Google DeepMind announced on June 22 that it has invested $75 million in independent film label A24, with both sides describing it as a „first-of-its-kind“ research partnership. Together, they will develop AI tools for filmmakers, with A24’s creative team providing feedback and guidance to DeepMind. DeepMind co-founder and CEO Demis Hassabis said in a statement: „We believe the best way to develop tools that empower artists is to work directly with them. By collaborating from the start with filmmakers and industry leaders like A24, we can build AI capabilities that support artists in creating authentic, meaningful stories.“ A24 has recently released films like The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and the latest box office hit The Backrooms, and has worked closely with top-tier actors such as Timothée Chalamet and Anne Hathaway.
This partnership is not an isolated case of Hollywood embracing AI. Netflix earlier this year announced the acquisition of Ben Affleck’s company InterPositive, which develops AI tools specifically for filmmakers; Amazon MGM Studios also established a dedicated division focused on AI for film and TV production last year. While the use of AI in Hollywood continues to spark industry debate, major tech giants have largely converged on a direction of pushing AI adoption in filmmaking.