Lionsgate has made a significant move in the film industry by partnering with the AI startup Runway to develop a custom generative model trained on its extensive library of films and television shows. This collaboration aims to enhance the creative process for filmmakers while potentially saving millions in production costs.
Key Takeaways
Lionsgate partners with Runway to utilize AI in film production.
The custom AI model will be trained on Lionsgate's film and TV library.
The technology aims to assist in storyboarding, special effects, and background creation.
The deal comes amid ongoing discussions about AI's role in Hollywood.
The Partnership Details
Lionsgate, known for blockbuster franchises like "John Wick" and "The Hunger Games," has signed a deal with Runway, a rapidly evolving AI startup. This partnership will allow Runway to access Lionsgate's vast content library to create a tailored AI model that can be used in various stages of film production.
Michael Burns, Lionsgate's vice-chairman, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating that it could save the studio "millions and millions of dollars." The AI tools will initially be used for internal processes such as storyboarding, which involves laying out graphics to visualize how a story unfolds. Eventually, the technology will be employed for creating backgrounds and special effects, particularly beneficial for action films that require extensive visual effects.
Industry Context
This partnership comes at a time when Hollywood is grappling with the implications of AI in content creation. The recent strikes by the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America highlighted concerns about the potential for AI to replace human jobs and the need for clear guidelines on its use in the industry.
Burns noted that Lionsgate had previously been cautious about engaging with generative AI tools due to these concerns. However, the studio recognized the need to adapt quickly to remain competitive, especially as other major studios like Disney and Paramount have also been exploring similar partnerships.
Future Implications
The collaboration between Lionsgate and Runway is not just about immediate production benefits; it also opens the door for future licensing opportunities. The two companies are discussing the possibility of offering the generative AI model to other entertainment companies, which could reshape how the industry approaches content creation and intellectual property.
Runway's CEO, Cristóbal Valenzuela, emphasized the company's commitment to empowering artists and studios with powerful tools to enhance their workflows. While the full capabilities of the AI model are still being developed, it is expected to be particularly advantageous for lower-budget productions, providing them access to resources typically reserved for larger films.
Conclusion
As Lionsgate embarks on this innovative partnership with Runway, the film industry watches closely. The integration of AI into the creative process could redefine how films are made, offering new opportunities for storytelling while addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Hollywood's ongoing evolution, as studios seek to balance creativity with efficiency in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Sources
Lionsgate partners with AI firm to train generative model on film and TV library | Movies | The Guardian, The Guardian.
Lionsgate, Studio Behind ‘John Wick,’ Signs Deal With AI Startup Runway, MSN.
Exclusive | Lionsgate, Studio Behind ‘John Wick,’ Signs Deal With AI Startup Runway - WSJ, WSJ.
Generative AI startup Runway inks deal with a major Hollywood studio, Yahoo Finance AU.
Runway Inks Deal with Lionsgate to Bring Generative Video AI into Film Production, Maginative.
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