Netflix Revolutionizes VFX with AI for the Collapse in El Eternauta

Sequence of the AI-generated collapse in El Eternauta showing debris and dust falling on a Buenos Aires street, with comparison of traditional process vs AI.

Netflix Revolutionizes VFX with AI for the Collapse in El Eternauta

When artificial intelligence entered the world of visual effects, no one expected its first big job to be... knocking down a building! 🏢💥 Netflix has used AI to create the spectacular collapse sequence in El Eternauta, achieving in days what would normally take weeks. And while the debris fell on screen, another kind of earthquake began in the VFX industry.

"It's like having an assistant that does in hours what took you days, but still doesn't know when to stop" - Anonymous VFX Artist

The Technology Behind the Controlled Chaos

Netflix's AI automated:

Physical simulations of collapsing structures
Generation of particle systems (dust and debris)
Integration of lighting and shadows

All this with a level of detail that rivals traditional techniques in Houdini, but with a fraction of the time and cost.

The Debate Shaking the Industry

While some celebrate:

Reduction in production times
Less pressure on human teams
Expanded creative possibilities

Others wonder:

Will the artistic touch be lost?
How will it affect VFX studios?
What will happen to junior artists' careers?

Coexistence Between AI and Artists

Tools like Blender, After Effects, and Nuke remain essential for:

Fine adjustments and art direction
Integration of practical elements
Final quality control

AI seems destined to become just another brush in the toolbox, not a total replacement.

So while Netflix's AI proved it can knock down virtual buildings in seconds, VFX artists can breathe easy... for now. At least until AI learns to grab a coffee and discuss creative ideas at 3am, the human touch remains irreplaceable. 😅

And as a bonus, the industry already has its first running joke: How many VFX artists does it take to change a lightbulb? It depends... does the AI already have a preset for that?