TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set to return to Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27 to 29, drawing over 10,000 leaders from the startup and venture capital sectors to explore the future of technology. A significant focus will be on artificial intelligence (AI), with discussions that are not only technical but also creative and boundary-pushing. Among the featured speakers is Nikola Todorovic, co-founder of Wonder Dynamics, who will present on the AI Stage.
Nikola Todorovic, a seasoned visual effects (VFX) artist turned AI entrepreneur, co-founded Wonder Dynamics alongside actor and producer Tye Sheridan. The company, now an Autodesk subsidiary, developed Autodesk Flow Studio (formerly Wonder Studio), an innovative AI platform that enables creators to seamlessly integrate 3D characters into live-action scenes. This cloud-based tool automates complex processes such as lighting, animation, and composition, providing filmmakers with a faster and more accessible path to high-end visual effects.
Bridging Film and AI
Todorovic’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. As an award-winning filmmaker and VFX supervisor, he has spent years at the intersection of storytelling and technology. This experience led to the founding of Wonder Dynamics, with a mission to empower artists rather than replace them. The acquisition by Autodesk in 2024 marked a significant validation of this vision, positioning Todorovic to help shape the future of creative AI within one of the industry’s largest ecosystems.
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Todorovic will join other AI industry leaders for a comprehensive panel discussion on the future of AI in media. Topics will range from generative tools to ethical design and the evolution of creator workflows. Attendees can expect a conversation that goes beyond buzzwords, delving into the real-world impact of AI in media and beyond.
The Evolution of Wonder Dynamics
Founded in 2016, Wonder Dynamics has been at the forefront of integrating AI with storytelling. The company’s flagship product, Wonder Studio, utilizes AI to automate various aspects of VFX creation, including character animation, lighting, and composition. Designed to integrate with software such as Blender, Unreal Engine, and Autodesk Maya, Wonder Studio’s AI technology tracks actors’ performances from video footage and applies these performances to computer-generated characters.
In May 2024, Autodesk, a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, acquired Wonder Dynamics. This acquisition aimed to enable more creators to incorporate 3D animated characters into their projects by reducing the learning curve and automating traditionally complex and time-consuming tasks. Wonder Studio integrates with other 3D tools, such as Autodesk Maya, to assist artists in animating, lighting, and composing 3D characters.
Empowering Creators with AI
Todorovic and Sheridan have consistently emphasized that their goal is to empower artists, not replace them. They believe that advancements in AI will have a transformative effect on the movie industry, similar to the emergence of digital cameras, by creating new and more efficient methods for filmmaking and opening up opportunities for further industry innovation.
In November 2024, Wonder Dynamics launched a beta version of its new visual effects offering: Wonder Animation, a tool that turns live-action scenes into 3D animations. This tool allows creators to shoot from multiple angles, with the AI reconstructing these shots into a dynamic 3D space. This functionality enables filmmakers to seamlessly blend live-action scenes with interactive virtual environments while preserving original camera movements. Users can customize various aspects, including animations, characters, lighting, and camera tracking data, and the tool integrates smoothly with popular software like Maya, Blender, and Unreal Engine.
What sets Wonder Animation apart is its emphasis on artistic control. Unlike many AI tools that impose rigid outcomes, this feature empowers creators to guide their projects, ensuring that their unique style remains front and center.
The Future of AI in Media
As the boundary between video and 3D animation blurs, tools like Wonder Animation invite creators to experiment and innovate in exciting ways. This development marks a significant step forward in digital storytelling, democratizing access to high-quality visual effects and making sophisticated animation achievable for a broader range of filmmakers.
With the global animation market projected to reach approximately $400 billion in 2024 and grow to over $587 billion by 2030—reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5%—tools like Wonder Animation are more relevant than ever. This growth underscores the increasing demand for animated content and highlights the necessity of innovative solutions to meet filmmakers’ evolving needs. For those looking to elevate their storytelling, Wonder Animation may just be the key to unlocking new creative horizons.
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Todorovic’s insights will provide valuable perspectives on how AI is transforming the media landscape. His session is expected to offer a deep dive into the practical applications of AI in filmmaking, the ethical considerations surrounding its use, and the future of creative workflows.
Join the Conversation
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for anyone interested in the future of technology and media. With a lineup of industry leaders like Nikola Todorovic, attendees will gain firsthand knowledge of the innovations shaping the industry. The event will take place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot and take advantage of discounted rates.
