The Great AI Debate Shakes The Animation Industry

Animation's Popularity and AI's Contentious Rise

The entertainment world is actively exploring the potential of generative AI, but this exploration has created a significant rift within the animation industry. According to a new report from entertainment data provider Luminate, titled “Animation and AI,” the community is deeply divided on how to best integrate these powerful new tools into the creative and production workflow.

This debate comes at a time when animation's value is higher than ever. The genre is a cornerstone for studios and streamers looking to attract and retain viewers of all ages. A prime example is Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” which recently broke records to become the platform's most-streamed original movie in its history.

The Dedicated Fanbase of Animation

Luminate's U.S. Entertainment 365 survey highlights the dedication of animation fans. It found that anime film enthusiasts are the most likely to be frequent moviegoers, with 29% having seen three or more anime films in theaters within the last three months, a figure that surpasses all other genres.

This engagement extends to streaming platforms, where animated content is a major draw. For instance, 76% of Netflix users watch animated content on the service. Similarly, animated films and series are key offerings for both Hulu and Disney+.

The AI Divide: Revolution vs. Risk

Despite the genre's success, the introduction of generative AI remains a point of contention. Proponents see it as a revolutionary technology capable of dramatically speeding up production timelines and cutting costs. They believe AI can handle repetitive tasks, allowing artists to focus on more creative aspects of their work.

On the other side of the argument, many critics and traditional artists view generative AI as a “dirty” technology fraught with ethical and legal problems. Core concerns revolve around data scraping of artists' work without consent, unresolved IP rights issues, a potential loss of creative control, and the blurring of ethical boundaries.

This division is further fueled by fears over job security. The Luminate report notes that roles such as concept and storyboard artists, VFX artists, and game developers are perceived to be among the most threatened by AI integration over the next two years.

For those interested in a deeper analysis, the full “Animation and AI” report is available from Luminate.