Kling AI and UK's Evolutionary Films collaborate on 'Minibots' animation

The UK-based studio Evolutionary Films has forged an exclusive global alliance with Kling AI for the forthcoming animated movie Minibots. This endeavour is set to revolutionise the integration of artificial intelligence in mainstream cinema.

Within this collaboration, Kling will serve as the sole worldwide "technology brand partner" for the film, offering production support, platform access, and a specialised Creative Partnership Programme assisting the internationally acclaimed AI artist team working on Minibots.

Evolutionary Films highlights that unlike past AI film initiatives, which have mostly centred on automation and cost-cutting, Minibots aims to be an "artist-driven production". 

The project combines Hollywood-level storytelling, top-tier animation expertise, and advanced AI processes under a robust ethical framework designed to safeguard performers and creators.

The film’s producers are Evolutionary Films co-founders John Adams and Diane Shorthouse. The creative team comprises writers Michael Ferris (Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines, The Simpsons), Alistair Audsley, and Scott Christian Sava (Animal Crackers).

The AI team working on the project includes AI producer Giulio Musi, as well as Samuele Poggi, Sebastian Kamph, Edmond Yang, Billy Boman, Erica Montanaro, and Josef Samuel. These creators have been exploring the junction of AI and cinematic storytelling.

The storyline unfolds in a robotics summer camp where three teen prodigies inadvertently create small, intelligent robots that integrate into human society, delving into themes of technology, identity, and humanity.

Evolutionary Films emphasises that the project is conceived as a direct reaction to the increasing industry concerns about generative AI. 

The production adheres to a strict "performance-first" AI charter where all performances remain entirely human-created and owned by the actors. Adams and Shorthouse mention that the project has already garnered notable interest from top-tier voice actors.

Adams commented: “Minibots isn’t about displacing artists. It’s about equipping some of the most captivating new creative talents in filmmaking with remarkable new tools. Our belief is that the future lies with projects that merge advanced technology with true artistic authenticity and robust ethical principles. Audiences are interested in whether something is imaginative, emotional, and visually stunning, rather than how it was created. That’s the opportunity here.”

Yushen Zeng, Kling AI’s Head of Operations, stated: “Minibots epitomises the kind of artistic collaboration that AI should facilitate: led by artists, ambitious, and conducted responsibly. We are proud to support a venture that advances cinematic storytelling while keeping human creativity squarely at its heart.”

Minibots is in production with Evolutionary Films managing international sales. The company’s past works in conventional filmmaking include the Paramount+ thriller Curfew, the action film I Am Vengeance, and The Magnificent Eleven, co-authored by Irvine Welsh.

Kling AI, a subsidiary of the Chinese technology giant Kuaishou, provides AI video production tools leveraged by global filmmakers including Jon Erwin, the creator of House Of David.