In a move that’s sure to shake up the post-production world, Matt Burn is back at Absolute, this time as their newly minted Creative Technologist. But here’s where it gets exciting: after nearly two decades as a revered CG supervisor at Absolute, Matt spent the last three years at Realtime, working on high-profile projects like ITV’s The Winter King and Lockerbie: A Search for Truth. Now, he’s returning to his roots with a fresh perspective and a mission to bridge the gap between traditional VFX and cutting-edge AI technologies.
Since his departure from Absolute in 2022, Matt has emerged as a trailblazer in AI video, blending his deep VFX expertise with emerging tools. His groundbreaking project, Oranguerillatan, not only led to collaborations with legends like Peter Gabriel but also earned him spots in prestigious Creative Partner Programs for platforms like Runway and Pika. And this is the part most people miss: Matt’s return isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about revolutionizing how AI integrates into post-production workflows, ensuring it enhances, rather than replaces, human creativity.
Starting his journey at Absolute in 2005 as a runner, Matt quickly climbed the ranks, becoming a founding member of the CG department. From artist to CG supervisor, he played a pivotal role in major campaigns for brands like Samsung, Levi’s, Prada, and Lionsgate, including Baz Luhrmann’s iconic H&M spot, The Secret Life of Flowers. His return marks a full-circle moment, but with a bold new vision.
‘The chance to come back to Absolute was irresistible,’ Matt shared. ‘I’m thrilled to collaborate with familiar faces and new talent, push boundaries, and introduce innovative tools that amplify our team’s creativity.’ He added, ‘What truly resonated with me is how both Absolute and Blind Pig view AI—not as a replacement for human artistry, but as a supportive tool. Curating AI outputs requires experience, a keen visual sense, and, most importantly, good taste. That alignment was a major reason for my return. I’m eager to see what we’ll create next.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: while some in the industry fear AI will diminish the role of human artists, Matt and Absolute are doubling down on the idea that AI can coexist with—and even elevate—traditional craftsmanship. Is this the future of post-production, or a risky gamble? Let’s debate that in the comments.**
Chris Batten, Absolute’s managing director, couldn’t be more enthusiastic. ‘Having Matt back is a clear statement of our commitment to innovation,’ he said. ‘Post-production is evolving at lightning speed, and Matt’s unique blend of creativity, vision, and technical expertise will keep us at the forefront. We’re overjoyed to welcome him home.’
As Matt steps into his new role, working across Absolute and its sister company Blind Pig, one thing is certain: the intersection of AI and VFX is about to get a whole lot more interesting. What do you think? Is AI the future of creativity, or a tool that needs careful handling? Share your thoughts below!
