Russian Animators Turn to Artificial Intelligence
Industry leaders say new technology could significantly reduce the cost of producing animated content.
Russian animation studios are preparing to adopt artificial intelligence in the production of animated films. According to Yuliana Slashcheva, chair of the board of directors at the Soyuzmultfilm film studio, neural networks and AI are already reshaping production workflows and the way creators communicate with audiences, according to comments cited by the Russian news agency TASS.
Slashcheva said the studio is at the forefront of sweeping global changes in animation. In the near future, she said, the first projects created with the help of AI could emerge without appearing artificial to viewers.
Audiences Are Looking for Something New
One of the main advantages of the new technology is the lower cost of producing animated films. According to Slashcheva, producing one minute of animation currently costs between 350,000 and 700,000 rubles ($~3,800–$~7,700). AI could transform the production process and significantly reduce expenses. She added that younger audiences are also eager for new formats.
The studio is already testing ideas in digital environments. A character and its fictional world may first appear as a short video on social media to gauge audience reaction. According to the executive, family films and animated features remain the most in-demand format in Russia.
