Working with AI in VFX Workflows – Three questions our clients ask

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in our daily lives, or visual effects. The light has already been switched on. It’s embedded across modern production tools, software platforms, and workflows, whether we like it or not.

The real question for global VFX studios isn’t whether we want to stay in the dark. It’s how we’re going to adopt and integrate in a way that benefits our people, our clients, and our productions with security and copyright at the forefront.

That’s why many of the conversations we’re having with clients aren’t about chasing the latest AI tools, but about understanding how AI is being used responsibly, and what that means for when it comes to delivery and quality.

At Cause and FX, we’ve found these conversations tend to centre on three practical questions:

1. Are you using AI in your VFX workflows?

Yes, we are. In a considered, controlled, and deliberate way we’re utilising AI.

AI is already part of the broader technology ecosystem used across film and television production. Ignoring it wouldn’t make work safer or more stable over time. In many cases, it would introduce greater risk.

Our approach isn’t about experimentation at the expense of delivery or security. It’s about understanding where AI can responsibly support our teams and strengthen existing workflows, without changing the fundamentals of how we deliver for clients.

2. How is Cause and FX using AI?

We want to make this very clear. We’re not using AI as a replacement tool for people or creativity. We are using it to support existing workflows, remove friction and provide data and insight earlier. All of this is with human oversight.

Speeding up existing technical workflows

Within our pipeline and engineering teams, AI is used to support tasks such as code generation and automation. This helps reduce time spent on repetitive or low-value technical work, allowing specialists to focus on higher-impact problem solving.

All of this work is reviewed, tested and validated by experienced engineers before reaching production.

“We run any AI tools through the same rigour we’d apply to a new render engine or suite of software. The sandbox testing isn’t optional. It’s the barrier that keeps our workflows and studio protected.”

– Reuben Hamill, Technology and Infrastructure Manager.

Using data to identify risk earlier

We’re beginning to use AI to analyse internal production data. Things like time logging and task reporting are benefited when we can identify patterns across projects.

By comparing current projects against historical data, we can spot signals earlier and intervene sooner. The intent isn’t hindsight reporting; it’s creating an early warning system that supports more predictable delivery.

“We are using AI to analyse our historic and current data, allowing us to gain understanding, spot trends and review common industry challenges. This helps us have stronger predictability around project scheduling and delivery, ensures we are informed to make smarter decisions and can continually review and update our processes as the industry evolves.”

– Shana May Palmer, VFX Production Supervisor

Accelerating everyday processes

AI is also used as a research and synthesis tool, helping our teams gather information faster, test ideas, and structure planning more efficiently.

It doesn’t replace expertise. It simply accelerates access to information, allowing our teams to spend more time applying judgement and craft.

“Just because you have a microwave doesn’t mean you forget how to cook. It’s the same with AI. It can support certain tasks or run overnight processes, but it doesn’t replace craft. You still need experience, judgement, and creative instinct. The tools might evolve, but our artists are still essential.”

– Alessandro Maschietto, Lead Compositing Artist.

Empowering artists, not replacing them

We are also selectively exploring artist-facing tools that can help speed up parts of existing workflows. These tools are introduced carefully, tested in secure sandbox environments, and always used under human direction and review.

The goal is to enable artists to focus more time on creative judgement and iteration, rather than repetitive technical steps.

“AI-powered image and video generation tools are being integrated into various stages of our production pipeline to handle routine visual development tasks. These include generating reference imagery for concept development, creating texture variations, producing background elements, and accelerating repetitive cleanup work such as object removal or background reconstruction.

These generative tools serve as a starting point rather than final output. All AI-generated elements undergo thorough review by experienced artists and are refined, composited, and integrated by our creative teams to meet the specific quality standards and artistic vision of each project.”

– Petr Sajner, Compositing Supervisor 2D.

3. What does this mean for you as our client?

Basically, you shouldn’t feel us using AI. What you should experience, is:

• Greater consistency across delivery
• Earlier visibility of potential risk
• Fewer last-minute surprises
• Teams focused on creative and technical problem-solving, not firefighting

AI doesn’t change our creative standards, approval and security processes, or accountability. People remain responsible for the work, the decisions, and the outcomes.

A measured approach to AI in visual effects

AI is evolving quickly. We’re aware of the concerns around AI, because we hear them. From intellectual property, ethics, job security, to trust. We know these concerns are valid. And they’re part of why we’ve chosen a measured approach.

We don’t believe in jumping on a bandwagon because everyone else is. But we’re 100% committed to adopting tools when they support our people and strengthen client delivery.

So, like we said at the start. The lights are on, but we’re making sure they’re being used to see more clearly, not to dazzle.

Want to talk further? Please drop us an email and we’ll schedule a chat.

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