Ed Ulbrich, an innovator in the Visual Effects (VFX) field, has recently joined Metaphysic, a leading company specializing in creating realistic content using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.
Assuming the roles of chief content officer and Executive Vice President (EVP) of production, Ulbrich will oversee the production processes and operational activities at the relational AI company. He will also be instrumental in generating fresh concepts for integrating AI into the realm of filmmaking. (Image above: a depiction of an actor transformed into Elvis Presley with the assistance of AI)
With a career spanning three decades in film, television, and marketing production, Ulbrich has left his mark across the entire audiovisual landscape. His portfolio includes renowned projects such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Black Panther,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Suicide Squad,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and “Titanic.” Notably, he spearheaded the groundbreaking “Tupac Shakur Hologram” venture at Coachella for Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, as well as produced the captivating sci-fi film “Ender’s Game.”
Metaphysic’s CEO, Thomas Graham, emphasized the transformative impact of relational AI on the entertainment industry, particularly in film and television production. The company has emerged as a trusted ally in navigating this evolving entertainment landscape. Graham expressed his enthusiasm in welcoming Ulbrich to Metaphysic, citing his wealth of experience as a valuable asset to their endeavors.
Graham, a proponent of artists’ rights, addressed the contentious issue of intellectual property in the aftermath of the recent SAG-AFTRA strike against the studios. In today’s digital age, where AI can replicate and modify individuals’ likenesses, Graham advocates for empowering individuals to copyright their AI-generated personas, ensuring legal recourse against unauthorized deep fakes. His stance underscores the importance of protecting artists’ rights in an era of technological advancement.
Ulbrich’s collaborations extend across major entertainment giants in Hollywood, including Netflix, Marvel, Paramount, Disney, and Warner Bros. Following his tenure at the Academy Award-winning VFX studio Digital Domain, co-founded by industry luminaries James Cameron, Scott Ross, and the late Stan Winston in 1993, Ulbrich held key executive positions at Deluxe.
A pioneer in AI-driven performance enhancements and de-aging techniques, Ulbrich has played a pivotal role in enabling actors to portray lead characters in extensive storylines seamlessly.
Ulbrich lauded Metaphysic for revolutionizing creative horizons for directors, artists, studio executives, and brands in unprecedented ways. The company’s innovative approach has garnered acclaim, with notable artists collaborating with their teams to leverage this cutting-edge technology. Ulbrich expressed his excitement and honor in joining this exceptional global community of visionaries, artists, and technologists.
Ulbrich’s appointment coincided with the launch of Metaphysic PRO, a tool designed to assist entertainers in curating their essential digital assets and AI training datasets progressively. The platform also addresses critical issues related to consent, compensation, and copyright protection.
Through initiatives like the @DeepTomCruise platform and engagements on “America’s Got Talent,” the Metaphysic team has been at the forefront of popularizing photorealistic conceptual AI content since 2018, captivating audiences with their innovative creations.
