Rodeo FX at E-AI: Exploring AI in Creative Production
Thought Leaders in association with Partners in Crime
26/02/2026 - Rodeo FX Creative Production Studio, Montreal, Canada
Last week, part of the Rodeo FX Montreal team joined E-AI to stress test how AI fits inside creative production. We've already put next-gen tools into play on real jobs - including BLACKPINK's JUMP videoclip - so the talks and hallway debates hit close to home. Here's what stood out and how creatives can use it today.
Collaboration is shifting from handoffs to co-creation
The classic pipeline with rigid checkpoints is loosening up. Teams are moving into faster loops where decisions happen mid-flight, not just in dailies or at lock. As Erik Gagnon, VFX supervisor in Advertising, put it: "less certainty upfront, more informed decisions as we go."
AI supervisor Alexandre Delaporte echoed it: "AI encourages us to rethink traditional pipelines and embrace agile co-creation throughout production." For art director Louis Duval, the upside is personal - AI tools stretch individual creativity, helping artists explore more options and push style further without waiting on long passes.
AI is a practical tool, not a gimmick
Across talks and workshops, the throughline was clear: AI isn't a fad. It's a workable tool for exploration, speed, and better iterations. The tech has matured, and the industry is acknowledging its place in production workflows.
Alexandre Menard, head of previs, summed it up: "AI is here to stay, and it's exciting to see how we can explore it responsibly in our work." Louis added that imperfections are part of the process - give artists space to test in real conditions, and the value shows up fast.
On stage: how we test and implement AI in VFX
As a speaker, SVP Jordan Soles shared how we evaluate tools, build guardrails, and roll proven methods into production. VFX lives on constant tool evolution, and the latest AI advances expand how we ideate, block, and refine - without replacing the artist.
The message landed: AI is there to enhance human creativity. Use it to explore ideas faster, test more concepts, and spark fresh directions. As Louis notes, the human behind the prompt is what makes the work meaningful.
What this means for creatives (use now)
- Prototype early: use AI for moodboards, style frames, and quick previs to align faster and cut risk.
- Keep prompts and versions: log inputs, seeds, and settings so good results are repeatable and auditable.
- Slot AI where it's low-risk, high-impact: ideation, look dev, cleanup, alt takes, and editorial assists.
- Review in smaller, frequent loops: treat AI outputs as drafts and iterate with clear art direction.
- Mind the ethics: check rights, consent, data sources, and usage - protect clients, artists, and IP.
- Upskill the floor: short clinics, shared prompt libraries, and internal show-and-tells get everyone moving.
- Measure what matters: track time saved, options explored, and client alignment - not just "wow" moments.
Want structured ways to integrate this into your workflow? Explore AI for Creatives for practical approaches, or go deeper into AI-assisted filmmaking with Generative Video.
Credits
- Erik Gagnon - VFX Supervisor, Advertising
- Alexandre Delaporte - AI Supervisor
- Louis Duval - Art Director
- Alexandre Menard - Head of Previs
- Jordan Soles - SVP
AI is a tool. The craft is still yours. Use it to think broader, decide faster, and make work that hits harder - with the artist at the center.
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