AI in anime production: opportunity and controversy

The adoption of AI-based tools for coloring, inbetweening, and creative assistance has grown significantly; while studios see it as a solution to shortages, artists warn of risks of devaluation and misuse of works.
Extensive reports and analyses by economic and cultural media have shown that large studios and production companies are exploring AI to automate repetitive tasks in the production chain. The promise: reduced time and costs, greater scalability, and freeing up animators for more creative tasks.

But the introduction of AI is controversial: from the legality of using datasets (images trained without consent) to job losses due to automation. Famous creators have warned of “AI that erases authorship”: the community is calling for clear regulations, compensation agreements for artists whose styles are used as references, and transparency in credits.

In addition, there are concerns about quality: AI can help today, but it cannot replace the human eye at key moments of performance and timing. The solution, according to industry voices, would be a hybrid adoption with contracts that protect rights and training for workers.