Cinamon: AI-Powered 3D Video Animation - Backed by Naver
The Evolving Landscape of AI-Powered Video Creation
The creation and dissemination of artistic content have become remarkably accessible in recent times. Furthermore, according to developers of artificial intelligence technologies, the efficiency of the production pipeline is poised for even greater improvement. This is particularly evident in the realm of video production, where organizations of varying sizes are leveraging large language models to develop tools capable of generating high-quality videos and animations from simple prompts and instructions.
Key Players and Emerging Startups
Currently, prominent tools in this domain encompass Google’s Veo 2, OpenAI’s Sora, Runway, Luma AI, and Hailuo, a company based in Shanghai. A South Korean startup, Cinamon, is now actively working to establish its presence within this rapidly expanding market. The company recently secured $8.5 million in funding to further develop its animated video generation platform, CINEV, with a beta launch scheduled for the first half of 2025.
Altos Ventures, a previous investor, and Saehan Venture Capital participated in this funding round.
Cinamon’s Unique Approach to Video Generation
Cinamon positions its platform as a video generator that empowers users to construct 3D environments, direct scene actions, position characters, and adjust camera perspectives – all through the use of text prompts and adjustable parameters.
According to CEO Doosun Hong, the company’s methodology represents a departure from conventional AI video generators. These typically create videos by generating pixels based on text, images, and video references. CINEV, conversely, integrates a 3D asset library, AI-driven motion generation, and a large language model specifically tailored for filmmaking. This allows the platform to first build complete 3D scenes, populated with characters and elements, before enabling editing through a comprehensive suite of video production tools.
“This approach facilitates more intuitive direction and editing, minimizing inconsistencies and physics-related issues, making it especially well-suited for extended content such as films and television series,” Hong stated. “We anticipate CINEV complementing existing AI video tools, potentially establishing new workflows where its output can serve as high-quality reference material for other AI video platforms.”
From Interactive Storytelling to 3D Animation
Cinamon originated in 2019 as Cinamon Games, a subsidiary of the content production firm Vonvon. Initially, the company formed a joint venture with NAVER WEBTOON, a leading Korean digital storytelling platform, to create Maybe, an interactive storytelling application.
Responding to increasing concerns regarding data privacy, Vonvon merged with Cinamon Games later in 2019, refocusing its efforts on storytelling within the social content sphere.
While competitors concentrated on animated interactive stories, fiction apps, and short-form videos, Cinamon strategically chose to concentrate on developing 3D animation tools designed to accelerate and scale animation production for both content creators and studios. Despite the higher investment required compared to 2D tools, they identified significant scalability potential.
Development and Investment
In 2022, the startup initiated the development of its 3D animation platform and subsequently integrated AI features to enhance production efficiency. That September, South Korean gaming company Krafton, Naver Z (a division of Korean internet giant Naver), and SNOW (a camera app operated by Naver) invested $10 million in Cinamon’s Series A funding round.
Leveraging Existing Intellectual Property
Cinamon intends to utilize the intellectual property and 3D assets of its investors to enhance its offerings. Krafton possesses substantial IP and 3D assets from its Battleground games, while Naver Z operates the Zepeto metaverse platform. The company believes CINEV can broaden the reach of these IPs beyond gaming, potentially attracting new users for both Krafton and Naver Z. Cinamon also joined Nvidia’s Inception startup accelerator program last August.
Target Audience and Future Plans
“Our target users include artists specializing in comics, manga, and webtoons, as well as web novel writers, game developers, video creators, and traditional animators seeking streamlined workflows,” Hong explained. “In 2025, our focus will be on serving customers ranging from individual creators to content IP companies looking for easier, faster, and more cost-effective methods for creating Anime, VTuber content, and cinematic video game content.”
The newly acquired capital will be allocated to expanding the team of AI engineers and furthering research and development efforts. Currently, Cinamon employs 60 staff members with expertise in 3D graphics, AI, gaming, and content production. This latest funding brings the total capital raised to date to $18.5 million (25 billion KRW).
