Busan Panel: AI-First Studios May Build New IP as Legacy Studios Keep Their Strengths
At Busan's Asian Contents & Film Market, VFX veteran Hong Jae Cheol said small AI-native companies with automated pipelines can develop their own intellectual property. He argued that traditional studios still hold advantages in established franchises, production infrastructure, talent, and distribution. Hong, a Viscode producer-director and former Industrial Light & Magic artist, described a shift from using AI for individual images to integrating it into complete production workflows.
Hong Jae Cheol, a producer-director at Viscode, presented these views during the InnoAsia AI Creators Camp, part of the Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Contents & Film Market. His background includes early work at Industrial Light & Magic and credits on major franchise films such as “Iron Man,” “Transformers” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
He contrasted smaller AI-focused outfits, which he said can use automated workflows to originate their own properties, with legacy studios, whose strengths remain in existing franchises, production capacity, skilled personnel and distribution. He also described a broader transition: AI moving from generating isolated visuals to becoming embedded across entire production processes.
The shift could affect independent creators, VFX workers, and smaller production firms by lowering some barriers to developing original projects, while established studios may retain leverage through franchises, infrastructure, talent and distribution. Audiences might see more varied content, though questions about labor, credit, and quality may grow as automated workflows spread. Industry groups and policymakers may also face pressure to adapt standards.