Creating animated scenes is notoriously complex and time-intensive, typically involving multiple interdependent steps from initial storyboarding through rendering, compositing, and lighting. Whenever directors request even minor alterations, teams must revisit and tweak substantial elements before finalizing scenes, adding further toil and cost.
Cheehoo, an emerging startup launched by a team of seasoned Hollywood executives and technology experts, aims to streamline this cumbersome process using artificial intelligence. Born within production company Rideback, known for its hit Lego Movie franchise, Cheehoo’s founding group boasts prominent figures such as Rideback co-founders Michael LoFaso, Jonathan Eirich, and Dan Lin. Additionally, former DreamWorks Animation President Chris deFaria and ex-Apple AI researchers Hubert Tsai and Wei-Cheng Kuo add further depth and technical prowess.
Speaking about the venture, LoFaso detailed the motivations behind Cheehoo’s inception: “Our experience at Rideback highlighted increasing complexities and ballooning costs in Hollywood animations. We saw how these burdens were limiting creators’ opportunities to express their visions. Our mission became clear—to develop user-friendly, AI-driven tools designed from the ground up to simplify and enhance the animation journey.”
Cheehoo’s technology acts as a powerful productivity boost, providing functionalities such as faster prototyping, rapid iteration, improved data annotation, seamless format conversions, and consistent file handling across various animation stages. By integrating smoothly with major industry-standard software like Maya and Unreal, Cheehoo empowers animators to rapidly preview modifications, instantly visualizing adjustments and creative iterations.
Crucially, Cheehoo leverages proprietary AI models for tasks such as asset and character building, and simultaneously allows users to access third-party AI integrations provided by industry leaders such as OpenAI and Runway for motion styling, scene composition, and post-generation refinements. Animators enjoy granular control, with the ability to toggle AI assistance features according to personal preference or project-specific needs.
Though Cheehoo hasn’t publicly disclosed partnerships yet, the company confirms current collaborations with notable studios, content creators, and holders of prominent intellectual property. Recently securing $10 million in funding, the financing was spearheaded by Greycroft, alongside investments from Point72 Ventures, Basis Set, Headline Asia, Powerhouse Capital, Playground Productions, and Rideback itself.
Brentt Baltimore, principal at Greycroft, explained the firm’s strategy in backing Cheehoo, describing animation production as fertile ground for disruption. “We consistently seek investments that redefine media production in the digital age. Cheehoo possesses a unique combination of expert Hollywood knowledge, reflection on media trends, and sophisticated AI technologies designed specifically to optimize animation pipelines,” Baltimore stated. He predicts the platform will substantially reduce production costs, democratizing high-quality animation and empowering even independent creators and smaller studios to produce sophisticated content without the prohibitive financial outlays of traditional animation methods.
Looking ahead, Cheehoo plans to expand beyond current enterprise and professional users by rolling out more broadly accessible consumer-centric products. This strategic shift positions Cheehoo directly against emerging rivals such as Accel-funded Cartwheel and Cinamon, backed by South Korea’s Naver Corp, both of which similarly aim to simplify various stages of animation development.
If successful, Cheehoo could reshape the landscape of animated storytelling, placing powerful AI-driven animation capabilities within easier reach for studios and creators of every size.
