Runway Unveils 'Frames': A Revolutionary AI Image Generator for Consistent Stylistic Control

Runway can now mimic everything from 35mm disposable cameras to '80s sci-fi

AI startup Runway, makers of the popular Gen-3 Alpha image generator, debuted a new foundational model that "excels at maintaining stylistic consistency while allowing for broad creative exploration," per the company. The new model is called Frames, and it offers users the ability to generate images on a wide variety of subjects while strictly adhering to a consistent visual style and aesthetic. Whether it's mimicking '80s camp films like Flash Gordon and Xanadu, aping the format of '90s-era 35mm disposable cameras or retro anime, generating sweeping landscapes or carefully composed still-life shots, Frames sticks to the artistic style the user dictates. Recommended Videos Introducing Frames: An image generation model offering unprecedented stylistic control. Frames is our newest foundation model for image generation, marking a big step forward in stylistic control and visual fidelity. With Frames, you can begin to architect worlds that represent... pic.twitter.com/kg8Fz0LEgU — Runway (@runwayml) November 25, 2024 "With Frames, you can begin to architect worlds that represent very specific points of view and aesthetic characteristics," the company wrote in Monday's announcement post. "The model allows you to design with precision the look, feel and atmosphere of the world you want to create." Frames is not going to replace the current Gen-3 Alpha generation model but rather augment it. "We're gradually rolling out access inside Gen-3 Alpha to allow you to build more of your worlds within a larger, more seamless creative flow," the company wrote. Gen-3 Alpha is a relatively new model, having been introduced in June 2024. It is built for large-scale multimodal training and marks a "major improvement in fidelity, consistency, and motion over Gen-2, and a step towards building General World Models," the company announced at the time. The model has recently been updated with more precise camera controls and the capacity for video-to-video generation. The Gen-3 alpha has been trained on thousands of YouTube videos, a practice that has led to accusations of copyright infringement from YouTube content creators. Tests conducted by 404 Media found that naming a specific creator (say, MrBeast) in the prompt instigated the system to generate images in that creator's aesthetic.

Runway launches Frames -- a new AI image generator that creates custom worlds

It feels like every few weeks we see a new image generation model roll-out, but it's not often one of AI's major video creation players drops one -- and that's exactly what has happened with Runway AI. The company has introduced 'Frames', its newest base model for image generation. Runway says the new image model marks "a big step forward in stylistic control and visual fidelity". There's a focus on integrating stylistic choices and more reliably making it consistent throughout the model, something many models have struggled with. This in turn allows for more consistency across video generations using the same 'world'. In a new blog post, the team at Runway says it's rolling out access to Frames inside Gen-3 Alpha and the Runway API 'gradually'. We spoke to the company and it said it would happen over the coming weeks. You can see some examples of impressive usage of Frames in the X thread above, from 1980s SFX-inspired makeup that wouldn't have looked out of place in Labyrinth, to 1970s album art and more. There was even one 'world' shared by Runway's Head of Creative Jamie Umpherson on X where everyone has a duck head. In fact, I'm hard-pressed to point out any obvious tells that the models generated aren't real humans -- and that's not something I can say of every model. I'm particularly impressed with the Japanese Zine look which adds the kind of style over accuracy that can often flummox other models -- it's almost too stylized for other models, but Runway's Frames looks great.

Runway Launches Frames its AI Still Image Generator

Runway AI well known for its AI video generation models has unveiled "Frames," an advanced still image generation model designed to provide users with unparalleled control over style and visual quality. Tailored for artists, designers, and developers, Frames enables creators to maintain consistent aesthetics while exploring a wide range of creative possibilities. Integrated into the Gen-3 Alpha platform and accessible through the Runway API, this innovation represents a significant advancement in AI-driven visual content creation, offering both technical precision and artistic flexibility. Frames distinguishes itself through its ability to deliver precise stylistic control, allowing users to craft specific looks, moods, and perspectives with ease. Whether the goal is to create cinematic visuals, surreal compositions, or retro-inspired designs, Frames ensures consistency across projects, making it a reliable tool for professionals. The model uses advanced generative AI to produce high-fidelity images that meet professional standards. This combination of creative flexibility and technical accuracy positions Frames as a powerful resource for digital creators seeking tools that balance innovation with reliability. Its ability to generate visually stunning and stylistically consistent outputs makes it particularly appealing for those working in industries such as digital art, film, and design. Frames has been designed to integrate seamlessly into existing creative workflows, enhancing both efficiency and productivity. As part of the Gen-3 Alpha platform, it is accessible through the Runway API, allowing users to incorporate its capabilities into their preferred design environments. This flexibility ensures that Frames can adapt to a variety of professional needs, from cinematic storytelling to experimental art projects. By embedding Frames into their workflows, creators can streamline the process of generating high-quality visuals, reducing the time and effort required to achieve desired results. This integration makes Frames an indispensable tool for professionals aiming to elevate their creative output while maintaining a high level of precision and control. Frames unlocks a diverse array of creative possibilities, allowing users to craft immersive visual worlds and explore unique stylistic approaches. Its versatility is demonstrated through a wide range of applications. Runway has included examples of the following on its website: - Mise-en-scène: Cinematic visuals that emphasize light, shadow, and composition to create dramatic and visually compelling scenes. - 1980s SFX Makeup: Nostalgic, handcrafted effects reminiscent of vintage horror films, evoking a sense of retro authenticity. - 1970s Album Art: Bold, experimental designs inspired by the vibrant and eclectic aesthetics of retro music covers. - Japanese Zine: A fusion of retro anime and sci-fi elements, resulting in vibrant and surreal compositions. - Digital Picture Profiles: Contemporary portraiture characterized by architectural symmetry and cinematic tones. - Dynamic Range Landscapes: Detailed natural scenes with vivid tonal contrasts, capturing the beauty of the outdoors. - Disposables: 35mm-inspired photography featuring grainy textures and imperfections for a nostalgic feel. - Still Life: Everyday objects transformed into poetic compositions through the use of natural lighting and thoughtful arrangements. - Magazine Collage: Vintage clippings and pop art elements combined to create surreal and narrative-driven visuals. - Objects in Motion: Choreographed arrangements of everyday items captured dynamically to convey movement and energy. These examples illustrate the breadth of Frames' capabilities, catering to a wide spectrum of artistic and design needs. By offering such a diverse range of stylistic options, Frames enables creators to push the boundaries of their imagination and produce work that stands out in a competitive digital landscape. Runway AI has prioritized safety and ethical considerations in the development and deployment of Frames. The model incorporates robust content moderation protocols to prevent misuse and ensure responsible use. These measures align with Runway's "Foundations for Safe Generative Media," a framework designed to promote accountability and ethical practices in AI-driven content creation. By embedding these safeguards, Runway AI aims to foster an environment where users can explore creative freedom without compromising on responsibility. This commitment to safety not only protects users but also helps to establish trust in the broader adoption of generative AI technologies. Frames' versatility extends beyond individual creators, offering significant value to industries such as advertising, entertainment, and digital marketing. Its ability to generate high-quality visuals with precise stylistic control makes it an ideal tool for: - Film and Television: Enhancing visual storytelling through cinematic imagery and dynamic compositions. - Advertising Campaigns: Crafting visually striking content that aligns with brand aesthetics and messaging. - Publishing and Media: Producing unique illustrations and designs for magazines, books, and digital platforms. - Gaming: Creating immersive environments and character designs that elevate the gaming experience. - Education and Training: Developing engaging visual materials for e-learning and instructional content. These applications highlight the potential of Frames to transform workflows across various sectors, allowing professionals to achieve their creative goals more efficiently and effectively. Frames combines advanced stylistic control with high visual fidelity with seamless integration into the Gen-3 Alpha platform and accessibility through the Runway API, ensuring that it is well-suited for a wide range of creative and professional applications. By offering tools that balance innovation with practicality, Frames has the potential to redefine how creators approach digital design and visual storytelling. Its emphasis on safety and ethical use further underscores Runway AI's commitment to responsible innovation, setting a benchmark for the future of generative media. Find more information on Image generation by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides and tutorials.