Follow Matthew Wenhardt on X or email him at [email protected].
Follow Reza Safai on X or email him at [email protected]
Email Jonathan Muller at [email protected]
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Reza, Jonathan, and Matthew are leveraging AI tools like Viggle to reimagine the filmmaking process. From acting to animation, their work showcases how technology can amplify creativity and storytelling.
Viggle: Could you please introduce yourselves?
Reza Safai: I come from a traditional filmmaking background and am best known for A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, often recognized as one of the top horror movies of the 21st century. My passion has always been rooted in exploring ideas that challenge conventional thinking and push creative boundaries.
I got into the AI space pretty early, collaborating with Matthew and 48 other amazing artists on the first ever AI feature length film: Our T2 Remake. I first discovered Viggle when looking for tools to bring more human-like performances into AI-generated content, by incorporating my acting along with style transfer. Viggle immediately stood out because it allowed me to incorporate my acting into the process. Using Viggle alongside Lensgo during the Multiverse of Mine competition, I created the music video A Tidal Affection that won an award. The feedback was incredible, mostly because audiences felt like it was alive, not AI.
I recently co-founded Massive Studios, a company that we describe as “Where AI Meets Imagination”. We can’t wait to share with world what we’re working on and who we’re working with. We’re on an exciting journey, and tools like Viggle are crucial in redefining what’s possible in filmmaking.
Jonathan Muller: I’ve spent 13 years as an animator, working across feature films, video games, and commercials. My journey began at Blue Sky Studios, where I worked on Ice Age, and most recently, I was at Disney animating for Wish. I’m the in-house animator for Avalon, a web3 project set in the metaverse.
I stepped into AI filmmaking about a year ago, driven by fear and excitement for what this new technology could mean for animation. It’s been an eye-opening experience as I work on adapting my previous AI projects to align with today's cutting-edge tools. AI's evolution has completely shifted how I approach creativity, and I’m excited to see where this journey leads.
Matthew Wenhardt: I started my career in the broadcast video industry, focusing on integrating and installing large broadcast systems. Over time, I transitioned into commercial photography, working with major brands like Sony, ESPN, and ABC, building a solid background in TV production. Later, life shifted as I started a family and took a role in the County of San Diego.
DALL-E came onto the scene about three years ago and instantly captivated me. Inspired by creators like Reza, I began experimenting with AI tools and producing videos online. When I saw the RT Remake, I knew I had to join this growing movement. Watching a fully AI-powered feature film screened for an audience was transformative. This experience led me to Cinema Synthetica, where I had the incredible experience of working face-to-face with teammates and pushing the boundaries of what these tools can achieve.
AI has reignited my creativity in ways I never thought possible. Unlike traditional production, which requires being on set, AI tools have allowed me to create from anywhere. I’m channeling this passion into a GenAI company that bridges AI innovation with traditional broadcast production.
Viggle: How Did You Get Started with Viggle?
Reza: I discovered Viggle on X right after it launched and thought it was perfect for adding human performances to AI-generated work. The ability to do motion capture without a green screen was revolutionary. Viggle really helped us create an opportunity for emotional connection in our film Father Timefor the Cinema Synthetica competition. .
Matthew: I came across Viggle after seeing the Lil Yachty video on X. Initially, I just played around with it, but during Cinema Synthetica, we used it seriously. Integrating Reza’s acting into dynamic scenes was incredible without needing traditional VFX pipelines.
Viggle: What Was the Workflow Like for Your Cinema Synthetica Project?
- ChatGPT: Used for storyboarding and initial conceptualization.
- Leonardo + Midjourney: Generated consistent character visuals by training models on actors’ photos.
- Adobe Photoshop: Edited backgrounds and removed characters as needed.
- Inpainting: Ensured character consistency throughout the scenes.
- Reza’s Acting: Recorded performances to bring life to the characters.
- Viggle: Applied style transfer and created dynamic, lifelike animations.
- Premiere and After Effects (Jonathan): Enhanced visuals with color grading and animated backgrounds.
- Krea.ai: Created seamless transition cuts with warp effects.
- Sound Design: Adobe Audio and Udio were used to craft audio.
- Topaz: Final upscale for polished, professional-quality results.
Viggle: Why Does Viggle Stand Out?
Reza: Viggle can help you add humanity to AI creations. It’s not just about making things look good—it’s about connecting with audiences emotionally. The fact that we could use it to act out scenes and bring them to life was a game-changer.
Matthew: Dynamic movement and efficiency are what set Viggle apart. Other tools require endless retries to get the right look, but with Viggle, we got our scenes right in just two tries. It’s a tool that respects your time and creativity.
Viggle: What Are Your Views on AI in Filmmaking?
Reza: AI can’t replace human creativity—it’s a tool that enhances it. Prompting has become an art form, and tools like Viggle allow creators to bring their visions to life. I think the artist’s role is more critical than ever.
Matthew: AI filmmaking has streamlined the process of turning ideas into reality. With tools like Viggle, the barriers to entry are lower, and the possibilities are endless. It’s about using technology to tell better stories, not replacing traditional methods.
Viggle: Thank you so much for taking the time today. We’re excited to see what you create next with Viggle!
Reza, Jonathan, and Matthew are pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve in filmmaking. With tools like Viggle, they’re not just creating visually stunning work—they’re redefining how stories are told.
As Reza aptly summarizes, “The AI era is not about replacing tradition—it’s about unlocking what’s never been possible before.”
Their journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and innovation. And with Viggle in their toolkit, the future of storytelling looks brighter than ever.
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