Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, is exploring a blend of tradition and innovation this fall as it investigates the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in animation. Inside the iconic Main Street Cinema, a select group of startups is showcasing how technology can preserve Disney’s legacy through enhanced animation processes. Among them is Animaj, a company chosen for Disney’s 2025 Accelerator Program, demonstrating how it employs AI to significantly accelerate production timelines for children’s content.
During a recent presentation, Animaj’s CEO, Sixte de Vauplane, revealed that the company can now produce a five-minute episode in less than five weeks, a task that previously took five months. This leap in efficiency is attributed to advancements in generative AI technologies, which have become increasingly accessible since they surged into the mainstream in 2025. Tools like Google’s Veo 3 and OpenAI’s Sora 2 now enable creators to generate cartoon animations effortlessly, even without artistic skills.
Despite concerns within Hollywood about AI potentially displacing human animators, Animaj insists that its technology is designed to assist, not replace. While animators will continue to sketch key poses, AI fills in the transitional movements, allowing for greater creative freedom. “The artist is in control,” de Vauplane emphasized, highlighting the importance of using AI ethically in the animation industry.
Disney is closely evaluating how to implement this technology across its various platforms, with David Min, vice president of Disney Innovation, confirming that an announcement regarding the partnership with Animaj will occur in the coming months. Min stated that the collaboration aims to keep artists central in the creative process, a principle deeply rooted in Disney’s history.
As the animation industry evolves, the integration of AI tools is framed as an extension of existing artistic methods rather than a replacement. Disney’s historic shift from hand-drawn animation to computer-generated imagery (CGI) is mirrored in this new phase, with each technological advancement streamlining workflows. “With Animaj, they can do it in 30% of the time,” Min explained, referring to the overall time savings in producing animation content.
Animaj’s AI technology is tailored to the specific artistic styles of projects, using a proprietary model trained on over 300,000 poses from previous seasons of Pocoyo. The AI assists in what is known as “motion in-betweening,” where it predicts character movements based on limited input from animators. This process allows for more focus on refining artistic elements rather than the repetitive task of drawing every frame.
As the demand for high-quality content grows in the competitive streaming landscape, such efficiencies become increasingly crucial. Animaj also utilizes AI analytics to track audience preferences, allowing quick adaptations to storytelling based on trending themes. This dual application of AI—both in production and audience engagement—positions the company to meet the fast-evolving needs of modern entertainment.
While the transition to AI-supported animation raises questions about the future of creative professions, proponents argue that it can enhance, rather than detract from, the artistic experience. Animaj’s approach underscores a commitment to preserving the individuality of animators, offering a collaborative tool that respects and amplifies human creativity.
As Disney moves forward with its partnership with Animaj, the animation industry may stand on the cusp of another significant transformation. The integration of AI into the creative process could redefine workflows and artistic expression, ensuring that while technology advances, the core values and traditions of storytelling remain intact. In the words of the seven dwarfs from Disney’s classic, “Heigh ho, heigh ho, it’s off to work we go”—for tomorrow’s animators, this work increasingly involves the assistance of AI.
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