Pika has been on a roll. Pikaswap, Pikadditions. Now Pika Frames.

Start and End frames aren’t new for AI tools, but the demos going around online look very, very smooth. Like this recreation of Michael Jackson’s Black or White morphing video.

There’s also been a lot of vibrant discussion on our latest Denoised episode breaking down the Technicolor collapse - check it out if you missed it earlier.

Joey

Wan2.1: Sora Quality, Free and Open-Source

Alibaba dropped an update to their free and open-source video model, Wan2.1. The updated Wan excels at handling complex movements and enhancing pixel quality, scoring high marks on industry benchmarks for video generation, taking on Sora.

Key Developments

• Advanced space-time attention mechanisms create more natural-looking motion and object interactions, addressing a longtime challenge in AI video generation

• Dual-language support for both Chinese and English text prompts expands creative possibilities for global production teams

• High benchmark scores on the VBench leaderboard demonstrate significant improvements in dynamic degree and spatial relationships

• New capabilities enable rapid concept iteration and pre-visualization without requiring extensive technical expertise

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RED Adds Z Mount

RED Digital Cinema's latest releases - the V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount and KOMODO-X Z Mount - represent the first fruits of Nikon's acquisition of the cinema camera maker. The new Z CINEMA series combines RED's renowned image science with Nikon's extensive lens ecosystem, offering filmmakers unprecedented flexibility in glass selection.

Key Developments

• V-RAPTOR [X] features an 8K VV global shutter sensor with 20+ stops of dynamic range, while KOMODO-X offers 6K Super 35 imaging

• Both cameras support NIKKOR Z and F mount lenses via the FTZ II adapter, opening up decades of Nikon glass options

• New NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ power zoom lens launches alongside the cameras, designed specifically for cinema use

• RED's Global Vision suite and enhanced color science maintain the company's signature look while improving highlight handling

• With an additional adapter, Sony E-Mount lenses can also be used with full control and autofocus.

Image Source: RED Digital Cinema, Inc.

ElevenLabs’ Scribe Takes on Voice to Text

ElevenLabs has unveiled Scribe, a new speech-to-text model that reportedly outperforms industry leaders like Gemini 2.0 and OpenAI's Whisper v3 in accuracy across multiple languages.

• The model excels in English, Spanish, and Italian transcription, with superior handling of challenging audio environments and accented speech

• Integration potential with existing editing software suites could streamline post-production workflows

• Advanced architecture suggests better performance in noisy environments and with technical vocabulary

• Competition between major players (Google, OpenAI, ElevenLabs) could drive faster innovation in this space

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FLORA: Node Base AI Workflows

FLORA, a new intelligent canvas platform, is enhancing AI video creation by unifying multiple AI tools in one collaborative workspace.

• Real-time collaboration enabling multiple team members to contribute simultaneously to projects

• Integrated AI tools covering the complete production pipeline, from scriptwriting to post-production

• Cloud-based infrastructure ensuring consistent access and performance across teams

• Streamlined feedback and version control tools that simplify the revision process

• Node-based design and reduced technical barriers allowing creatives to focus more on storytelling

Read More

Michael Cioni shares his thoughts on how Hollywood can thrive by embracing the creator economy, leveraging new technologies, and collaborating with independent creators to shape the future of entertainment.

Stories, projects, and links that caught our attention from around the web:

🗣 Amazon is set to upgrade Alexa with advanced AI capabilities by integrating Anthropic's Claude AI models, aiming to enhance user interactions and competitiveness in the smart assistant market.

✂️ LumaFusion 5.2 expands editing power, allowing media professionals to work with up to 12 video and audio tracks.

💁🏻‍♀️ Anora serves as a prime example of how a well-executed budget can transform a film's visual and narrative impact, offering media professionals a lesson in maximizing resources for cinematic success.

📝 The new integration between Scriptation and Shot Lister enables filmmakers to import scripts directly into Shot Lister, ensuring that shot lists stay up-to-date with the latest script revisions.

📱 Polycam's latest iPhone update allows users to quickly 3D scan rooms, merge scans, collaborate on edits, and automatically generate floorplan PDFs, making it a valuable tool for film production professionals.

🎬 ARwall's Glowcraft Films division is set to co-develop and co-produce genre and historical period content using ARwall's virtual production technology.

👔 Virtual Production Gigs

Technical Program Manager
Mo-Sys Engineering Ltd
London, UK

Internship Program for Virtual Production
Orbital Studios
Los Angeles, CA

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