Cheehoo: AI Animation Startup Lands $10M to Simplify Content Creation
Cheehoo, a new company emerging from the Rideback production house, aims to revolutionize animation creation through artificial intelligence. The company has secured $10 million in funding, led by Greycroft, to develop tools that streamline and simplify the animation production pipeline.
Addressing Animation's Challenges
Traditional animation is known for being both time-intensive and complex, involving multiple stages like storyboarding, rendering, and lighting. Cheehoo's goal is to provide creators with AI-driven solutions that accelerate the process and reduce costs, making animation more accessible.
The Cheehoo Solution
Cheehoo's tools are designed to facilitate rapid prototyping and iteration, supporting tasks such as data annotation, file conversions, and format consistency. The platform can integrate with existing industry-standard software like Maya and Unreal, enabling animators to make changes and see the results in real-time. A key aspect of Cheehoo's approach is the user's ability to control the level of AI assistance, allowing for a balance between automated features and creative input.
AI Integration and Customization
The platform utilizes in-house AI models for character and asset creation, but also allows users to incorporate third-party AI models from companies like OpenAI and Runway for tasks such as post-generation, motion stylization, and scene composition.
Industry Impact and Future Plans
While Cheehoo hasn't yet announced specific launch partners, the company states it is already collaborating with various IP holders, studios, and creators. Looking ahead, Cheehoo intends to expand its reach beyond enterprises and prosumers to offer more consumer-focused products, potentially competing with other startups in the animation space. The recent funding will likely fuel these expansion efforts.
Greycroft's investment highlights the potential of AI in media creation. According to Brentt Baltimore, principal at Greycroft, Cheehoo has the potential to significantly reduce animation production costs, empowering both established creators and independent filmmakers. The combination of Hollywood experience, media expertise, and technological innovation positions Cheehoo to make a considerable impact on the animation industry. By democratizing access to sophisticated animation tools, Cheehoo aims to foster greater creativity and innovation in the field.
Source: TechCrunch