AI De-Aging in *Here*
Robert Zemeckis’ Here leverages AI-driven de-aging technology to seamlessly transform Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, and Kelly Reilly across decades. Production Supervisor Kevin Baillie and Metaphysic VFX Supervisor Jo Plaete will break down the real-time face-swapping system that allowed actors and directors to see de-aged performances instantly on set. They will also explore AI-powered post-production techniques that helped Zemeckis avoid the “uncanny valley” while enhancing digital environments, body reconstruction, and prosthetics for aged characters. The session, part of the VFX for Features track, positions *Here* as a case study in AI-augmented filmmaking.
Non-Verbal Communication in *Flow*
In the Academy Award-winning animated feature *Flow*, director Gints Zilbalodis replaces dialogue with non-verbal communication among a cast of animals. Animation Supervisor Thibaut Delahaye will explain his approach to animating quadrupeds, ensuring expressive body language. Sound Designer Gurwal Loïc Dallas will highlight how sound design can enhance emotional depth without spoken dialogue. These sessions belong to the Feature Animation and Sound Design tracks, respectively.
Previsualization in *Secret Level*
The Animated Series track features a deep dive into the previs process for *Secret Level*, focusing on the “Crossfire” episode. Producer Marina Borokhova and Lead Previz Artist Dominik Wawrzyniak from Platige Image will guide attendees through storyboarding, motion capture, editing, and previs, showcasing the challenges and solutions encountered during production.
The Language of VFX
In the **Managing Change** track, Florian Gellinger, Co-Founder of RISE | Visual Effects Studios, will discuss how VFX professionals define their roles and market their contributions compared to other industries. The session will explore how industry terminology influences public perception and whether it undervalues the field’s contributions to filmmaking.
FMX and Virtual Worlds
Coinciding with Stuttgart Animated Week, the Virtual Worlds/XR Expo (May 8-9) will showcase Metaverse-related technologies. Open to professionals, students, and enthusiasts, the expo will highlight VR, AR, and XR developments, with free admission. More details and tickets are available here.
About the author
Senior Editor at DIGITAL PRODUCTION since 1997 -
Günter Hagedorn has been part of the editorial team at DIGITAL PRODUCTION since its inception and has been involved with the event since the first animago in 1997. He is currently a co-organizer and jury chairman. The animago is awarded in the industry for the best computer-generated films, animations, special effects, and more. He also works as a freelance graphic designer and programmer in Norderstedt, and since 2004, he has also been extensively involved with photography.
Günter Hagedorn's core competencies include editorial work, but also graphic design, web design, search engine optimization (SEO), database development, video editing, photography, and event management.
At animago, he is entrusted with the organization of the competition. This includes, for example, communicating with the participants, conducting the jury meetings, providing creative advice for the animago trailer, and directing the awards ceremony.
In his free time, people photography is a major hobby. In addition to publishing a book on portrait and nude photography, Günter Hagedorn shares his knowledge of studio photography and image retouching in individual coaching sessions and group seminars.
Article details
- Published
- Author
- Günter Hagedorn
- Reading time
- About 2 min
- Word count
- 316