Netflix’s new studio INKubator will create animated shorts with AI

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Netflix has been building a new in-house studio called INKubator that wants to use AI to create local movies: The director is hiring various jobs, including producers, programmers, and CG experts to work on INKubator, according to the number of jobs published recently.

Netflix has not publicly announced its plans for INKubator, sometimes referred to as INK. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A few LinkedIn profiles indicate that the feature was quietly launched in March. His leadership includes Serena Iyerwho previously worked in creative and operations roles at DreamWorks Animation, MRC Studios, and A24 Films.

INKubator is Netflix’s latest push to use AI in production. Earlier this year, it found InterPositivean AI startup founded by Ben Affleck. But while InterPositive focuses on the use of AI in post-production, INKubator seems to be taking things a step further: INKubator’s technology theme series. they call it “our next-generation, creator-led, GenAI animator,” with plans to “innovate the art of storytelling.”

INKubator’s long-term technology strategy will focus on “GenAI-generated animations, art tools, and a safe, secure space for multiple exhibitions,” according to the listing, indicating that this is a one-off experiment. “We want to make great things,” they emphasize another schedule.

At least for now, Netflix isn’t planning on making a sequel KPop Demon Hunters and AI. Instead, INKubator will be about “creating short films and specials using GenAI’s experimental pipeline,” according to one of the listings. they put.

However, one job listing shows that the company is already considering taking the technology beyond the brief. INKubator’s technology director will “ensure that INK’s technology businesses accelerate the desire to create (…) as we expand services and try to grow things longer,” schedule for that position says (emphasis added).

Netflix can use AI-generated short cuts in a variety of ways. The streamer has also updated its mobile app, and add a vertical video directed by TikTok called Clips. Currently, this feed only includes trailers, behind-the-scenes, and other promos for his long-running shows. However, one can imagine that the feed could one day feature original short stories as well, including AI-generated shorts.

The downloader has also been making a push to establish itself as a kid-safe channel on YouTube by bringing creators like Ms. Rachel on her platform. Generative AI could be one way for Netflix to improve its children’s programming and compete with the many children’s videos on YouTube.

YouTube has been among the first to use AI for animation. Animaj, a studio that produces popular children’s shows Pocoyohas been talking about including AI in its production pipeline starting in 2024. Toonstar, a YouTube series creator StEn & Parker, they also use AI.

However, there has also been considerable controversy against the use of AI in animation. The legend of Japanese animation Hayao Miyazaki the famous AI an “insult to real life,” as well as the labor unions representing movie producers from several countries they made a protest against artificial AI at the 2025 Annecy Animation Film Festival.

Efforts to spread the use of AI in animation beyond Hollywood have also met with obstacles. AI animation company Invisible Universe, which I wrote about last yearis shutting down its creative platform Invisible Studio as of June 1st. Invisible Universe CEO Tricia Biggio told me in an email this week that her company is focusing on customers who are moving forward.