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Manus: The Latest Buzzy AI Agent

Manus: The Latest Buzzy AI Agent

Plus the Hollywood AI studio paying union rates

March 11, 2025

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Manus: AI's Leap from Assistant to Agent

Chinese startup Monica has launched Manus, an AI system that can independently plan and execute complex tasks across multiple domains, from travel planning to financial analysis. The beta release sparked such intense demand that invitation codes reportedly resold for thousands of dollars.

Key Developments

Manus integrates large language models with external tools like web browsers and code editors, enabling autonomous execution of complex workflows
The system outperforms competitors like OpenAI on the GAIA benchmark for real-world problem-solving tasks
Early applications focus on education, finance, and HR, with demonstrated success in resume screening, stock analysis, and content creation
Founded by serial entrepreneur Xiao Hong and co-founder Ji Yichao, Monica positions Manus against established players like OpenAI's GPT models and DeepSeek

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Staircase Studios AI Promises Studio-Quality Films at Micro Budgets

A new AI-powered production company aims to disrupt the traditional filmmaking pipeline with studio-quality features at micro-budget prices.

Staircase Studios, founded by Divergent producer Pouya Shahbazian, promises to deliver films and TV series for under $500,000 using their proprietary ForwardMotion AI workflow, with plans to produce over 30 projects in the next 3-4 years.

Here’s the trailer and BTS from their first film, The Woman with Red Hair

The company has acquired nearly 20 Black List scripts and assembled an advisory team including Transformers producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura
Their first feature, "The Woman with Red Hair," features character designs from Oscar-nominated Pixar veteran Teddy Newton
The studio commits to working with union talent and will pay standard industry rates for voice actors
Initial slate includes both live-action and animated features, plus TV series from established showrunners

Character Consistency & Camera Control with ComfyUI & Blender

ComfyUI wizard Mickmumpitz has released one of the most impressive tutorials for creating an animation with consistent characters and camera control.

Here's the high-level breakdown of his process:

Generate consistent AI characters using LoRA training with FLUX model or a lightweight SDXL alternative
Convert 2D character images to 3D models using Hunyuan 3D or Tripo AI, then import and rig in Blender
Create key poses and framing compositions in Blender. Export first frame and last frame for each shot.
Apply character LoRAs regionally in ComfyUI to prevent character blending in multi-character scenes
Use Kling AI to interpolate between frames for full animation sequences
Add finishing touches with AI-powered lip-sync, dialogue generation, and contextual sound effects

Check out the full tutorial for his in-depth process and links to his workflows.

Joshua M Kerr turns a tiny room into a Hollywood set with Unreal Engine.

Stories, projects, and links that caught our attention from around the web:

🎥 Aximmetry is set to showcase its latest virtual production innovations at NAB 2025, highlighting advancements in cloud, AI, and mobile technologies that enhance production workflows.

🔀 Projective will showcase hybrid post-production innovations at NAB, emphasizing AI's role in streamlining production processes and creating personalized audience experiences.

📺 Netflix is set to introduce Tony Hinchcliffe's Kill Tony podcast to a broader audience through a deal that includes three exclusive specials and a stand-up comedy special, signaling a first push for Netflix to get into the video podcasting space.

🎭 Director Adam Bhala Lough's documentary, Deepfaking Sam Altman, explores the intersection of AI and filmmaking by using deepfake technology to create a virtual Sam Altman after failing to secure a real interview.

📉 California's film industry is facing a significant decline as it drops to 6th place in film production, largely due to its inability to compete with other states and countries offering more attractive tax incentives.