Following the success of our "Around the World in a Day" project, we caught up with some of the key players who brought our vision to life. Today, we're shining a spotlight on Dan Watkins, our Post Production Lead, who handled the retouching process with unparalleled expertise.
Dan shares his insights on how AI has revolutionised post-production, the benefits of virtual production, and where he sees the future of the industry heading. His ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge AI technology is a testament to the exciting possibilities ahead in the world of creative production.
My first thought was, 'This is brilliant!' This project perfectly embodied why we started Papa’s Drift in recent years—it’s an ideal opportunity to explore the intersection of AI and traditional image creation.
Having seen post-production evolve over the years—from analogue techniques in the darkroom to software like Adobe—each advancement has added new tools to our creative arsenal. AI, to me, is just the latest innovation.
Rather than concerns, I saw this as a challenge to blend modern AI-focused techniques with decades of learned expertise. For me, that’s always the exciting part—figuring out how to incorporate new tools without compromising on craftsmanship.
AI often sparks debate, but I don’t see it as a threat. I see it as an opportunity.
Every innovation—whether it’s moving from airbrushing to digital workflows or now incorporating AI—has caused hesitation in the industry. However, history shows us that advancements, when embraced correctly, often drive progress.
AI can handle 80% of the heavy lifting, but it still requires the finesse, expertise, and 'old-school' knowledge that humans bring to achieve a polished final product. The real magic lies in the synergy between human skill and AI—combining the best of both worlds.
The fundamentals of retouching don’t change—whether it’s a traditional or virtual shoot. It’s always about creating a strong, purposeful image.
That said, virtual production streamlines workflows. By starting with high-quality, controlled images, we can focus on achieving perfection in post without adding unnecessary time on set. It’s a great balance between efficiency and quality."
While the retouching fundamentals remain the same, virtual production offers several broader benefits for the project as a whole.
For example, reducing time spent on set means lower costs and fewer logistics, which is great for sustainability. It also allows production teams to lean more heavily on post-production, giving them greater creative freedom and enabling clients to achieve ambitious results.
AI and virtual production aren’t threats—they’re tools, just like every innovation that came before them.
At Papa’s Drift, we’re constantly evolving to incorporate these advancements, ensuring we enhance the craft and quality of our work. Ultimately, our priority is exceeding our clients’ expectations.
If AI allows us to deliver the same exceptional results faster and more efficiently, that’s a win for everyone involved.
Want to hear more voices from the ‘Around the World in a Day’ project? Explore more insights.
