‘Trading Wars,’ the world’s first syntography animated series, is being built in the PH

The term “synthography” is used to distinguish its workflow from conventional AI image generation.

A Manila-based technology studio is taking a bold step into AI-powered filmmaking with the development of “Trading Wars,” a 12-episode animated series that its creators describe as the world’s first long-form series produced entirely through “synthography.”

Developed by the MISHKAM Synthographic Division, the production arm of Quezon City-based Mishkam Technologies, “Trading Wars” follows Ren, a failed meme-stock trader who is mentored by the mysterious Ginzo before entering a high-stakes global trading competition alongside a colorful cast of characters including Aya Kazumi, Unit-734, and Valentino “The Whale” Bianchi.

Despite being created using artificial intelligence, the studio stressed that the project is far from fully machine-generated. Instead, it describes its production pipeline as “human-directed, AI-assisted,” with every frame undergoing structured creative oversight before reaching the screen.

According to the studio, each sequence begins with traditional storyboarding, character reference sheets, and carefully structured prompts before AI tools generate the visuals. Episode 2 alone required 67 storyboarded shots across nine sequences before animation production began, illustrating the level of human planning involved.

The company uses the term “synthography” to distinguish its workflow from conventional AI image generation, arguing that the technology serves as a production tool rather than a replacement for filmmakers.

Beyond animation, MISHKAM is positioning “Trading Wars” as the centerpiece of a broader Web3 entertainment ecosystem. Plans include tokenizing 25 percent of the project’s equity through its native cryptocurrency under the ticker $TWL, releasing character-based NFT trading cards across four rarity tiers, launching a trading card game spanning both digital and physical formats, and eventually establishing a regional esports circuit centered on the franchise.

The studio believes the convergence of AI-native filmmaking, blockchain-based entertainment, and growing crypto communities presents an opportunity for Southeast Asia to become a significant player in emerging digital media.

With “Trading Wars,” MISHKAM is also aiming to establish the Philippines as an early mover in synthography-assisted animation, a field currently dominated by companies and creators in the United States, China, and Europe.

The project reflects a growing trend in the global creative industry, where AI is increasingly being integrated into production workflows while human creators continue to oversee storytelling, visual direction, and artistic decisions. Rather than replacing artists, MISHKAM said its goal is to demonstrate that technology can accelerate production without sacrificing authorship or creative intent.

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