In the evolving landscape of filmmaking, Israeli-U.S. startup Voia is pioneering an innovative approach that blends artificial intelligence with traditional cinematography. Unlike the emerging trend of AI-generated content, Voia emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human actors, using AI to enhance the environments around them. This method allows for the creation of Hollywood-grade visuals using minimal equipment, such as iPhones and basic lighting, significantly reducing production costs compared to traditional CGI methods.
Voia’s technology represents an evolution in CGI, a technique that has been integral to Hollywood since the late 1980s, with early examples like the dinosaurs in “Jurassic Park” and Lieutenant Dan’s missing legs in “Forrest Gump.” Traditional CGI production is both costly and labor-intensive, often requiring expensive 3D software, motion capture, green screens, and extensive teams of animators. A single Hollywood film can cost hundreds of millions of dollars. In contrast, Voia’s approach eliminates the need for green screens and bulky equipment, enabling actors filmed in modest settings to be seamlessly placed into diverse, AI-generated environments. This innovation brings high-quality production within reach at a fraction of the traditional cost.
The process involves enhancing iPhone footage in post-production, upgrading video quality, mapping motion sensors to camera movements, and adjusting the digital environment. Elements such as hairstyles, lighting, and even camera angles can be modified. The system operates on NVIDIA graphics cards and leverages Unreal Engine for its 3D environments, similar to video game development.
Voia’s CEO, Avner Braverman, emphasizes the company’s unique approach, stating, “We focus on the human actor. We extract them from their filmed environment—without Hollywood’s massive budgets—and place them in AI-generated 3D settings.” This philosophy underscores Voia’s commitment to preserving the human element in storytelling while utilizing AI to enhance the cinematic experience.
This perspective aligns with industry sentiments expressed at South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, where discussions highlighted the potential of AI as a creative tool, balanced against concerns about job displacement and artistic integrity. Voia’s approach exemplifies how AI can serve as an augmentative tool in filmmaking, enhancing human creativity rather than replacing it.
Founded in 2022, Voia brings together Israeli tech veterans and Hollywood creatives. Braverman co-founded Reshuffle, acquired by Twitter, and CTO Haim Helman co-founded Octarine and XIV, acquired by VMware and IBM respectively. The team also includes AI director Noam Malali and former Google, Slack, and Twitch executive Amir Shevat.
Initially targeting content creators and social media influencers, Voia has shifted focus toward professional filmmaking as AI reshapes the industry. The company is collaborating with major Hollywood studios on full-length films and partnering with ad agencies in Israel. Discussions are underway with industry giants like Netflix, Disney, Universal, and Sony.
In 2023, Voia secured $3 million in initial funding through a mix of bootstrapping and strategic investments. The company is preparing for a major funding round in the coming months and has reported its first million-dollar deal, projecting revenues of several million dollars this quarter.
