AI studio Moonmax has announced a series of features marking a push into more mainstream filmmaking, including a project based on JM Barrie’s famous pirate villain Captain James Hook.
The company, known for its AI courses and delivering talks and workshops at venues such as Oxford University and the Miami Film Festival, has revealed what it describes as “an expanded creative-led production plan spanning feature development, high-profile IP adaptations, and global education initiatives.”
Among the new projects in development is “James,” an AI-assisted feature film inspired by Hook’s origin story. Conceived as a character study that traces the life of a literary pirate from British naval officer to rebellion that led to piracy, the project will employ a hybrid motion-to-video production workflow that captures real human performance while integrating AI. The film is executive produced by Elliott Grove, founder of the British Independent Film Awards and Raindance Film Festival.
Beyond “James,” Moonmax is building a lithograph of connections to both video games and literary properties. This includes “People of the Wolf,” the first in the New York Times bestselling book series “North America’s Forgotten Past” by Kathleen and Michael Geer. This hybrid live-action/AI adaptation combines traditional filmmaking with AI-driven animation techniques.
The company is also developing an original children’s feature called “Snowbear,” about a family who discovers a yeti that is forced from their mountain home by the expansion of a ski resort. The company says it’s “an allegory for habitat loss, climate change and the need for environmental stewardship.” The film combines hand-drawn illustrations, storyboards, and animatics with AI-powered image transformation technology.
“While we are bullish about the potential, we believe the future will be hybrid rather than full AI,” said MoonMax CEO Daniel Gordon. He also serves as Head of AI for Raindance Film Festival and Head of AI and Innovation for American Film Market. “I think the best creative projects are the ones that prioritize human skill and talent, that develop the story before you even touch a computer, before you selectively bring in AI to run it.”
