What happens when AI hype collides with a real production pipeline? In this episode of the CG Pro Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Watling, Co-Founder and CEO of JALI Research, to discuss the economics of animated character performance, the hidden costs that derail productions, and why great performances still depend on human creative decisions. JALI's facial animation technology has been used by leading studios and developers including Blizzard, CD Projekt Red, Riot Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment, LEGO, and many others. Rather than chasing shortcuts, Sarah shares a practical perspective on how automation can help artists scale production while preserving the performance, emotion, and storytelling that audiences connect with!

In this episode, Alvy Ray Smith, co-founder of Pixar and inventor of the Alpha Channel, shares his incredible journey through the history of digital image making, the birth of computer graphics, and insights into the future of AI and creativity. Discover the stories behind groundbreaking innovations, the challenges faced, and advice for artists and technologists navigating a rapidly changing landscape.

In this episode, Jake Mamoudis, founder of WileyCo VFX, shares insights from his 20+ years in high-end VFX, working on blockbuster films like Dune and Project Hail Mary. He discusses the complexities of creating digital dunes, the journey of building a successful VFX company, and the future of AI in visual effects.