‘Critterz’ First Look: New Tech Behind AI Animated Feature Unveiled as Vertigo and Federation Form New AI Production Company (EXCLUSIVE)

The first look at “Critterz,” an AI-created animated feature, has been unveiled as it prepares to launch at the Cannes market. Produced by Vertigo Films and Federation Studios, the film showcases the capabilities of new AI technology developed by their joint venture, amersia. The feature was created using Woven, amersia’s proprietary AI-native production system, designed to enhance human creativity in animation and filmmaking. “Critterz” serves as the inaugural project for amersia, highlighting the potential of AI to revolutionize cinematic storytelling. Amersia was established by the co-founders of Vertigo Films in partnership with Federation Studios, both of which have extensive experience producing and distributing over 100 films and premium television series. The company aims to empower artists by integrating AI tools that reduce technical friction while preserving creative judgment. James Richardson, CEO of amersia, emphasized AI as the next major shift in entertainment, comparable to the introduction of sound and CGI, promising new levels of scale and ambition in filmmaking. The film’s director, Nik Kleverov, who previously worked on notable projects such as the “Narcos” title sequences and the first AI-generated commercial, leads amersia’s AI-native creative strategy. He stressed that Woven is designed to support human-led creativity rather than replace it, allowing artists to focus on critical creative decisions. The technology behind “Critterz” originated within the OpenAI ecosystem, with Chad Nelson, a producer and creative technologist at OpenAI, spearheading the project. Woven is currently being piloted with select media partners, with plans for a broader rollout in the near future. The launch of “Critterz” and amersia’s AI production tools marks a significant development in the integration of artificial intelligence within the entertainment industry, signaling a new era for animated filmmaking and content creation.