The Dope Sheet - May 9, 2025
This week in animated AI news
Welcome to the first edition of The Dope Sheet1 where I run down some interesting news stories from the past week at the intersection of animation and AI.
This week, more tech companies are teaming up with animation shops and Natasha Lyonne is going all in on animated AI. Let’s get into it.
Start-ups
A new tech start-up Cheehoo founded by some heavy hitters from the tech and animation world (including former DreamWorks Animation president Chris DeFaria) has begun working with animation studios to provide AI tools for production. The pedigree of the team here makes it seem like one of the more serious contenders in this space. (via Deadline)
And across the way in Japan, Toei Animation (Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, One Piece) has announced it is working with an AI research group called Preferred Networks (PFN) to do pretty much the same thing in the anime space. (via CBR.com)
Film
Poker Face star Natasha Lyonne has announced she will be directing a hybrid AI animation / live action feature called Uncanny Valley through the AI animation firm Asteria. The big claim here is that it will be made with so-called ethical AI, but there is sure to be some backlash. (via IndieWire)
Games
A week after laying off a reported 300 - 400 workers, EA CEO Andrew Wilson touted AI in an earnings call, saying "we're investing in new workflows and capabilities to integrate AI to enhance how we build, scale, and personalize experiences". Coincidence? (via GamesRadar)
Labour
The American actors’ union SAG-AFTRA has reached a tentative deal with Nickelodeon for their 2025 agreement. Key to the deal are protections for voice actors in relation to AI. Another example of how labour continues to be an important part of the AI story. (via Animation World Network)
Artists
Finally, on the red carpet for Season 4 of Netflix’s Love, Death + Robots, some of the key creatives behind the popular anthology show shared their thoughts on animation and AI. (via The Direct)
Until next time,
Matt Ferg.
The name “Dope Sheet” comes from slang for exposure sheet, a document that gives the camera department detailed instructions on how to shoot a scene of animation. Dope meaning information, not drugs in this case.