Studio Intelligent Animation launches with microseries based on webcomic IP | News
Mark Stern and Lloyd Braun have launched Intelligent Animation, a Los Angeles-based studio that integrates artificial intelligence with traditional animation techniques. The company is currently producing its first two shortform series for the microseries platform aTwist, using licensed intellectual property from the webcomics platform Tapas, according to the founders.
The studio’s initial projects include The Dragon Prince’s Bride, based on a CJ Young novel about a slave who finds an injured stranger, and The Prince’s Personal Physician, which follows a surgeon in a kingdom where female medical knowledge is punishable by death. Both series are scheduled to launch on aTwist later this year.
How does Intelligent Animation use AI in its production?
Intelligent Animation employs a proprietary production process that blends new technologies with traditional methods to reduce costs and increase speed. The executives stated this approach allows animators to bring art to life “much faster and cheaper than normal animation.”
Mark Stern emphasized that the creative process “begins and ends with the human artist.” He stated the tools are designed to expedite tedious steps while keeping artists in control of their output.
“We’re proud to have built an ethical way to apply these powerful new technologies. We never use AI to create scripts, original artwork or actors’ performances and our systems are protective of the copyrights of others as well as of the material we’re creating,” Stern said.
Who is leading the new animation studio?
The studio is led by industry veterans Mark Stern and Lloyd Braun. Stern previously headed the Syfy network and Universal Cable Productions, overseeing titles like Battlestar Galactica, Warehouse 13, and Being Human; he currently serves as president of Echoverse.
Braun’s background includes roles as chairman of WME and the ABC Entertainment Group. They are joined by Nick Garland as head of development, who has worked with MySpace, Whalerock Industries, Syfy, and Echoverse.
What other projects are in development?
The studio is developing multiple projects across the horror, romance, kids, and science-fiction genres. These may include Expeditionary Force, based on a 19-book series by Craig Alanson, and the aTwist project Kidnapped by the Pirate Prince.
Additional projects in the pipeline include the Tapas series Prince of Silk & Thorn and Governess of a Tyrant. These developments could expand the studio’s reach into various narrative formats as they scale their proprietary tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Intelligent Animation use AI to write scripts?
No. Mark Stern stated the studio never uses AI to create scripts, original artwork, or actors’ performances.
Which platform will host the first two series?
The series will launch on the microseries platform aTwist.
What is the source of the intellectual property for the first series?
The first two series are based on webcomic IP licensed from the platform Tapas.
Do you think AI tools can coexist with traditional animation without compromising artistic integrity?