I did a li'l search and could definitely buy him taking the idea from this: https://www.provideocoalition.com/fractal-noise-advanced-analysis-of-after-effects-most-versatile-plugin/

Fractal noise, as an algorithm or technique, is not unique to After Effects. The concept was developed for Hollywood in the early 80s by a remarkable guy called Ken Perlin. In many fields of computer graphics fractal noise is called “Perlin Noise”, and a quick Google search will reveal lots of information on the principle, and how it has been implemented in everything from blockbuster films to computer games. A famous early use of fractal noise was in the terraforming scenes in “Star Trek II”, and Ken Perlin eventually won an Oscar recognising his efforts in 1997. There are a number of websites dedicated to the history of computer graphics, and the landscapes generated with fractal noise for Star Trek II are among the earliest uses of CGI in Hollywood films.

Which seems to be just what you described, but I thought the Hollywood/Star Trek thingy was interesting.

Fractal noise is especially good at generating natural textures such as marble, fire, clouds, woodgrain, water, fabric and more. However it can also be used to generate displacement maps, bump maps and gradient wipes for advanced effects, and the range of textures, patterns and effects you can create is practically endless.