How Local Boy is Merging Human Vision with AI Precision
In the world of creative production, innovation is key—and as technology evolves, so too do the tools we use to bring ideas to life. Local Boy, a full-service production studio based in Detroit, has taken a forward-thinking approach to filmmaking by incorporating AI into their process, particularly in the automotive sector, where the studio has earned recognition for their work with major brands like GMC and Ford.
But as much as AI accelerates their ability to conceptualise and execute, Local Boy's team remains rooted in their passion for authentic, human-driven storytelling. They are quick to highlight that AI isn't here to replace the artistry and nuance of filmmaking; rather, it’s a tool that enhances the creative process, giving filmmakers the ability to focus more on crafting the narrative while technology takes care of the heavy lifting.
From AI-assisted storyboarding to cutting-edge compositing techniques, Local Boy directors, the Deka Brothers, tell LBB’s April Summers how they have been harnessing generative AI tools to create highly detailed pre-visualisations and streamline post-production on recent projects, to ensure their vision is captured with unmatched precision.
LBB> So tell us, how is AI helping Local Boy deliver full-service production and multifaceted content?
Julien> Local Boy has always delivered full-service production, even before AI became part of the equation. It’s similar to how filmmakers once made commercials without GPS or cell phones—tools that are now ubiquitous and have made certain challenges obsolete. Just as the industry transitioned from celluloid to digital film, AI is helping us get closer to our desired final result, more accurately and quickly. It’s not replacing the creative process but refining it.
LBB> Let’s talk about your recent work with Ford GMC and GM First Responders. What did you learn about AI when using it to create storyboards and previs for these projects? How did it aid your workflow?
Ben> Having used AI for previs in past projects, we already knew its potential, but generative AI is advancing rapidly, and the new tools give us much more control. These recent projects allowed us to master techniques like in-painting (when you modify a specific area of an image) and understand how to use reference images to influence style without altering composition—or, conversely, to adjust content without changing style. Once we grasped these possibilities, the level of accuracy took a big leap.
Julien> We were no longer selecting the best result from a random set of generations; instead, we could consistently generate images that matched the vision we had in mind–you still have to generate a few “rolls” though, your mileage may vary.
LBB> How closely do the AI-generated previs images resemble your ideas, and how did they help with conceptual execution?
Ben> Our understanding of the AI workflow allows us to achieve results that align closely with our vision—much more accurately than any hand drawing could. The AI-generated previs goes beyond just illustrating shot composition; it provides detailed renderings of light, textures, and mood.
Julien> This precision leaves less room for interpretation, making it easier for the agency to provide clear feedback and giving us confidence to move forward with our crew once approved. The level of detail also serves as valuable input for our production designer and cinematographer, helping them shape the final look.
LBB> What challenges have you faced while integrating AI into your workflow, and how have you addressed them? Are there any limitations worth considering?
Julien> Recently, we’ve started experimenting with generating moving images to illustrate specific camera moves. However, this comes with challenges—AI video often hallucinates artefacts, and the resolution isn’t high enough yet for polished presentation.
Ben> Videos still have a distinctly “AI” look to them. But we’re addressing these limitations by working around them creatively, and we’re optimistic, as the tools are improving almost month to month.
LBB> You used an AI-assisted compositing process for the GMC Sierra Crabwalk spot – how did this differ from more manual techniques?
Julien> Although we didn’t handle the final compositing, the main difference in this project was that the mountains in the background were AI-generated instead of sourced from stock imagery. This allowed us to fine-tune the look to get the right combination of mineral textures, snow, and trees. Once we had a mountain chain with the correct distance, jagged peaks, and overall look, we used Generative Expand to extend the mountain chain, producing an extremely large-format image.
Ben> Since Photoshop’s Generative Expand lacked sharpness at that time, we upscaled the image using Magnific.ai, which added more details and brought a new layer of realism. The resulting mountain range was then composited in After Effects as an ultra-wide file, allowing for seamless panning and "look-around" flexibility during editing.
LBB> What are the key benefits of using AI instead of manual processes?
Julien> The primary benefit is efficiency—AI allows us to make many iterations in a fraction of the time it would take manually. This gives us the freedom to explore more creative options and refine our ideas. Additionally, the precision of AI-rendered visuals, as mentioned earlier, brings a high level of detail and accuracy to our concepts, helping us better communicate our vision.
LBB> The two of you also utilised AI in the pre-production process for the GM First Responders spot. Could you tell us about the brief and initial ideas for this project?
Julien> We immediately loved the agency’s concept, which drew a parallel between the lives of first responders at work and at home. Initially, the agency envisioned using stock footage for the work scenes while we shot the corresponding moments at home. However, we felt this approach lacked cohesion, so we pitched shooting everything ourselves.
Ben> This gave us full control over the aesthetics, ensured consistency across all scenes, and allowed us to match our cast perfectly, rather than pairing unrelated stock footage with new shots. It also gave us the opportunity to cast real-life first responders, making the project a true homage to their dedication and bravery.
LBB> What are you most proud of from working on the First Responders project?
Julien> First, we have to applaud the agency for trusting us to execute this ambitious approach. They initially planned to shoot only a portion of the footage, so it was a leap of faith to let us take on the entire project - at the same budget! With our producer Scott, we presented a well-reasoned plan and a solid schedule, and the team believed in our ability to deliver. Shooting everything over two packed days was a challenge, but the agency and client gave us the space we needed to work efficiently, which made a huge difference.
Ben> We’re particularly proud of the meticulous preparation that went into this project. We used Previs Pro on iPad to create a comprehensive storyboard (not AI-based in this case) that clearly communicated our vision to the agency, client, and crew. The result is a spot that closely mirrors our storyboard, showcasing how essential thorough preparation is to the success of ambitious projects like this. The final product feels cohesive and authentic, and we’re proud to have created a fitting tribute to first responders.
LBB> How was AI used to create storyboards for the Ford Castle spot, and how did this help you get your ideas across?
Ben> Using AI to create storyboards allowed us to visualise not only the blocking but also the cinematographic mood we wanted to capture. It provided a level of accuracy that matched the style we were aiming for, giving everyone a strong sense of the final look.
Julien> When the creative direction shifted from featuring a Ford Mustang to an F150 Raptor, AI enabled us to update the boards swiftly and efficiently, making sure the visuals stayed aligned with the evolving vision.
LBB> What strategies is Local Boy considering for integrating AI technologies, and how do you envision AI enhancing creativity and efficiency in future projects?
Ben> AI is a rapidly evolving technology, and workflows are constantly changing. Right now, we’re focused on leveraging the tools available to enhance our prep work, like creating storyboards and previs, as well as using AI for final touches, such as matte painting (e.g., the mountains for GMC Sierra or the view behind the window of the Ford owner vampire).
Julien> In the near future, AI will become ubiquitous—arguably, it already is. However, professional creators will always demand advanced AI tools that offer more precision and control. As these tools improve, AI will play an even bigger role in commercial content creation, from generating striking visuals to aiding in copywriting, editing, sound design, and overall productivity workflows. Our strategy is to embrace AI as a support system, allowing us to focus more on creativity while increasing efficiency across every stage of production.
LBB> How do you see the relationship between human creativity and AI progressing in filmmaking?
Julien> AI is evolving into a deeply personal tool, much like smartphones and programs like Photoshop. Just as no two artists use Photoshop the same way, each filmmaker will use AI differently, tailoring it to their vision and workflow. This individuality will become a defining feature in the industry, with clients and brands seeking creators whose unique style and work ethic align with their needs.
Ben> At the same time, AI is lowering the barriers to entry in filmmaking, enabling talented individuals from all over the world to create stunning visuals without requiring massive budgets or industry connections. It shifts the focus toward content: is it good, and does it resonate with audiences? While AI democratises creativity, human ingenuity and vision will remain at the heart of what makes any project stand out.
LBB> And finally, I understand you recently created an entirely AI-generated trailer - The BakunawAi - how did this process differ from more traditional filmmaking, particularly in terms of creative decision-making and the role of human intuition in storytelling?
Ben> Working on The BakunawAi redefined our creative process by blending human intuition with the boundless possibilities of AI. Unlike traditional filmmaking, where constraints of live production and linear workflows dominate, AI offered us instant results and unprecedented flexibility. Ideas could be visualised almost immediately, refined, and seamlessly integrated into the evolving edit. This dynamic, real-time approach let us explore different rhythms, pacing, and shot designs, unhindered by the typical limitations of reshoots or pre-planned sequences. While AI’s speed and adaptability unlocked new creative pathways, the magic of human intuition remained indispensable. Every decision, from storytelling to visual refinement, was guided by our human judgment, ensuring emotional resonance.
