DISNEY x ADOBE Deal Just NORMALIZED AI in Animation...

Disney and Adobe’s AI Partnership

Disney has announced a multi-year partnership with Adobe to develop generative AI tools for its creative workflows. The hosts say the tools are intended to turn artists’ sketches into finished concept art and to use custom models based on Disney intellectual property. Adobe will provide access to Firefly Foundry, along with other software and engineering resources.

The hosts describe the deal as a major bet on AI and suggest Disney is building relationships with multiple AI companies while exploring its options. They speculate that Disney may eventually develop its own internal models or seek closer control of the technology, but these are their interpretations, not confirmed plans.

Adobe and the Creative Industry

The hosts portray Adobe as under pressure from customer frustration with its subscriptions and competition from open-source alternatives. They question whether Adobe’s AI tools will meet Disney’s needs and suggest the partnership could benefit Disney more than ordinary Adobe customers.

They argue that opposition to AI is unlikely to prevent studios and other employers from adopting it. In their view, creative work will continue, but AI could reduce staffing needs and make already competitive jobs scarcer. They also criticize executives for prioritizing cost-cutting and profits over creative workers.

The hosts differ on how acceptable AI is:

• One sees it as a useful production tool that can save time, while stressing that training data should be used ethically and AI should not be imposed everywhere.
• The other is more concerned about departments being replaced and workers’ work being used without permission.

AI in Japanese Animation

The hosts also discuss reports that Toei is using AI in Kamen Rider productions. They suggest AI adoption is growing in Japanese animation amid high demand and limited staffing, and predict the technology may remain even if the current AI investment boom cools.

Presenters

Kneon and Geeky Sparkles