5. How will AI video models like Sora2 ultimately evolve? Will the entire CG/VFX industry be reshaped or replaced?

Talking about AI video models like Sora feels like the first time we saw smartphones – we knew they would change a lot, but exactly how was unclear back then. I'll try to share my thoughts in simple terms.

What will AI video models ultimately become?

I believe they will evolve from a "toy" into a "toolbox," and finally into a "creative partner."

1. The current "toy" stage: You give it a sentence, and it gives you an amazing short clip. It's cool, but not very controllable, like a mystery box toy. Characters and scenes in the video might change in the next second, continuity cannot be guaranteed, so it can't produce long-form content yet.

2. The future "toolbox" stage: I think this step will be realized very soon. It will no longer be a matter of just giving it a sentence; it will become very "obedient." You'll be able to command it like a top-tier special effects team. For example, you could tell it: "Change the character's hairstyle in this video," "Let the 3 PM sunlight stream in from the left window," or "Replace this car with a spaceship, and add dust effects when it takes off." It will become a super powerful post-production software, allowing for precise, real-time modification and creation of videos.

3. The ultimate "creative partner" stage: At this point, it will be more than just a tool. It will understand your "feelings." You could tell it: "I want a shot with a Wong Kar-wai film aesthetic, expressing the protagonist's inner loneliness and confusion." It won't just generate visuals; it will understand abstract artistic styles and emotions, and help you explore various creative options. It will become your director's assistant, cinematographer, editor, and can even brainstorm with you to spark your inspiration.

Will the entire CG/VFX industry be reshaped or replaced?

My answer is: Completely reshaped, but not entirely replaced.

This is similar to how the film industry almost disappeared after digital cameras emerged, but the profession of photographer didn't vanish; instead, it experienced a boom. The same applies to AI and the CG/VFX industry.

What will be replaced? It will be the "labor-intensive" tasks. For example, "Roto" (rotoscoping) work, which involves meticulously cutting out characters from backgrounds frame by frame; creating large quantities of repetitive scene models (like every tree in a forest or every building in a city); and some basic effects simulations. These tedious, time-consuming, and less creative tasks will be done faster and better by AI than by humans. The impact on technicians performing these foundational tasks will be significant.

What will be reshaped and enhanced? It will be "creativity" and "aesthetics."

1. Greatly lowered barriers, a creative explosion: Previously, if you wanted to make a sci-fi blockbuster, you'd need a team of hundreds and tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars. In the future, a visionary director, with a small team, or even by themselves, could achieve Hollywood-level visual effects using AI tools. This means that what determines the quality of a work will no longer be who has more money or a stronger technical team, but rather whose story is more interesting and whose creativity is more unique. Independent filmmakers and small studios will usher in a golden age.

2. Shift in artists' focus: The work of CG/VFX artists will shift from "how to make it" to "what it should look like." They will no longer need to spend 80% of their time grappling with software and technical details; instead, they can dedicate all their energy to artistic design, storytelling, cinematic language, and overall style control. AI will handle execution, while humans will be responsible for decision-making and creativity. Human value will be reflected in aesthetics, taste, and imagination.

3. New professions will emerge: In the future, roles like "AI Director" or "AI VFX Artist" might appear. Their core skill won't be operating complex software, but rather how to "guide" AI work using the most precise and creative language (Prompts), and how to filter, adjust, and artistically refine the AI-generated results.

In summary, AI will not make the CG/VFX industry disappear; instead, it will elevate the entire industry's productivity to a new level. It will phase out old, inefficient production methods while fostering new creative models and artistic expressions. For creative individuals, this is an unprecedented golden age, as they can finally break free from technical constraints and focus on realizing their imagination. For the industry as a whole, this is an "industrial revolution" that will ultimately allow audiences to see more, cooler, and more imaginative works.