Monsters Aliens Robots Zombies released Vanity AI, an artificial intelligence-powered visual-effects technology that the startup claims is scalable and faster than traditional studio methods. It takes a professional VFX artist an average 16 hours to do aging, de-aging and digital makeup on a five-second long shot, but MARZ’s automated solution cuts that process to three to four minutes, COO Matt Panousis told The Logic. (The Logic)

Talking point: MARZ last raised $6.5 million of Series A funding in December 2021 and the company isn’t immediately looking to raise again. “We’re profitable,” Panousis said. “We like the idea that we’re in control of our future.” He said the software will bring Hollywood quality to TV production timelines and budgets. The technology has already been used in 27 Hollywood productions like “Ms. Marvel” and “Stranger Things.” MARZ expects to complete beta testing for Vanity AI in mid-2023, at which point it will be more widely released with a target market that includes YouTubers and independent production companies.

Correction: This briefing has been updated to correct the number of productions that have used Vanity AI.