Basilic Bytes – AI Tools in Rotoscopy by Ashique T P
30th October 2025, Chennai
Artificial Intelligence has now become part of our everyday life. From simple voice assistants like Siri to advanced tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, AI is changing the way we think, work, and create. Many people once feared that AI might replace human creativity, but what we’re learning today is quite the opposite: AI helps us think smarter, work faster, and spend more time doing what we love.
At Basilic Fly Studio Ltd, one of the top VFX companies in India, we’ve always believed in staying curious and evolving with the times. Every artist here is encouraged to learn, explore, and keep upgrading their skills. This time, we decided to take a step into the future with the topic “AI Tools in Rotoscopy.”
When the idea first came up, we approached Mr. Naresh, our Roto Head, to share it. He immediately got excited about the concept but threw a fun little challenge at us: “Who’s going to present it?” The room went quiet for a second, then laughter followed when he himself said, “Let’s ask Ashique!”
That’s how Ashique T P, Senior Artist from the Rotoscopy Department, took the stage for this special session. Ashique has always been fascinated by technology, whether it’s new plug-ins, software updates, or AI-based features. Once he took up the topic, there was no looking back. Within just a few days, he researched and experimented with 10 to 12 AI tools used in Silhouette and Nuke, focusing on how each tool could help artists save time and improve accuracy.
To make things easier for everyone, we decided to start with three tools that are simple, powerful, and beginner-friendly: EZ-Mask, Mask ML, and Alpha Composite.
EZ-Mask: This tool helps create smooth mattes and cutouts with just a few clicks. It automatically detects edges and fills areas with precision, reducing hours of manual tracing work.
Mask ML: This is where machine learning steps in. The tool studies the footage and predicts the area that needs masking, saving artists from doing repetitive frame-by-frame corrections.
Alpha Composite: A tool that blends multiple layers together, maintaining the perfect balance of light, transparency, and color. It makes complex compositing tasks faster and cleaner.
When the session began, both Chennai and Pune studios were connected. The atmosphere was filled with curiosity, screens lit up, people took notes, and even those from other departments leaned in to see how AI was transforming rotoscopy. As a video designer myself, I could relate to the techniques he showed, especially how similar AI-driven automation is being used in motion graphics and compositing tools.
A special thanks goes to Vishnu C S, Roto/Prep Supervisor, who supported Ashique by documenting the workflow and helping explain each step clearly to the audience. This made the learning smooth and accessible for everyone, even those who were new to AI-based workflows.
The feedback after the session was incredible. Many artists shared how much they learned and how surprised they were to see AI tools already integrated into the software they use daily. Some even stayed back after the session, trying out the tools themselves and discussing how they could apply them in their projects. Everyone’s excitement built up one clear question: “When’s Volume 2 coming?”
Ashique summed it up beautifully in his words:
“This session was a wonderful experience. It made me explore more about rotoscopy and how AI can make our work faster, smarter, and more creative. But no matter how advanced AI gets, the final touch of perfection always comes from the artist.”
This Basilic Bytes session once again proved that technology doesn’t replace creativity, it empowers it. Every new tool we learn brings us closer to a future where art and innovation work hand in hand, strengthening Basilic Fly Studio Ltd’s vision to push the boundaries of visual effects and creativity in the global VFX industry.
