Wētā FX (wetafx.co.nz) today announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AMD to explore development of next-generation rendering and AI tools to optimize visual effects workflows. The news follows the seven-time Academy Award-winning studio’s announcement of a team up with AWS to pursue similar avenues.
The MOU sets the framework for both companies to engage on a number of aspects of visual effects. This may involve a range of projects, including:
- New, power efficient software leveraging modern compute architectures to power the next generation of capturing and transferring actor performances to fantastical creatures in an onset environment.
- Building on the history of Deep image processing at Wētā FX, create an extended array of tools to unlock and accelerate the emerging field of volumetric workflows.
- Utilize AMD CPU and GPU integration to power software providing networks of AI models running interactive sessions with better artistic control and flexibility.
“As the demands for creating cutting-edge visuals continue to grow in today’s biggest stories, we are proud to work alongside Weta FX—a studio renowned for its extraordinary talent and relentless drive to define the frontier of next-generation tools and technology. Together, we are helping shape the future of cinematic storytelling through breakthrough innovation and artistry,” said John Canning, Director of Strategic Partnerships – M&E at AMD.
“Wētā FX has always been at the forefront of technology innovations that serve our storyteller clients best, bringing their visions to life for audiences around the world to enjoy,” said Daniel Seah, Wētā FX CEO. “By partnering with AMD, we look forward to leveraging the potential that AI brings to artists in the movie-making process.”
Kimball Thurston, CTO at Wētā FX, added “AMD has powered our CGI rendering for years. With this MOU, we are looking to create tools for the next generation of storytelling as we integrate AI into an artist-centric creative experience.”
