AI Dude analyzes your screenplay and generates a structured VFX breakdown directly inside the VFX tab.
It identifies visual effects moments, groups them into VFX sequences, estimates shot complexity, and helps you refine cost assumptions.
Tip: To better understand your VFX Breakdown results, refer to the article Understand VFX Breakdown results.
Before you start
AI Dude works within the currently open project.
You can run VFX analysis for:
The entire script.
A selected scene.
A specific scene range.
The analysis runs in the background, so you can continue working while it processes.
VFX analysis does not modify screenplay dialogue or scene content.
Open VFX AI Dude
You can launch VFX analysis in two ways.
Option 1 — From the VFX tab header
In the top navigation bar, click VFX.
In the top-right corner, click VFX AI Dude.
Option 2 — From inside a scene
In the top navigation bar, click VFX.
Open any scene.
In the center panel, click Run VFX with AI Dude.
Both buttons open the AI Dude panel on the right side of the screen.
AI Dude detects that you are inside the VFX tab and asks what type of VFX breakdown you want to run.
Run VFX analysis for the full script
Use this option when you need a complete VFX overview for budgeting, bidding, or executive review.
Example prompt (JOKER)
"Run a full VFX breakdown for the entire script."
What AI Dude does
AI Dude:
Scans all scenes in the screenplay.
Identifies VFX-driven action and environment changes.
Groups related moments into logical VFX sequences.
Estimates shot counts and complexity tiers.
Generates structured VFX descriptions suitable for vendor review.
The workflow runs in the background. You can switch tabs or close the panel while the analysis continues.
The App updates the VFX tab automatically when results are ready.
Run VFX analysis for selected scenes
You can limit analysis to specific scenes or ranges.
Example prompts (JOKER)
"Run VFX breakdown for scenes 118–123."
"Analyze VFX only for the subway riot sequence."
"Re-run VFX analysis for scene 122."
Result example
For Scene 122 — INT. GOTHAM SQUAD CAR (MOVING) — NIGHT, AI Dude may identify:
City chaos visible in window reflections.
Fire, smoke, and debris simulations.
Vehicle crash requiring CG extension.
Multiple matchmove and compositing shots.
AI Dude returns structured VFX moments tied to that specific scene and integrates them into the VFX tab.
Refine cost and complexity assumptions
You can adjust budget logic before or after analysis.
Example prompts
"Recalculate using $500 per CG shot and $250 per cleanup shot."
"Assume heavy CG vehicle work for all crash shots."
"Use mid-tier vendor rates."
AI Dude recalculates estimates using your updated assumptions.
You can refine parameters multiple times without losing previous breakdown data.
Cancel or re-run analysis
You can interrupt or refine the workflow at any time.
Example prompts
"Stop the current VFX analysis."
"Re-run analysis with a more conservative cost model."
"Exclude crowd simulations from the estimate."
For large structural changes, AI Dude may request confirmation before restarting the workflow.
How VFX analysis works
AI Dude:
Uses structured screenplay data instead of guessing from raw text.
Identifies action-driven VFX triggers across scenes.
Groups related effects into sequences rather than isolated tags.
Assigns complexity tiers for production planning.
Maintains scene numbers and metadata.
Saves results directly into your project.
For large scripts, analysis runs asynchronously to avoid blocking your workflow.
Each project has its own VFX thread.
Good to know
You can close the AI panel — the process continues.
AI Dude may ask clarifying questions if your instruction is ambiguous.
Re-running a full-script analysis may require confirmation.
VFX analysis does not change your script text.