The software developed by three creative minds uses artificial intelligence to simulate cinema lenses, opening up completely new design possibilities for filmmakers and creatives.
The idea for LensChangeAI began in the lively rooms of Stuttgart Media University (HdM). Martin Hübsch, Jan Hoydem and Daniel Grootz met there during their studies and quickly discovered their shared passion for film, design and technology. "Daniel and I studied Audiovisual Media in the Bachelor's program," recalls Martin. "We made a short film together in 2019." Support came from Jan, who, as a Master's student, already brought extensive experience and technical expertise to the project. What began as a film project quickly developed further: the first idea for a joint software product was born.
The joint work resulted in the development of EDISON, software for simple, creative handling of different frame rates in film production. The team recognized the potential for technical simplification, which is particularly relevant for special applications such as high frame rates. "We realized the need for an easy-to-use and accessible solution for high frame rate (HFR) video material," explains Martin. Driven by their enthusiasm for technology and design, they developed a tool that combines simplicity, creativity and technical possibilities.
The next, bigger step follows with LensChangeAI. The software digitally simulates the look of legendary vintage lenses directly in post-production. This enables filmmakers to give their projects a high-quality cinematic look without the need for costly lens rental or time-consuming set work. "We want to make LensChangeAI available as a plugin for all common video editing programs," says Martin. The aim is to make access as simple and low-threshold as possible, even for smaller productions and creatives without a large budget.
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To the programBut how does it all work technically? Martin explains: "We rely on a combination of classic image processing and AI-based technology." To develop the AI, the founders train their models and create their own data sets using specially developed mirror rigs. This creates identical image content where only the look varies - an ideal basis for precisely capturing the characteristic differences between the lenses and transferring them to the software. The result: flat, unspectacular videos are transformed into images with depth, character and a high-quality aesthetic, in the style of major film productions.
The founders' vision is clear: they want to give filmmakers all over the world the opportunity to take their projects to a new visual level. With intelligent, easy-to-use video editing tools, they want to make effects accessible that were previously reserved for expensive lenses and elaborate productions. Small and medium-sized productions in particular, which often work with limited resources, should benefit from this. "Our aim is to close the gap between creative vision and technical implementation at a professional level that remains affordable," say the founders.
To achieve this goal, LensChangeAI is looking to the future with confidence: the team is currently focusing on the development of an initial prototype. With a view to possible follow-up funding, the aim is to turn this into a market-ready product. In the long term, the three want to establish themselves as a company that develops high-quality, innovative plug-ins for video editing and thus sets new standards in the film industry.
