ETC Integrates Beeble into Film Projects

The Entertainment Technology Center has integrated Beeble’s AI-powered production tools into its filmmaking education and research, giving students hands-on experience with AI workflows for visual effects, virtual production, and cinematic storytelling. Beeble develops AI-powered tools for filmmakers, VFX studios, technical artists, and content creators. Its technologies enable artists to integrate advanced machine learning into professional filmmaking workflows.

"Visual effects workflows continue to evolve, and it’s important that students understand both established production techniques and the emerging technologies shaping the industry,” said Erik Weaver, principal, AI and Emergent Media at ETC. “Integrating tools like Beeble into the classroom gives them valuable practical experience.”

As a think tank within the USC School of Cinematic Arts, ETC works with Hollywood studios, tech companies, and filmmakers to evaluate new technologies and help shape future production practices. Beeble has been adopted across multiple programs, including Introduction to Special Effects in Cinema, led by Habib Zargarpour; Directing with AI, led by Fred Grinstein; and experimental filmmaking initiatives within USC’s Media Arts + Practice program, including Amazon-funded research and PhD projects.

“One of the most exciting outcomes has been seeing students pursue ideas that would previously have been beyond the scope of a class project,” said Tom Thudiyanplackal, producer and industry mentor with ETC. “They could dream about creating visual effects at this scale, but they rarely had the opportunity to make them. Giving students access to these tools opens entirely new creative possibilities.”

The collaboration also extends beyond the classroom into production research. One example is “Pathways” — a short film that explores new approaches to virtual production, cinematography, and AI-assisted world-building — written and directed by Felipe Vargas with cinematography by Roberto Schaefer.

“ETC plays an important role in bringing together educators, filmmakers and industry to evaluate emerging technologies,” noted Hoon Kim, CEO of Beeble. “Seeing our tools used in that environment, and helping inform how future production workflows evolve, is incredibly rewarding.”