TED Talks Daily: "Star Wars changed visual effects — AI is doing it again" by Rob Bredow

Release Date: May 3, 2025
Host/Author: TED
Speaker: Rob Bredow, Visual Effects Trailblazer at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)

Introduction: The Evolution of Visual Effects

Rob Bredow opens his talk by drawing parallels between the groundbreaking visual effects of the original Star Wars series and the current revolution driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). He emphasizes the continuous interplay between art and technology, highlighting how each era of innovation builds upon the previous ones to enhance storytelling in cinema.

Historical Context: Pioneering Visual Effects at ILM

[03:42] Bredow reflects on the seminal moments in visual effects history, particularly focusing on ILM's contributions:

• Jurassic Park (1993):
  Bredow recounts how Jurassic Park redefined visual effects by blending full-scale animatronics with groundbreaking computer-generated imagery (CGI). He shares an anecdote about Kathy Kennedy discovering early CGI tests, which shifted the industry's trajectory from stop-motion animation to digital graphics.

  Rob Bredow: "As the lights came up, they knew cinema history had changed. It wasn't going to be the same." [04:30]

• The Mandalorian (2020):
  Highlighting the transition to real-time virtual production, Bredow discusses how technologies like LED walls enabled immersive environments, reducing the need for extensive location shoots. This innovation allowed for greater creative flexibility and faster production times.

  Rob Bredow: "It's a beautiful collaboration between tech and art that elevates the storytelling and gives our artists new tools." [10:45]

The Rise of AI in Visual Effects: Opportunities and Concerns

Bredow addresses the current wave of AI advancements in visual effects, acknowledging both the excitement and apprehension within the creative community.

• AI's Growing Capabilities:
  He points out that companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI are developing sophisticated video generation systems capable of tasks that traditionally required extensive human labor. This includes frame-by-frame animation, a process that once demanded weeks of work from multiple artists for just a few seconds of footage.

  Rob Bredow: "In movies you love, it's going to be pretty intimidating." [05:15]

• Concerns About Job Security:
  Bredow empathizes with artists who fear AI might render their skills obsolete. However, he draws parallels to past technological shifts, arguing that innovation often creates new opportunities rather than eliminating existing roles.

  Rob Bredow: "Phil said, I feel like I'm extinct. But I think artists right now, many of us are feeling that same threat of extinction." [04:50]

Blending Old Techniques with New AI Tools: A Synergistic Approach

Bredow illustrates how ILM successfully integrates traditional animation methods with cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance creativity and efficiency.

• Case Study: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny:
  For the latest installment, Bredow describes using both AI-generated likenesses of Harrison Ford and traditional CGI to create a younger version of the beloved character. This hybrid approach leverages AI's ability to capture detailed performances while maintaining artistic control through CG enhancements.

  Rob Bredow: "That's blending the old and new. Leaning on the experienced artist to drive even the brand new techniques." [07:50]

• Artist-Driven Innovation:
  Emphasizing the importance of collaboration between artists and engineers, Bredow highlights ILM's philosophy of placing creative talents alongside technical experts to foster innovation. This synergy ensures that technological advancements serve the storytelling rather than overshadow it.

  Rob Bredow: "We see this on the motion control on the original Star Wars or on Jurassic Park with the CG dinosaurs for the first time." [09:30]

Impact and Future of AI in Visual Effects

Looking ahead, Bredow shares his vision for the future where AI empowers artists to push the boundaries of visual storytelling even further.

• Enhancing Creativity:
  AI tools are envisioned to handle repetitive tasks, freeing artists to focus on more imaginative aspects of production. This shift can lead to more innovative and visually stunning films, as artists have more time and resources to explore creative ideas.

  Rob Bredow: "We are going to be able to give artists these kinds of tools. And as these tools do get so powerful, we do need to use them thoughtfully with the full permission of the talent." [12:10]

• Ensuring Ethical Use:
  Bredow stresses the importance of ethical considerations in deploying AI, particularly regarding the use of actors' likenesses and the integrity of performances. ILM is committed to securing permissions and maintaining the rights of talent to ensure responsible AI integration.

  Rob Bredow: "Like you saw in the example of Indiana Jones where Harrison Ford gave his permission for his likeness to be used and we had full access and the rights to the training data." [14:50]

• Building a Collaborative Future:
  He envisions a future where diverse skill sets among artists and technicians drive the next wave of creative breakthroughs, leading to richer and more immersive cinematic experiences.

  Rob Bredow: "It's going to be even more imaginative, can be even more creative than that original that inspired us all in 1977." [15:55]

Conclusion: Embracing the Fusion of Art and Technology

Rob Bredow concludes by reaffirming his optimism that AI will not replace creatives but will instead serve as a powerful tool to enhance their artistic capabilities. He champions the continued collaboration between artists and technologists to ensure that the magic of storytelling remains at the heart of filmmaking.

Rob Bredow: "That's what we want to capitalize on. What you see here, you can kind of think of it as like a mood board, but a moving one." [13:25]

He encourages the audience to embrace these technological advancements thoughtfully, ensuring that creativity remains the driving force behind visual storytelling.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Integration: Successful visual effects innovation has always involved blending traditional techniques with new technologies.
• AI as Empowerment: AI is poised to enhance rather than replace creative professionals, offering new tools for storytelling.
• Collaborative Innovation: The future of visual effects lies in the continued collaboration between artists and technologists.
• Ethical Considerations: Responsible use of AI, particularly regarding talent likeness and data rights, is crucial for sustainable innovation.
• Optimistic Future: With the right approach, AI can lead to even more imaginative and creative cinematic experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• On AI and Job Security:

  "Phil said, I feel like I'm extinct. But I think artists right now, many of us are feeling that same threat of extinction." [04:50]

• On Blending Old and New:

  "That's blending the old and new. Leaning on the experienced artist to drive even the brand new techniques." [07:50]

• On Ethical AI Use:

  "We do need to use them thoughtfully with the full permission of the talent." [12:10]

• On the Future of Creativity:

  "It's going to be even more imaginative, can be even more creative than that original that inspired us all in 1977." [15:55]

Rob Bredow's insightful exploration into the intersection of AI and visual effects underscores the importance of maintaining the delicate balance between technological innovation and artistic integrity. His perspective provides a hopeful roadmap for the future of filmmaking, where technology serves to amplify the creative visions that captivate audiences worldwide.