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Leading tech companies Alphabet Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. are reportedly in discussions with major Hollywood studios to secure licenses for their artificial intelligence (AI) video generation technology. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that both firms are developing advanced systems capable of producing lifelike scenes based on text prompts. These talks involve substantial financial offers, with figures reaching tens of millions of dollars. Similarly, OpenAI, backed by Microsoft Corp., is also exploring similar negotiations. However, representatives from Alphabet, Meta, and OpenAI declined to comment on the ongoing discussions.
Hollywood Studios Eye AI Integration for Cost Efficiency and IP Protection
Hollywood studios are increasingly considering the integration of AI technology to streamline production processes and safeguard intellectual property (IP). While there is interest in leveraging AI to reduce costs, studios remain cautious about granting tech companies unrestricted access to their content. Recent incidents, such as Scarlett Johansson’s objection to OpenAI using her likeness in its chatbot, underscore the industry’s concerns over content protection. Notably, News Corp. recently struck a deal with OpenAI, potentially valued at over $250 million, allowing the use of content from its publications.
Divergent Responses from Major Studios
While some major studios, like Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., are open to licensing select programs for AI training, others such as Walt Disney Co. and Netflix Inc. are more reluctant to directly license their content. Instead, they are exploring alternative collaboration avenues. The industry has already begun incorporating AI into production processes, with notable examples including filmmakers like Tyler Perry and Robert Zemeckis utilizing AI for makeup recreation and digital de-aging, respectively.
Addressing Labor Concerns and Regulatory Challenges
The proliferation of AI tools in Hollywood has sparked discussions about potential job displacement and the need for regulatory frameworks. Filmmaker Tyler Perry has been vocal about the need for industry-wide regulations to mitigate the impact of AI on labor. Additionally, the music industry has taken a firm stance against AI use, with Universal Music Group NV suing AI startup Anthropic over copyright concerns. As licensing discussions progress, studios are grappling with complexities surrounding creative approval and ensuring that actors’ rights are upheld in AI model training processes. While navigating these challenges, studios aim to strike a balance between leveraging AI’s benefits and protecting their creative assets.
