Entertainment giants Lionsgate are making waves in the industry with their latest partnership with artificial intelligence (AI) company Runway. The collaboration will see a new AI model trained on Lionsgate’s extensive film and TV archive, allowing the studio to harness the power of AI technology in future productions.
Lionsgate, known for blockbuster franchises like The Hunger Games and John Wick, is looking to leverage AI to develop cutting-edge and cost-effective content creation opportunities. Vice Chair Michael Burns expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that Runway will help them utilize AI in a way that pushes the boundaries of creativity.
However, not everyone is thrilled about the news. The use of AI in film production has been a contentious issue, with concerns about job loss and the potential for creativity to suffer. Writer and producer Helen Delzany voiced her worries about the impact on the creative industries, while actor Alexander Chard lamented the idea of artists being replaced by machines.
The backlash on social media has been swift, with many users condemning the collaboration as “vile” and “disgusting.” Despite the negative reactions, some industry insiders like producer PJ Acetturo see the partnership as a positive step forward. Acetturo, who also heads an AI entertainment company, believes that bridging the gap between AI and film production could lead to exciting new possibilities for the industry.
It’s worth noting that Runway is currently facing legal troubles, with a group of artists suing the company for potential copyright infringement. A US district judge recently ruled that Runway and other AI companies were illegally storing images in image generation systems. Additionally, a London cinema had to pull an AI-written film in June due to public backlash.
As Lionsgate and Runway forge ahead with their partnership, the entertainment industry is at a crossroads, grappling with the implications of AI technology on creativity and job security. Only time will tell how this collaboration will shape the future of film and television production.
