Netflix AI Deal Jeopardizes Global VFX Workforce

Netflix recently made a big move that’s causing a stir in the entertainment world. They acquired InterPositive, an artificial intelligence company created by Ben Affleck. This company specializes in automating color grading, relighting, and continuity fixes in visual effects. These are tasks usually done meticulously by artists in places like India, South Korea, the Philippines, and Latin America, where over 2 million professionals work in visual effects.

This acquisition has raised concerns about the future of jobs in the industry. With AI potentially taking over tasks like cleanup, relighting, and basic compositing, entry-level workers might be the most affected. Mohsin Kazi, a compositing supervisor at DNEG, a visual effects company behind movies like Dune and Blade Runner 2049, highlighted the impact on those just starting out in the field.

Studies have shown that AI has been gradually replacing jobs in the entertainment industry, with a projected loss of over 100,000 positions in the U.S. alone in the next few years. The global impact is still being assessed. Despite some arguments that AI advancements could lead to more content creation, experts like Kimberly Owczarski remain skeptical, especially as the industry has been seeing a decline in production recently.

In places like India, where a significant portion of the visual effects work is done, AI adoption could have a profound impact. More than 90% of Hollywood’s rotoscoping work, a critical part of visual effects, is done in India. While AI might eventually take over some of these jobs, the full extent is yet to be seen.

Even before this acquisition, Netflix had been investing in AI-powered production. The deal with InterPositive gives them exclusive tools to further enhance their production capabilities. Other major players in Hollywood, like Disney, have also been heavily investing in AI technologies to revolutionize content creation.

While the benefits of AI in production are evident, questions remain about job security and the impact on the workforce, especially in countries like India, South Korea, and Latin America. As discussions around AI protections and regulations continue in the U.S., workers in other parts of the world are left wondering about their future in the industry.

Overall, the fast-paced advancements in AI are creating a shift in the entertainment world. While the full impact is yet to be realized, it’s clear that changes are on the horizon for the global VFX workforce.