Advanced AI & 3D Rendering for Blender

Project Title: AI-Driven 2D-to-3D / Video Generation Pipeline in Blender (Photo-real, 3D Cartoon, Anime Styles)
Category: 3D Animation / Blender Scripting / AI Integration
Description:
We have a working baseline Blender automation pipeline (built using Kiki K3) that generates basic 3D videos from 2D images. We're now looking to upgrade this into a more advanced system capable of true volumetric depth and multi-style rendering.
Core Problem:
Our current pipeline projects 2D images onto image planes, which results in a flat "paper-cut" look. We need to solve this by adding real volume, depth, and multi-view consistency (front/side/back/top) so outputs hold up from multiple camera angles — not just a flat cutout facing the camera.
What We Need:
Integration of AI models/APIs for depth estimation and/or 3D mesh generation (e.g., depth-to-mesh, NeRF/Gaussian Splatting, or similar neural rendering approaches) into our existing Blender + automation workflow
PBR-ready texturing for realistic material/lighting response
Support for three output styles: photo-realistic, 3D cartoon, and anime
A functional prototype demonstrating the upgraded pipeline end-to-end
Deliverables Requested from Applicants:
A brief technical feasibility assessment — how you'd approach integrating AI-based 2D-to-3D volumetric workflows with Blender
Estimated cost/fee structure for building the initial prototype
Expected timeline and proposed resourcing/team structure for execution
Ideal Skills:
Blender Python API / scripting & automation
Experience with depth estimation, photogrammetry, or 3D generative AI models
Neural rendering (NeRF, Gaussian Splatting) or mesh reconstruction pipelines
PBR texturing/shading workflows
Prior work on stylized (cartoon/anime) 3D pipelines is a plus
Please respond with your relevant portfolio/past work, feasibility notes, and a rough quote before we schedule a discussion.