The Next Lab Generation 2026 workshop in Madrid showcased a diverse range of projects, each with its own unique approach to storytelling and technology integration. The event, supported by the Community of Madrid and the Madrid City Council, challenged participating teams to incorporate two specific tools: Meta's VR animation software, Quill, and the AI image platform, Magnific. The six finalists presented their projects, offering a fascinating insight into the creative process and the evolving relationship between artists and AI.
One of the standout projects was 'Don Quiosker-Man', a Spanish short film that reimagines Don Quixote as a superhero, Kike, whose grief and financial struggles lead him to believe he has superpowers. The filmmakers praised Quill for its intuitive nature, allowing them to sketch, animate, and quickly prototype ideas in 3D space. However, they found AI less rewarding, keeping only a few AI-rendered shots after abandoning a more ambitious workflow. This sentiment was echoed by many participants, who felt that AI excelled at generating individual images but struggled with consistency and control in animated sequences.
'Rewind', a Spanish preschool series, also experimented with Quill-built VR dioramas, transporting viewers to ancient Egypt, Mount Everest, and Atlantis. The team found AI useful for generating individual images but faced challenges with maintaining consistency in animated sequences. The series explores the friendship between two alien scientists, Boss and Banano, as they accidentally trigger historical milestones while observing human history.
'Sad Mahan', another Spanish entry, is a stylized video game adventure inspired by the Canary Islands' housing and tourism crisis. The director, Ángel Arce, embraced AI throughout the workshop, combining Quill animation with AI-assisted rendering. However, he emphasized the importance of control, stating that AI should not dictate the creative process. The project's paper-cutout aesthetic and melancholic canary protagonist reflect the director's personal connection to the islands.
'Taras', a Mexican fantasy feature, delves into the landscapes, folklore, and history of Michoacán. The director, Juan Luis Hernández, praised Quill as a game-changer, falling in love with its capabilities. He used AI primarily for lighting and atmosphere, creating a visually stunning and culturally rich world. Hernández's exploration of the relationship between fiction and reality adds depth to the project.
'The Message', a deeply personal Mexican-Spanish short film, is based on a story written by the director's mother, processing her relationship with her late father. The team chose Quill to create an intimate, handmade feel, while confining AI to visual experiments and lighting references. This approach allowed them to confront unresolved grief in a unique and powerful way.
'The Shower Club', a Spanish comedy, pairs hand-drawn 2D characters with glossy 3D environments. The filmmakers initially used AI for background development and texture but quickly realized that hand-drawn 2D animation was essential for their aesthetic. This project's humorous premise and affectionate portrayal of aging, activism, and friendship offer a refreshing perspective on stereotypes.
The event highlighted the evolving role of AI in animation, with many participants finding it useful for specific tasks but also recognizing its limitations. The winners of the workshop, 'The Message', 'Sad Mahan', and 'Taras', showcase the power of personal storytelling and the potential of Quill in creating immersive and visually stunning experiences. As AI continues to advance, artists must strike a balance between embracing new technologies and maintaining creative control, ensuring that the 'fun part' remains in the hands of the artists themselves.
