Latest news with #digitalavatars
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Huge backlash after top theatre body floats plans to replace stage actors with AVATARS - as idea dismissed as 'naff' and 'cheap'
Theatres of the future may soon cast actors made not of flesh and blood, but of pixels and code. But the plans - which have been promoted by the UK's leading theatre organisation for AI-generated avatars on stage - have been met with horror by actors and directors who fear the proposal would put hard-working thespians out of work. At a Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre panel on Wednesday, leading industry figures floated the idea of 'virtual understudies' - digital avatars ready to step in when performers are absent, reducing costs and improving accessibility. Claire Hodgson, co-artistic director of Diverse City, who was on the panel discussing the future of theatre, supported a hybrid future. She said: 'I think by 2050 we will have live performers and avatars. I'm not particularly worried about this. It would be a massive benefit to put an avatar on stage for someone who wasn't able to perform that night because of pain, a condition or caring responsibilities. 'In subsidised theatres, where we don't have money for understudies, that would be a great thing.' According to The Stage, Ms Hodgson suggested the digital thespians could appear 'on demand' and cut costs for cash-strapped theatres who struggle to pick up the bill for a troupe of actors. It even raises the prospects of digital versions of A-list actors appearing at small regional theatres who could never afford to hire big names. But not everyone's applauding the digital vision. Director Suba Das, who was on the panel, said he was 'unconvinced' that an AI bot could replicate the work of real-life actors and noted the technological restraints at older venues. Referencing the high-tech spectacle of ABBA Voyage, he said: 'Theatres are not set up in that way.' ABBA Voyage uses holographic avatars in a specially built arena, which could be a model for future theatre directors who could use digitised projections on stage that would interact with real-life actors. It comes as Kiss have launched their own virtual concert using computer-generated figures on stage and Donny Osmond is now performing alongside a CGI version of his 14-year-old self during his Las Vegas residency. However, as Das said, 'the problem with that technology at the moment is that theatres are not set up in that way.' It comes as Kiss have launched their own virtual concert using computer-generated figures on stage and Donny Osmond is now performing alongside a CGI version of his 14-year-old self during his Las Vegas residency Critics outside the panel voiced stronger reservations and cited the Labour governments undermining of copyright protection from AI. Carl Woodward, a theatre blogger and arts education consultant, told the Mail: 'Understudies, alternates and swings are the unsung heroes of the theatre industry. Replacing them with 'virtual avatars' is surreal. Live theatre is live - it's about people coming together in the same space. 'This isn't just about gimmicks; it's about the soul of a performance. The significance extends beyond the immediate effects because of the Labour government's move to relax copyright protections around A.I. 'Frankly, there are more important things for SOLT and UK Theatre to be discussing.' Actor and ArtShield founder Edward Akrout, whose nonprofit supports art in crisis, dismissed the idea as 'naff' and 'cheap. He said: 'The whole concept of mixing live and not-live... it doesn't work. It's no longer theatre. 'I wouldn't go. The excitement of theatre is that you never know what might happen - someone might trip on their line, fall, enter at the wrong moment - and that's part of the magic. The moment it's pre-recorded, it's completely different.' He called theatre 'the last bastion of the human experience', and questioned the cultural cost of replacing understudies: 'Understudying is a form of social elevation… You get your shot. That opportunity shouldn't be taken away.' Kate Town, a panelist and director of Theatre Royal Wakefield, did however have hopes that artificial intelligence could help solve more pressing issues at the theatre. She said: 'By 2050, I really hope we've found a technological way to not have a queue at the bar.'
Geeky Gadgets
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
Create Realistic and Consistent Characters & AI Avatars with These Pro Tips
What if you could design a character so lifelike, so consistent, that it feels like they could step off the screen and into the real world? In an era where AI-generated avatars are reshaping industries like marketing, entertainment, and advertising, the ability to craft realistic and emotionally engaging digital personas isn't just a creative pursuit—it's a competitive edge. Yet, many creators struggle with the same pitfalls: characters that lack coherence across scenes or fail to connect with audiences. The good news? With the right approach, you can overcome these challenges and create AI characters that not only look stunning but also tell a story. This quick-start guide, brought to you by Sirio, will show you how to turn your vision into a professional-grade reality. In the following workflow created by Sirio, you'll uncover how to blend consistency and realism to create avatars that stand out. From the art of planning and mood board creation to mastering tools like Midjourney and Comfy UI, this guide walks you through every step of the process. You'll also explore advanced techniques for refining details and making sure your character remains cohesive across multiple scenarios. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting out, this guide offers insights that will elevate your skills and help you avoid common missteps. After all, the magic of AI character creation lies not just in the tools but in the intentionality behind every choice. Ready to discover what's possible when creativity meets precision? AI Character Creation Guide TL;DR Key Takeaways : Consistency and realism are critical for creating effective AI-generated characters, making sure emotional connection and credibility in storytelling and branding. Preparation and planning, including reference images, mood boards, and style anchors, are essential for defining a character's purpose, appearance, and personality. Choosing the right tools, such as AI image generators, Enhancer AI, and Comfy UI, is crucial for achieving high-quality, consistent, and realistic results. A structured workflow, from research and prompt generation to skin enhancement and upscaling, ensures seamless and professional-grade character creation. AI-generated characters have diverse applications, including digital brand ambassadors, cost-effective A/B testing, and long-term assets, with significant monetization potential in industries like marketing and entertainment. The Importance of Consistency and Realism Consistency and realism are the cornerstones of effective AI character creation. A consistent character ensures emotional continuity, allowing audiences to form a connection with the avatar across various scenarios. Realism, on the other hand, enhances credibility, making the character relatable and engaging. Without these elements, AI-generated characters risk appearing artificial, undermining their impact and failing to meet commercial expectations. By prioritizing these qualities, you can create avatars that resonate with audiences and align with professional standards. Step 1: Preparation and Planning Before diving into tools and workflows, it is crucial to begin with a well-defined plan. This foundational step involves shaping your character's purpose, appearance, and personality. Think of this phase as akin to a director crafting a protagonist for a film. Use the following strategies to guide your preparation: Reference Images: Collect visual references to clarify the character's aesthetic and ensure alignment with your vision. Collect visual references to clarify the character's aesthetic and ensure alignment with your vision. Mood Boards: Develop mood boards to establish a cohesive visual style. Platforms like can simplify this process by offering intuitive tools for organizing ideas. Develop mood boards to establish a cohesive visual style. Platforms like can simplify this process by offering intuitive tools for organizing ideas. Style Anchors: Identify key design elements that will serve as anchors throughout the character's development, making sure consistency. Approaching this step with intentionality will provide a clear roadmap for the subsequent stages of character creation. Building Consistent & Realistic AI Characters Full Workflow Learn more about creating consistent characters with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Step 2: Selecting the Right Tools The tools you choose play a significant role in achieving high-quality results. Using a combination of AI platforms tailored for character creation can help you meet your goals. Consider the following options: AI Image Generators: Platforms like Midjourney, Creams 3.0, and Reeve specialize in generating photorealistic avatars. Experiment with multiple tools to identify the one that best suits your project's needs. Platforms like Midjourney, Creams 3.0, and Reeve specialize in generating photorealistic avatars. Experiment with multiple tools to identify the one that best suits your project's needs. Enhancer AI: This tool is designed to refine skin textures, correct imperfections, and enhance overall realism, making sure a polished final product. This tool is designed to refine skin textures, correct imperfections, and enhance overall realism, making sure a polished final product. Comfy UI Workflow: Ideal for maintaining consistency across multiple images, this tool integrates advanced APIs such as Google Gemini 2.0 and Redux Flux upscaler for superior results. Selecting the right combination of tools is essential for achieving both consistency and realism in your AI-generated characters. Step 3: A Structured Workflow for AI Character Creation A well-organized workflow is key to creating consistent and realistic AI characters. Follow these steps to streamline the process: Research and Mood Board Creation: Begin by gathering curated references and creating mood boards to define the character's aesthetic and guide the design process. Prompt Generation: Craft detailed prompts tailored to your chosen AI platform. Specificity is critical to achieving high-quality outputs that align with your vision. Image Generation and Comparison: Generate base images using multiple platforms. Compare the results and select the image that best matches your intended design. Skin Enhancement: Use tools like Enhancer AI to refine skin textures, add sharp details, and enhance the overall realism of the character. Consistency Across Images: Use features such as Midjourney's Omni Reference or Comfy UI to ensure the character remains consistent across different poses and scenarios. Upscaling and Final Touches: Apply advanced upscaling workflows to enhance resolution and add intricate details, resulting in a professional-grade finish. This structured approach ensures a seamless and efficient workflow, allowing you to produce high-quality results. Applications and Use Cases AI-generated characters have diverse applications across various industries, particularly in marketing and entertainment. These avatars can serve as: Digital Brand Ambassadors: Representing companies across campaigns and platforms, enhancing brand identity. Representing companies across campaigns and platforms, enhancing brand identity. Cost-Effective Solutions: Facilitating extensive A/B testing to determine which designs resonate most with target audiences. Facilitating extensive A/B testing to determine which designs resonate most with target audiences. Long-Term Assets: Providing consistent representation for brands over extended periods, making sure continuity. For instance, brands can use AI avatars to test multiple designs, optimizing their campaigns for maximum audience engagement. This flexibility makes AI-generated characters a valuable asset in modern marketing strategies. Advanced Techniques for Professionals Experienced creators can take advantage of advanced tools like Comfy UI to customize workflows and achieve highly detailed results. By integrating APIs and open source tools, you can tailor the process to meet specific project requirements. These advanced techniques are particularly useful for complex projects that demand a high level of precision and consistency. Professionals can also explore additional features, such as dynamic lighting adjustments and texture mapping, to elevate their creations further. Overcoming Common Challenges Creating realistic and consistent AI characters often involves addressing specific challenges. Here are some common issues and strategies to resolve them: Lack of Realism: Refine your prompts and use enhancer tools to improve image quality and achieve a more lifelike appearance. Refine your prompts and use enhancer tools to improve image quality and achieve a more lifelike appearance. Inconsistent Outputs: Use tools like Comfy UI to maintain consistency across different images and scenarios. Use tools like Comfy UI to maintain consistency across different images and scenarios. Technical Complexities: Engage with online communities, consult detailed guides, and experiment with different tools to overcome technical hurdles. By proactively addressing these challenges, you can ensure a smoother workflow and produce high-quality results. Monetization Opportunities The demand for high-quality AI avatars is growing rapidly, offering significant monetization potential. These digital characters are increasingly sought after for commercial projects in advertising, entertainment, and beyond. Brands are willing to invest in AI-generated content to enhance their campaigns and engage audiences effectively. Successful examples include AI avatars serving as spokespeople for major brands, showcasing their commercial viability and potential for long-term use. Mastering AI Character Creation Creating consistent and realistic AI characters requires a combination of careful planning, the right tools, and a structured workflow. By focusing on consistency and realism, you can produce avatars that resonate with audiences and meet professional standards. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced creator, this guide provides the insights and techniques needed to excel in this rapidly evolving domain. Media Credit: Sirio Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy
