James Lamont and Jon Foster, part of the writing team behind Paddington in Peru, are set to write Critterz, an AI-assisted animated feature from Vertigo Films and Native Foreign. Expanding on the world introduced in the 2023 short film, the project brings together human creativity and AI technology.
The original Critterz short, written and directed by Chad Nelson, was the first film to use OpenAI’s DALL·E system alongside traditional animation. It premiered at Annecy, Tribeca, and Cannes Lions and was nominated for a PGA Innovation Award. A remastered version, using OpenAI’s Sora, was released this year, showing the rapid development of AI-assisted filmmaking.
Lamont and Foster, known for their work on The Adventures of Paddington and Channel 4’s Wasted, said the creative approach behind Critterz drew them to the project. “We’re very excited to be putting storytelling at the heart of this groundbreaking project,” they said.
Vertigo Films and Native Foreign have outlined plans for production to begin in April. James Richardson of Vertigo Films said Nelson and his animation team created an impressive short film that demonstrated the potential of AI in storytelling.
Nelson, who remains involved as a consulting producer, described AI as a tool that expands artistic possibilities. “The AI didn’t replace my vision, it expanded it, helping me dream bigger and move faster,” he said.
Nik Kleverov of Native Foreign noted the response to Critterz, emphasizing the team’s commitment to further exploring its world. “We have been touched by how audiences have taken Critterz to their hearts and can’t wait to reveal more,” he said.
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The feature-length Critterz is produced by Allan Niblo and Richardson for Vertigo Films, alongside Kleverov and Nelson for Native Foreign. Jane Moore serves as executive producer.
