Lightricks, the innovative creator behind popular apps like Facetune and Videoleap, today unveiled LTX Studio, an AI-powered filmmaking tool designed to assist creators from initial concept to producing short clips that visualize storylines. Currently, users can join a waitlist for this web-based tool, which will be available to the public next month at no cost.
How Does LTX Studio Work?
Creators start by entering their ideas into LTX Studio, which then generates a script and storyboard, complete with characters.
The storyboard features various scenes divided into multiple shots that users can refine by adjusting the narrative, stylizing it—such as opting for anime or cinematic themes—and modifying environmental elements like weather and location. Typically, each shot lasts a few seconds, allowing for detailed customization, including camera angles, motion dynamics, visual effects, and character dialogue.
LTX Studio also includes a shot editor, enabling users to rename shots and adjust settings such as frame dimensions, motion scale, camera movement, duration, and sound.
Additionally, users can manage characters through a dedicated tab, allowing them to add, remove, or modify character elements across the project. By utilizing an uploaded image showcasing a face, creators can establish a character that fits seamlessly into their storyline. Lightricks emphasizes that character consistency throughout the narrative is a critical feature that creators desire.
Upon completing their edits, users can preview their film and export the project for sharing and feedback.
Lightricks envisions this tool as an invaluable asset for professionals, including filmmakers, pre-production teams, and advertising agencies. Co-founder and CEO Zeev Farbman stated that LTX Studio enables quick conceptual story creation, allowing filmmakers to explore various scene shooting options without significant financial investments.
Harnessing AI in Lightricks' Products
Farbman highlighted that the company identified AI opportunities in 2022, leading to brainstorming for next-gen products. “We recognized that AI would represent a paradigm shift for toolmakers, prompting us to conceive our next-generation offerings. Despite having several successful products, we aimed to innovate from the ground up,” Farbman explained.
While Lightricks has integrated AI functionalities into Facetune and Videoleap, the drive to create a dedicated tool inspired the development of LTX Studio. This new platform employs various AI models, including Lightricks' proprietary text-to-video model, though it still relies on external providers for background music, acknowledging that AI-generated music quality is not yet sufficient.
A survey conducted by Lightricks last year revealed that 62% of users were already utilizing generative AI products. This insight has compelled the company to intensify its commitment to AI-driven features, aligning with other major creative software developers like Adobe and Canva.
Streamlining Lightricks' Product Offerings
Lightricks has launched numerous photo and video editing apps throughout the years. However, last year, it began integrating features from products like Beatleap (video remixing), Motionleap (photo animation), and Filtertune (personality-focused looks) into its flagship applications—Facetune, Photoleap, and Videoleap. While some individual apps remain in circulation, the company is now prioritizing the enhancement of its core products.
Additionally, Lightricks has phased out certain offerings. Following a 2022 investment from TikTok influencer Charli D’Amelio and her family, the company launched an editorial platform called The247 and a link-in-bio service named LinkInBio, both of which have since been discontinued.
While Lightricks has historically focused on consumer-driven apps, its recent acquisitions, such as the platform Popular Pays, indicate a shift towards serving professionals. With the launch of LTX Studio, the company aims to expand its reach further into the professional realm.
In 2021, Lightricks secured a significant $130 million Series D funding round led by Insight Partners but plans to evolve beyond a consumer-only model. "Whether pursuing another funding round or considering a public offering, our narrative will center on AI, targeting both consumers and professionals. To achieve this, we need to launch our tools, demonstrate traction, and then connect with the market," Farbman stated.
Despite a 12% workforce reduction in 2022, Lightricks does not anticipate additional layoffs from its current employee count of 550.
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