Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545821
tive today, as the industry moves toward more generalists and story- tellers with the rise of AI-enabled workflows. Having begun his career as a makeup effects artist, he carried that unique knowledge of hu- man anatomy and texturing through to his VFX work. Similarly, un- derstanding core aspects like lighting, composition, and timing has helped him generate more useful AI outputs. While compositing has historically been a later stage step of the pipeline, he's seen work- flows become less linear and compositing evolve into a full creative control hub, where teams integrate and render CG elements from other departments. In particular, he's found being able to relight plates in compositing to be incredibly valuable. Despite his enthusiasm for AI's myriad possibilities, Olmos cau- tions that the technology is still limited. Clients can overestimate AI-powered capabilities and need a stronger understanding about what is realistic for productions today, and what's more future look- ing. AI tools have also reshaped creative iteration. Oen Olmos will zero in on what a client wants by process of elimination. This helps push creative decisions forward and minimizes big post fixes. Focusing on the future AI is undoubtedly impacting where VFX is heading, and quickly. It seems like there's something new to explore almost daily, which is very exciting, but the chaos can be daunting. We've gone from hand-painted models and cel animation to digital workflows that support ever-increasing resolutions and higher dynamic range. Each advancement, no matter how large or small, expands the creative toolbox. For example, Foundry's February 2026 acquisition of AI or- chestration platform Griptape will make it easier for studios to lever- age AI models in production without disrupting existing workflows. The AI genie is out of the bottle. Now, it's a matter of figuring out how we move forward ethically and effectively, and above all, pre- serve strong storytelling, regardless of how those stories are realized. We'll soon move past conversations about efficiency and technical limitations and refocus on creating amazing visuals that inspire au- diences.