Animation director cautions young talents against relying too much on AI

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Wan Heidi Sofia Wan Norarjuna directed the children’s animated series Build-It Blocks, which uses AI tools alongside traditional animation skills to depict various professions for preschoolers. The project highlights the growing Malaysian animation industry’s potential to expand globally while emphasizing the importance of balancing technology with fundamental creative expertise.

Wan Heidi Sofia Wan Norarjuna, an animation director and former concept artist, emphasized the importance of balancing technological tools with foundational skills in animation during a recent screening of her new series, Build-It Blocks, in Cyberjaya. The animated series, designed for children aged three to five, introduces viewers to various professions through its main characters: Amir the architect, Bena the builder, and Camil the construction engineer.

Wan Heidi detailed her transition from concept artist, where she focused primarily on visual creation, to director, a role requiring oversight of the entire production process—including script development and team leadership. This broader responsibility has given her insight into every stage of animation production.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) played a significant role in the creation of Build-It Blocks. Wan Heidi described how an integrated production pipeline utilized AI to streamline workflows and enhance the quality of the final product. Despite these advantages, she cautioned emerging animators against relying too heavily on AI at the expense of mastering core animation principles such as storytelling and visual design. “AI is not a replacement for human talent. It is a tool that enhances efficiency and productivity,” she stated, underscoring the need for a solid foundation in the craft to produce quality work.

A graduate of Columbia College in Chicago with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animation, Wan Heidi began her career contributing as a concept artist for animated series including Omar & Hana and Mina Mila. She later made her directorial debut with Showtime, an Islamic-themed musical animation series. Build-It Blocks marks her latest project and was developed in partnership with Piapi Animation Studio based in Padang, Indonesia. The series, which commenced development in May, involved approximately 20 local talents and is available on the Durioo+ streaming platform.

Wan Heidi expressed optimism about the future of Malaysia’s animation industry, suggesting that as local studios continue to mature and create content for international markets, the sector could provide sustainable, long-term career opportunities for creative professionals.

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