New Delhi: Hollywood is placing a big bet on artificial intelligence. The movie business is leaning on algorithms, machine learning tools and AI assisted
visual effects to change how films get made. From massive superhero blockbusters to more experimental projects, studios are testing how far technology can go without replacing the human voice behind cinema.
Many filmmakers still see AI as a helping hand rather than a takeover tool, but the scale of adoption today feels very real. Over the past few months, conversations with artists, VFX professionals and researchers show excitement mixed with caution.
Virtual film sets and new production habits
Virtual sets and AI assisted environments are quietly changing shooting floors. Earlier, filmmakers depended purely on green screens or massive set builds. AI based systems can now help directors preview digital worlds, plan camera moves and even adjust backgrounds faster. Researchers noted that the “future ambition is to improve the technology to the point where VFX can be instantly changed while filming on set” . That kind of flexibility is slowly reducing the need for huge physical builds and long reshoot schedules.
Studios and VFX houses are also using AI to manage the chaos behind the scenes. AI tools can support project and asset management across large productions, which can sometimes involve hundreds of thousands VFX assets . It sounds boring compared to superheroes flying, but this is the kind of work that actually saves crores in production budgets.
Digital de-ageing and face work in films
One of the most visible AI experiments in Hollywood has been digital de aging. Films like The Irishman, Captain Marvel and Avengers Endgame used AI assisted pipelines to make actors appear younger on screen . The same paper recalls how Digital Domain used machine learning and facial capture data to transform Josh Brolin into Thanos, giving the character emotional weight and believability .
There is also serious research around deepfake style tools, though professionals admit quality still does not match top tier VFX pipelines. Still, the door is open. These tools are improving and could reduce the risk of waste in the film production process by increasing flexibility. For studios constantly counting budgets, that reads like money saved.
Marvel scale pipelines and lessons for Indian cinema
Marvel films have already shown how reliant modern blockbusters are on AI and machine learning driven workflows. From crowd generation to background builds and complex compositing, AI quietly speeds up many boring yet time consuming tasks. AI tools can help with animating background VFX characters, and automating rotoscoping and world building .
Indian cinema is learning from this shift too. Big ticket Indian productions are expanding their VFX demands, especially in historical epics and pan India spectacles. The same techniques that power Hollywood are slowly being adapted to local budgets. The logic is simple. Save time. Cut cost. Keep the screen big and exciting.
India pushes new age AI cinema with AI² Awards 2026
In India, TV9 Network is also encouraging creators to experiment. The company has launched the AI² Awards 2026, inviting students, independent filmmakers and young creators to use AI alongside human creativity to tell fresh stories. The competition covers documentaries, animations, music videos and more. It arrives at a moment when AI and filmmaking are finally sharing the same frame.
