Meta, Alphabet to provide AI-Tech to Hollywood Studios

Business05/23/2024Mr. SmithMr. Smith
ai hollywood
Hollywood

(APRNEWS) - Hollywood studios are actively exploring partnerships with leading technology companies to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for cost reduction and content creation. Companies like Alphabet, Meta, and OpenAI are developing technologies that can generate realistic scenes from text prompts, offering tens of millions of dollars to collaborate with studios. However, these discussions come with significant concerns about content control and the protection of intellectual property.

Financial Stakes and Industry Impact

On Wednesday, News Corp., parent of the Wall Street Journal and other media outlets, agreed to allow OpenAI to use content from over a dozen of its publications in a deal potentially worth more than $250 million over five years. This partnership highlights the substantial financial stakes involved. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. has shown interest in licensing specific programs to train AI models, though it remains cautious about offering its entire library.

Hollywood's interest in AI is driven by its potential to revolutionize content creation. For instance, director Robert Zemeckis has used AI to de-age actor Tom Hanks in an upcoming film, and Tyler Perry has employed the technology for character makeup recreation. These advancements illustrate AI's growing role in the industry, sparking both excitement and anxiety among creatives.

Ethical and Legal Challenges

The ethical implications of AI in Hollywood are significant. Recently, actress Scarlett Johansson demanded that OpenAI stop using a voice resembling hers without permission, emphasizing the industry's concerns about unauthorized use of likenesses. Studios are wary of licensing content to tech companies without clear control over its use, fearing potential misuse and intellectual property theft.

Despite these concerns, no major studio has sued a tech company over AI use to date. Instead, studios are seeking ways to make AI beneficial, while also protecting the interests of their creative partners. This delicate balance is crucial as studios navigate the complexities of AI integration.

Industry Response and Future Outlook

Hollywood's response to AI varies. While some companies like Warner Bros. are open to selective licensing, others like Walt Disney Co. and Netflix Inc. are cautious, preferring to explore other forms of collaboration. The industry's approach is mirrored in the music sector, where Universal Music Group and Sony Music Group have taken strong stances against unauthorized AI use of their content.

Tyler Perry, a prominent figure in Hollywood, has been vocal about both the opportunities and risks posed by AI. He has called for industry-wide regulations to manage AI's impact on labor and creativity. Perry's proactive stance underscores the need for a cohesive strategy to ensure AI benefits rather than disrupts the industry.

As Hollywood continues to explore AI partnerships, the industry must address legal, ethical, and financial considerations. The ongoing negotiations and developments will shape the future of content creation and the relationship between technology and entertainment.

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