Promise, a new generative AI studio, has officially launched with significant backing from industry leaders Peter Chernin and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. The studio aims to revolutionize storytelling in film and television by integrating cutting-edge AI technology into the creative process, empowering both emerging and established talent.
Key Takeaways
Founders: The studio is founded by George Strompolos, Jamie Byrne, and Dave Clark, all of whom have extensive backgrounds in digital media and filmmaking.
Funding: The amount of seed funding raised has not been disclosed, but it comes from notable investors including Chernin's North Road Company and Andreessen Horowitz.
Innovative Approach: Promise plans to develop a proprietary software called MUSE, designed to streamline production workflows and enhance collaboration among artists.
Focus on Talent: The studio is committed to championing generative AI artists and forming partnerships with a diverse range of rights-holders.
Promise Advanced Imagination, Inc. is set to produce films and series while exploring innovative new formats. The founders believe that generative AI can serve as a powerful tool for creatives, enabling them to push the boundaries of storytelling.
The Vision Behind Promise
The founders of Promise bring a wealth of experience to the table. George Strompolos, the CEO, previously founded Fullscreen, a creator network that played a significant role in the early days of digital media. Jamie Byrne, the President and COO, was instrumental in launching YouTube's creator revenue-sharing program, while Dave Clark, the Chief Creative Officer, is recognized for his work in generative AI filmmaking.
Strompolos emphasized the importance of building a studio that prioritizes artists and technology, stating, "We believe this is a transformational moment in entertainment and a studio must be built from the ground up — around the artists, the tech, and a new workflow — in order to unlock its full potential."
The Role of Generative AI
Generative AI has been a hot topic in Hollywood, especially following the recent writers' and actors' strikes that highlighted concerns over the technology's impact on the industry. However, Promise is taking a proactive approach, aiming to integrate AI into the creative process rather than viewing it as a threat.
Chernin expressed his excitement about the potential of generative AI, stating, "There is something undeniably exciting about generative AI, and we are bullish on George and Promise’s ability to empower storytellers."
MUSE: A New Production Workflow
One of the standout features of Promise is its development of MUSE, a production workflow system that integrates the latest generative AI technology. This system is designed to create a streamlined, collaborative, and secure production environment, allowing artists to produce high-quality work efficiently.
Future Plans
Promise is actively engaging with leading generative AI artists, Hollywood talent, and rights-holders to develop a multi-year lineup of category-defining films and series. The studio is also advertising open positions for generative AI directors, image and motion artists, and 3D artists, indicating a commitment to building a diverse and talented team.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Promise aims to be at the forefront of this transformation, fostering a creative environment where storytellers can explore bold ideas and push the boundaries of what is possible in film and television.
For more information, visit their website at promisestudios.com.
Sources
Gen AI Studio Promise Funded by Peter Chernin, Andreessen Horowitz, Variety.
Generative AI Studio Promise Launches With Backing From Peter Chernin's North Road, Andreessen Horowitz, Deadline.
Promise Advanced Imagination, Inc. Unveils New Studio Built for the Generative AI Era to Produce Films, Series, and Develop Innovative New Formats. Backed by Investments from The North Road Company and Andreessen Horowitz, Promise Is Actively Developing a Multi-Year Slate of Projects., PR Newswire.