About the film
The Bends, a groundbreaking short film directed and written by Tiffany Lin, redefines the future of CG and animation by integrating artificial intelligence across nearly every stage of production. Blending human creativity with cutting-edge AI tools, the project demonstrates how a primarily AI-driven workflow can achieve studio-level quality, photoreal visuals, and reduced production timelines without sacrificing artistic intent.
At its heart, The Bends is a visually stunning parable. When a captivating fishing lure from the surface enchants a lonely deep-sea fish, its sudden disappearance sparks an epic underwater odyssey through perilous waters and dangerous creatures. As the journey takes its toll, the fish must decide: how far will it go for a fleeting glimpse of wonder?
The film is produced by Sarah Ivy and Christina Lee Storm, with executive producers Erik Weaver and Tom Thudiyanplackal, and Head of AI Technology and Production Ben Abergel and Khayyam Khan.
The Tech & Workflow
The Bends is a 100% generative AI film developed with a bespoke pipeline that integrates tools.
The AI workflow encompassed pre-visualization through final rendering, guided by Lin’s animation-based animatic and tightly overseen by a team of nine artists.
AI-generated elements were refined through traditional VFX passes, color grading, sound editing, and a final film-out to 35mm with FotoKem, giving the project cinematic authenticity.
Breakthroughs included achieving character consistency and adapting workflows mid-production as new AI innovations emerged.
As Hollywood wrestles with the implications of AI, The Bends offers a practical case study in how new technologies can reduce cost and time-to-completion while empowering more storytellers to bring original visions to screen. With a lean team and efficient pipeline, the production demonstrates how AI could reshape budgets, expand access to storytelling, and unlock new creative opportunities.