ANIMAFEST PRO | ANIMAFEST SCANNER XII | PANEL 2: SUVREMENI TEHNOLOŠKI RAZVOJ U ANIMACIJI

Abstract and Experimental Animation with Generative AI - MAX HATTLER

PANEL 2 - SUVREMENI TEHNOLOŠKI RAZVOJ U ANIMACIJI
03/06 UTO 14:35-15:05 KIC

This presentation discusses the findings of the Teaching Development Grant project Abstract Animation with Generative AI, which integrates generative artificial intelligence tools into the course Abstract and Experimental Animation taught by Max Hattler at City University of Hong Kong. The project investigates the pedagogical potential of generative AI in fostering creativity and interdisciplinary research in experimental animation. By employing tools such as Midjourney, Kling AI and DreamStudio in combination with traditional animation software like Procreate and Adobe After Effects, students created experimental animation films through playful yet mindful artistic exploration. The project emphasised AI’s role as “found footage” and creative collaborator, and challenged students to harness these tools without undermining their own creativity. Adopting an exploratory learning approach, students were encouraged to approach generative AI as a source material as part of an experimental animation practice. Participants produced a number of abstract and experimental animation films, which were showcased in a public screening in Hong Kong and subsequently submitted to international film festivals. The project revealed that the integration of AI tools can enhance students’ ability to iterate and develop experimental animation projects, and motivate them to think as artist-researchers contributing to the global experimental media arts field. Workflows which integrate generative AI, when guided by critical and reflective pedagogy, can expand the boundaries of abstract and experimental animation, offering students transferable skills relevant to both artistic practice and the animation industry.

Max Hattler is a German animation artist, researcher, curator and educator, who works with abstract, experimental and expanded animation. He holds an MA in Animation from the Royal College of Art, and a Doctorate in Fine Art from the University of East London. Hattler’s films have been screened and awarded at festivals and exhibitions worldwide. He has published articles in journals including Convergence, Visual Communication, and Punctum. Hattler serves on the board of directors of the iotaCenter and the editorial boards of Animation: An Interdisciplinary Journal and Animation Practice, Process & Production. Since 2015, he has been living in Hong Kong, where he is a Professor at City University of Hong Kong. In 2017, he co-founded Relentless Melt, a Hong Kong-based society which regularly holds screenings of experimental animation in Hong Kong and around the world.