms. Now, AI models can generate stunning visuals in seconds—no expensive software, massive infrastructure, or years of training required.
So, does this signal the end of traditional VFX as we know it? Or are we standing on the precipice of a creative renaissance? The answer is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the VFX industry will never be the same.
AI’s ability to generate high-quality images, animations, and even fully rendered video sequences at lightning speed is alarming to many industry professionals. Where once entire teams were needed to build environments, create digital doubles, or animate complex sequences, AI tools are now capable of handling much of the workload—at least in early iterations.
Studios and clients looking to cut costs may turn to generative AI instead of hiring VFX artists, much like automation replaced traditional labor in other industries. Why pay for months of rotoscoping, matte painting, or compositing when a machine can generate an equivalent result in seconds?
AI models such as OpenAI’s Sora and Kling AI’s advanced generative tools are already showing the potential to create near-cinematic-quality sequences with minimal human intervention. While the results still lack the polish and intentionality of traditional VFX, it's only a matter of time before these technologies improve. As a result, many fear that the VFX industry could shrink dramatically, with fewer studios surviving in a world where AI dominates content creation.
However, despite these fears, history has shown that new technology doesn’t always mean extinction—it often means evolution. While AI threatens many traditional VFX jobs, it also presents new creative opportunities.
Generative AI can act as a force multiplier, allowing artists to iterate faster, generate concepts effortlessly, and automate tedious tasks like rotoscoping, tracking, and background replacement. Instead of replacing artists, AI could enhance their workflow, making the creative process more efficient and accessible.
For example, imagine a VFX pipeline where:
Rather than eliminating VFX professionals, these tools could shift their roles from technical execution to creative direction, curation, and refinement. The most successful artists will be those who learn to harness AI rather than fight against it.
The next decade will determine whether VFX thrives in the AI era or becomes a relic of the past. If studios embrace AI as a collaborative tool rather than a cost-cutting replacement, the industry could see a golden age of efficiency and creativity. But if AI-generated content continues to improve at its current rate, many traditional VFX workflows could become obsolete, leading to fewer jobs, smaller studios, and an overall decline in the industry as we know it.
One possible future is that VFX becomes more democratized, with independent creators producing Hollywood-level effects from their laptops. Another possibility is that the industry contracts, with only a handful of elite studios surviving in a fully AI-driven world.
No one can predict exactly where this will lead, but one thing is certain: change is coming fast. Those who adapt, experiment, and innovate will have the best chance of thriving in this uncertain new era.
The question is: will the VFX industry embrace AI and evolve, or will it resist and fade into obsolescence?
This piece is meant to spark discussion. Would you like any refinements or additional angles explored?
