I Tried Fixing Bad VFX Using AI (feat. @erikdoesvfx)
Demonstrates practical agentic filmmaking workflows where an AI orchestrator bridges text-to-video generation with traditional 3D modeling and compositing software to fix and enhance visual effects shots.
What this lesson covers
The creator tests AI VFX workflows against traditional VFX pipelines by using Astra to orchestrate Blender, Houdini, After Effects, and Seedance 2.5. The process breaks down prompt-based scene recreation, automated multi-app compositing, and building consistent character sheets from 360-degree video references.
Key takeaways from the creator
AI-extracted notes, not independently verified product claims. Timestamp links let you check each point in the original video.
- 01:06 ↗
Astra can parse raw video footage alongside a brief to automatically detect cuts, author shot-level prompts, and assemble a sequence in Seedance 2.5.
- 02:18 ↗
Through plugin connectors and interface automation, Astra can build 3D assets in Blender, simulate particle explosions in Houdini, and perform rotoscoping in After Effects from a single prompt.
- 04:37 ↗
Multi-application 3D orchestration provides precise control over individual shot elements, but direct video generation with Seedance 2.5 achieves comparable visual polish in a fraction of the time.
- 05:46 ↗
Supplying a 360-degree reference video to create a dynamic video character sheet preserves facial and physical identity across costume swaps and varying camera angles.
- 06:40 ↗
High-contact action sequences, like character-on-character physical strikes, remain prone to generation artifacts and require multi-take iteration to achieve believable physical impact.
Workflow outlined in the video
- Connect the Higgsfield plugin to Astra to grant it video generation skills and external software control.
- Submit raw reference footage and a narrative brief to Astra to automate multi-shot breakdown and generation in Seedance 2.5.
- Automate 3D scene elements by instructing Astra to model objects in Blender and simulate destruction dynamics in Houdini.
- Rotoscope foreground actors and composite atmospheric elements like wind, dust, and sky replacements in After Effects via Astra.
- Generate a consistent video character sheet by uploading a 360-degree rotation clip of the subject against a plain gray background.
- Iterate on action scenes across multiple prompt seeds to select and edit together the cleanest physical contact takes.
Before you use this workflow
These notes describe the source video at its publication date. Model access, pricing, connectors and interfaces may have changed. Check the original source and the provider’s current documentation before installing an add-on, connecting an account or spending credits.
ReelStack has not independently tested this workflow. Preview one representative shot and check motion, continuity and output quality before applying it to a full production. No result, cost saving or model capability is guaranteed.
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Put the lesson in context
When to use Blender previsualization for AI video →How to interpret the numbers
52,759 views captured 6 October 2026. ReelStack recommendation score: 66/100. Formula: radar-v5. This is ReelStack’s calculation, not a YouTube rating or a measure of factual accuracy.
Show the calculation
- 65% performance: 1.49× views vs 5 other channel videos observed at a similar age. View-evidence factor 98% (views / (views + 1,000))
- 25% freshness: 97/100 with a 14-day half-life
- Momentum pending: collecting daily snapshots; its 20% weight goes to observed performance, not free points
- 10% engagement: 32/100; likes + 4× comments, smoothed with a 500-view neutral prior