Artificial intelligence has upended the advertising industry, pressuring agencies and production companies to cut prices, restructure operations and slash jobs. But a surprising winner has emerged amid the drive for AI efficiency: studios that specialize in the laborious work of handcrafting ads. Backlash against AI imagery everywhere from major ad campaigns to local shawarma stands is driving demand for high-touch techniques like claymation and hand-drawn animation, filmmakers say. The boom includes two new holiday campaigns on Monday alone: an e.l.f. Beauty commercial starring puppets wearing real makeup, and a Levi’s stop-motion spot inspired by horror movies and the brand’s 1995…

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