Intro: The Future of Filmmaking

The future of filmmaking is being shaped by three converging forces: artificial intelligence, studio economics, and copyright law. In our latest CG Pro Podcast episode, film executive Ed Ulbrich, known for groundbreaking work on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, reveals how these pressures are reshaping how movies are made in 2025 and beyond.

This conversation is essential for anyone in VFX, virtual production, AI-assisted filmmaking, or creative technology.

The Early Days of CGI and the First Wave of “AI Thinking”

Ed Ulbrich’s journey began long before modern AI tools. His early exposure to the National Center for Supercomputing Applications opened his eyes to the power of digital visualization. At Digital Domain, he worked in an era when the term “digital artist” didn’t exist and experimentation was the norm.

This era mirrors what we are experiencing today with AI in filmmaking: a mix of fear, opportunity, and creative reinvention.

Why Studio Economics Matter More Than Ever

Hollywood is navigating a perfect storm: pandemic aftershocks, the 2023 and 2024 strikes, an unstable box office, and streaming platforms struggling to stay profitable. Ed makes it clear that these economic pressures, not AI, are the real reason production slowed down.

Studios are turning toward AI not out of novelty but out of necessity.

“Studios aren’t afraid of AI. They’re afraid of losing money.”

How Early Machine Learning Led to Benjamin Button’s Breakthrough

Long before “AI filmmaking” was a popular phrase, Ulbrich’s team used early machine learning and computer vision to capture Brad Pitt’s facial performance and map it onto a fully digital, age-modified version of his character.

This technique became the foundation for modern digital human work and won the Academy Award for Visual Effects.

AI as a Creative Partner, Not a Replacement

Ed emphasizes that AI is a tool, not a takeover. It accelerates iteration, reduces friction, and brings directors back into the creative sandbox.

AI is becoming a collaborator that enhances, not diminishes, the craft.

Why Copyright and Clean Training Data Matter

Ed is clear that the entertainment industry cannot function without copyright. Studios cannot use models trained on unlicensed content. Clean, licensed AI models will determine who succeeds in the next era of filmmaking.

The Future of Filmmaking: A New Creative Renaissance

Ed’s closing advice is a roadmap for creators navigating this new era:

• Stay curious

• Master the fundamentals

• Experiment boldly

• Use new tools without abandoning the craft

This moment is not an ending. It is the beginning of a renaissance for filmmakers who embrace AI-driven workflows.

Watch the Episode

Want to go deeper into this conversation?
Our full episode with Ed Ulbrich explores how creative technology, studio economics, and new AI tools are reshaping the future of filmmaking.

Watch the full episode:
https://youtu.be/UdBf9j1Z4DY

Download the episode: https://www.becomecgpro.com/podcasts/cg-pro-podcast

Join Our CG Pro Community

Want to join us live?
We host regular live shows, Q&As, and conversations with top creators and innovators shaping the future of filmmaking.

Join our mailing list:
https://www.becomecgpro.com/cg-pro-community