Animation has always been a labor-intensive art form, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a collaborative effort across multiple disciplines. From storyboarding and rendering to lighting and composition, each step is crucial to crafting visually stunning narratives. However, as technology progresses, the demands of modern storytelling have transformed the landscape of animation. What once took months, if not years, can now be integrated into high-pressure schedules, making the animation process even more complicated and expensive for creators. With these challenges in mind, a new startup named Cheehoo has emerged to help streamline the animation creation workflow, effectively harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence.
A Visionary Team Behind Cheehoo
Cheehoo was founded by an impressive lineup of Hollywood executives and technology experts who aim to address the complex animation pipeline. The startup is rooted in Rideback, a production company known for its success with the Lego Movie franchise. Co-CEOs Michael LoFaso and Jonathan Eirich, alongside co-founder Dan Lin, are spearheading the initiative with an enthusiastic team that includes former president of DreamWorks Animation, Chris deFaria, and talented AI specialists, Yao-Hung Hubert Tsai and Wei-Cheng Kuo, who previously thrived at Apple. This unique blend of industry veterans and innovators forms a robust foundation for Cheehoo’s ambitious goals.
AI: A Game Changer for Animation Creatives
In a conversation with TechCrunch, LoFaso expressed an urgent need for new tools to reduce the costs and complexities associated with animation production. He stated, “What we found through Rideback is that in Hollywood, the process of creating animation was getting expensive and complex.” This realization has motivated Cheehoo to develop AI-powered tools designed for rapid prototyping and iteration. By simplifying data annotation, file conversions, and format consistency, users can now transition more fluidly throughout the animation pipeline, reaping the benefits of both speed and efficiency.
Cheehoo’s integration capabilities with existing platforms like Maya and Unreal provide a significant advantage. Creatives can implement changes in their animations and receive immediate feedback, resulting in a more interactive and engaging creative process. Importantly, users retain control over the use of AI features, allowing them to toggle these tools on or off based on their artistic vision. The incorporation of both in-house AI models for character and asset creation and the opportunity to integrate third-party models from leading AI firms offers flexibility and choice for creators.
Backing that Speaks Volumes
Cheehoo has secured substantial funding of $10 million, led by Greycroft and supported by other notable investors such as Point72 Ventures and Basis Set. This financial backing demonstrates a strong belief in Cheehoo’s potential to revolutionize animation production. Brentt Baltimore, principal at Greycroft, emphasized the need for innovative solutions in media and the opportunity Cheehoo has to democratize animation production. Baltimore noted, “Cheehoo has an opportunity to reduce the cost of animation production overall,” thus creating pathways for sophisticated creators working outside traditional studio frameworks.
In a world increasingly populated by independent filmmakers and content creators, Cheehoo’s mission aligns perfectly with the aspirations of individuals looking to express their voice through animated storytelling. By providing tools that previously required the resources of major studios, Cheehoo empowers these creatives to explore their passions without exorbitant expenditures.
A Look Ahead: Consumer-Focused Innovations
While the current focus of Cheehoo targets enterprises and prosumers, the founders are already looking to expand their reach. There are plans to roll out consumer-facing products, which could further enable everyday users to delve into the world of animation. This strategic direction may help Cheehoo maintain its competitive edge against emerging startups such as Accel-backed Cartwheel and Naver-backed Cinamon, which are also innovating in the space of animation tools.
In this swiftly changing landscape, Cheehoo is well-positioned to lead a new era of creativity, empowering animators with advanced AI technologies while preserving the artistic integrity that makes animation a uniquely compelling form of storytelling.