questions, answered.

What people ask us most about Layer8, the AI film studio in Dublin and Lisbon.

what is layer8?

Layer8 is an AI film studio with a team across Ireland, Portugal, and the United States. We make films, series, brand campaigns and original stories by pairing live-action filmmaking with generative AI.

is there an AI film studio in Ireland?

Yes. Layer8 is an AI film studio based in Dublin. We make brand films, commercials, series and original IP with live action and generative AI, for clients in Ireland and abroad. Our work includes a motorcycle safety film for the California Highway Patrol that won 8 ADDY Awards.

is there an AI film studio in Lisbon or Portugal?

Yes. Part of the Layer8 team is based in Lisbon and works with our team in Dublin. From Lisbon we make AI films and brand campaigns for clients in Europe, North America, and Asia.

what does an AI film studio do?

An AI film studio makes films and commercials with generative AI as part of the production. At Layer8 that can mean a spot made entirely with AI, or live action shot on set and extended with AI. Filmmakers direct the work, the same as on any production.

how does layer8 use AI?

Filmmakers lead every project and AI answers to them. We use generative tools to build worlds, design characters, extend sets and finish shots that would be too slow or costly to shoot. We also handle post-production, from the edit, colour and VFX to sound effects and an original score composed for each film, with AI speeding up every stage. Writers, directors, editors, sound designers and composers make every creative call.

do you shoot live action, or is it all AI?

Both. Some projects are shot with a crew and actors, then finished with AI. Others are made entirely with generative AI, from casting to packshots. We pick the mix that fits the story and the budget.

which AI tools do you use?

We use studio-grade production workflows and commercial generative models, including Google DeepMind Veo, Runway, Kling AI, Luma AI, Midjourney, Higgsfield, Adobe Firefly, ElevenLabs, Topaz Labs, SeaArt, fal and Blender. Each model runs under a paid commercial licence, so every frame we deliver is ready for broadcast and global campaigns. The tools change fast, so we choose them per project. The craft stays with the team.

who works at layer8?

Layer8 was co-founded by James Dubec and Kevin Mullins. James is an executive producer with 30+ years in film production. He co-founded AG Films and has made work for hundreds of brands, including Apple, Audi, Canon, Nikon, VW and Good Morning America. Kevin is an entrepreneur and brand builder with 20+ years in technology and marketing.

Together they lead a team of film and TV veterans. Yuri Alves shapes story and rhythm, and he's a 2-time Emmy® winner. Dan Seddon's credits include The Dark Knight, Inception and Skyfall, and Ali Bach worked on Hitman: Agent 47. Composer Sebastian Pille has scored more than 50 films and series, including Labyrinth of Lies, The Diary of Anne Frank and Tatort. João Soares runs post-production and Severin Daniels leads strategy.

do you work with clients outside Ireland and Portugal?

Yes. Layer8 works worldwide, with a team across Ireland, Portugal, and the United States and clients in Europe, North America, and Asia. We run one pipeline across every time zone we work in, so a project can be shot, built and finished wherever the story needs it.

how long does an AI film take, and what budget does it need?

From a few weeks to a few months, depending on the length and how much is shot live. Compared with a traditional production, our pipeline can cut the production time by 50% or more. The budget depends on the scope of each project, so tell us what you have and we'll come back with a timeline and a budget.

who owns the finished work?

You do. Every client owns the finished work, and because each model we use runs under a commercial licence, it's ready to use in your campaigns. We'll talk through casting with you as part of each project.

how do I start a project with layer8?

Use the form on our contact page and tell us whether you have an idea, a script or a brief. A producer will reply shortly. You can also email hello@layer8.studio.