Make the $100M Look for $10M: Tye Sheridan & Nikola Todorovic on AI, VFX, and the Future of Filmmaking
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
Actor Tye Sheridan and VFX director Nikola Todorovic discuss how their company Wonder Dynamics (now part of Autodesk) is revolutionizing filmmaking through AI-powered visual effects tools. (02:00) The conversation reveals Hollywood's nervous energy about AI disruption while exploring how their technology can reduce VFX costs by up to 90%, potentially cutting a $100 million effects budget down to $10 million. (27:07) They share their journey from meeting on a Terrence Malick film set to building a company that democratizes high-end visual effects, making blockbuster-quality filmmaking accessible to indie creators. The duo emphasizes that while AI will transform production workflows, compelling storytelling remains the ultimate differentiator that audiences will pay to see.
- Main theme: How AI is reshaping Hollywood economics while preserving the human elements that make great films
Speakers
Tye Sheridan
Tye Sheridan is an acclaimed actor known for roles in Ready Player One, X-Men films (as Cyclops), and early work in Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life. Since 2016, he has simultaneously built a career as an AI entrepreneur, co-founding Wonder Dynamics (acquired by Autodesk) while continuing his film career. His dual expertise in acting and technology gives him unique insights into how AI will transform Hollywood production.
Nikola Todorovic
Nikola Todorovic is a visual effects director and co-founder of Wonder Dynamics, bringing deep technical expertise in VFX, computer vision, and machine learning. Originally from Serbia, he has extensive experience in post-production workflows and has been instrumental in developing AI tools that streamline visual effects processes. His background spans both creative VFX artistry and cutting-edge AI research.
Key Takeaways
Focus on 3D Pipelines Over Black-Box 2D Generation
Unlike text-to-video tools like Sora that generate final pixels, Wonder Dynamics focuses on extracting 3D information from live-action shots to maintain full creative control. (46:17) Todorovic explains that professionals need complete control over lighting, camera angles, and performances - something you can't achieve through simple prompting. This approach allows filmmakers to edit and refine their work to the finest detail, which is essential for professional productions. Practical application: When choosing AI tools for creative work, prioritize those that give you granular control over the output rather than automated "magic button" solutions.
AI Will Expand Voices, Not Replace Studios
Rather than eliminating studios, AI will democratize high-end filmmaking by enabling small teams to achieve what previously required massive budgets. (24:58) Sheridan notes that studios will continue pushing creative boundaries higher, finding new ways to differentiate their content. The technology creates more opportunities for indie filmmakers to tell sophisticated stories while studios maintain their advantage through marketing spend and even more ambitious projects. Practical application: Position yourself to benefit from technological disruption by learning how to leverage new tools while focusing on the human elements (storytelling, creativity) that remain irreplaceable.
Story Quality Trumps Production Method
Audiences will forgive limited budgets but not lazy scripts. (30:12) Both speakers emphasize that compelling storytelling remains the ultimate differentiator, regardless of whether a film uses traditional or AI-assisted production methods. (33:29) Sheridan points out that audiences get genuinely upset when they feel their time was wasted on poor storytelling, but they'll embrace innovative filmmaking when the story resonates. Practical application: Invest the majority of your creative energy in developing strong narratives and authentic human experiences, using AI tools to enhance rather than replace good storytelling fundamentals.
Run Lean and Focus on Product-Market Fit
Wonder Dynamics operated in stealth mode for four years, deliberately avoiding hype cycles and focusing on solving real problems. (36:00) They recruited cross-disciplinary talent who understood at least two of their four core areas (computer vision, machine learning, visual effects, software development) and were willing to learn the others. This patient approach allowed them to develop genuine solutions rather than chasing trending technologies. Practical application: When building something innovative, resist the pressure to launch quickly or chase every trend - instead, focus deeply on understanding and solving core problems for your target users.
Leverage Coincidences and Stay Curious
The founders' success stemmed from being genuinely curious about emerging technologies and staying open to unexpected opportunities. (13:33) Their $10,000 VR experiment led to a demo for Steven Spielberg, which opened doors they couldn't have planned. Sheridan's approach on film sets - asking detailed technical questions to cinematographers and VFX supervisors - provided valuable insights that informed their technology development. Practical application: Cultivate genuine curiosity in your field and adjacent areas, ask thoughtful questions, and be prepared to invest small amounts in promising experiments that could lead to breakthrough opportunities.
Statistics & Facts
- Wonder Dynamics can reduce visual effects costs by up to 90%, potentially cutting a $100 million VFX budget down to $10 million or less. (30:01) Todorovic provided this estimate when discussing how their AI tools could transform Hollywood economics.
- The company had approximately 500,000 people on their waiting list when they launched in 2023. (41:00) This demonstrated significant pent-up demand for accessible VFX tools among content creators.
- Wonder Dynamics grew to about 70 employees by the time of their Autodesk acquisition, with teams distributed across the US, Argentina, and Eastern Europe. (38:00) This global talent approach allowed them to access specialized skills while maintaining lean operations.
