Optimum

For Optimum Fiber's campaign featuring Gus, we partnered with Harbor Picture Company to develop the talking dog effect as part of the larger visual effects effort. We built a custom AI workflow around the open-source LTX model, running locally in ComfyUI, to generate believable speech while preserving the dog's natural performance. ControlNets gave us precise control over facial movement and subtle head animation, while shot-specific CopyCat models maintained consistency throughout the dog's mouth performance. Combined with traditional compositing, tracking, and VFX finishing, the result was expressive dialogue that remained grounded in the original live-action photography without relying on conventional CG animation.