Rewriting the Rules at Cannes Lions: How WB+TDP Cuts Production Costs by Up to 50% with Hybrid AI + Live Action Workflows
By Andrew Kessler, CEO, WB+TDP (Warshaw Blumenthal & Turbo Dog Productions)
As the creative world converges at Cannes Lions next week, WB+TDP (Warshaw Blumenthal + Turbo Dog Productions) returns not just as a legacy player, but as a bold AI production leader showcasing a future-proof model that’s slashing production costs by 50%—and in many cases, replacing 60–75% of traditional production workflows entirely with our proprietary ComfyUI-driven pipeline.
With 44 years of industry experience and over 300 artists on our roster, WB+TDP has always been at the heart of storytelling—whether through illustration, 3D, animation, or post. But two years ago, we saw the shift coming. We didn't just adopt AI—we rebuilt our company around it.
“The vision began at Cannes Lions. I remember walking out of one of those early AI panels thinking, this is the next internet moment for production. That same summer, my father became ill, and it gave me a moment of reflection. I knew it was time to evolve or fade out.” — Andrew Kessler, CEO
A Hybrid Future: Live Action Meets Full AI Production
At Cannes this year, we’re demonstrating how our hybrid model blends 25–40% traditional live action (captured strategically) with 60–75% AI-generated content—leveraging our proprietary ComfyUI workflow and elite AI artist team.
This isn't speculative tech. This is real-world application—already in use across commercial campaigns, network branding, and major pre-vis testing work.
By rethinking the entire production pipeline, WB+TDP delivers:
✅ Up to 50% Cost Reduction
✅ Faster Turnarounds Without Sacrificing Quality
✅ Minimal Permits, Locations, or Weather Dependencies
✅ Creative Control Maintained from Day One to Final Frame
ComfyUI: Our Competitive Edge
At the heart of our process is our customized, in-house ComfyUI setup—a modular, node-based interface built for image-gen, video-gen, and seamless animation stitching. It allows our team to rapidly concept, iterate, and execute production-ready visuals, while traditional departments like retouching, editing, and animation fine-tune the work.
Unlike off-the-shelf AI tools, our system is artist-forward—designed to extend and amplify human creativity, not replace it.
“AI alone can’t replace our artists—it amplifies them. Our hybrid model gives clients the best of both worlds: stunning, realistic output at a fraction of the time and cost.” — Ryan Scully, Chief Creative Officer
A Seamless Creative Flow
We’re not just reducing budgets. We’re redefining production as a fluid, continuous process—breaking down the old silos of pre-production, shoot, and post. With AI-powered workflows, you can:
Replace the need for on-location shoots
Avoid overages and costly reshoots
Execute multiple creative directions simultaneously
Extend campaigns dynamically across social, OLV, broadcast, and internal use
Leading the AI-First Movement
While many in the industry are still hesitating, WB+TDP has already transformed into a tech-forward content engine—partnering with major holding companies, agencies, and brand teams who understand that adapting isn’t optional anymore.
We’re not just another AI vendor. We’re the bridge between traditional craft and tomorrow’s production.
“This isn’t about fear of the future. It’s about owning it. And at Cannes, we’re showing what’s possible when you blend human artistry with the smartest tools on the planet.” — Andrew Kessler
If you’re attending Cannes and curious how AI can cut your production costs in half without sacrificing creativity, let’s meet.
Further Reading: