Stability AI, the generative artificial intelligence company behind the popular Stable Diffusion image model, has hired visual effects legend Robert Legato as its chief pipeline architect.
A three-time Academy Award winner (for Titanic, Huge and The Jungle Book), Legato is also a longtime collaborator of director James Cameron, and helped develop the virtual cinematography techniques used in Avatar.
Cameron is a board member of Stability AI, having joined the company a year ago.
Stability CEO Prem Akkaraju announced Legato’s hiring Wednesday, tasking the VFX expert with developing a pipeline for the company’s tools in the industry, and developing a relationship with the VFX industry writ large.
“Joining Stability AI is an incredible opportunity, and I couldn’t be more excited to help shape the next era of filmmaking,” said Legato in a statement. “With dynamic leaders like Prem Akkaraju and Jim Cameron driving the vision, the potential here is limitless. What excites me most is Stability AI’s commitment to filmmakers — building a tool that is as intuitive as it is powerful, designed to elevate creativity rather than replace it. It’s an artist-first approach to AI, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
“Rob’s expertise in VFX is unmatched. For 30 years, he has operated at the intersection of art and science, driving the last major technological shift in filmmaking with CGI,” Akkaraju added. “That experience makes him the perfect addition as we transform the visual media production pipeline again with generative AI GPU-based tools, shaping the future of professional storytelling. His decision to join Stability AI is a testament to the strength of our technology and team”.