Lionsgate Partners With Runway for AI Film and TV Generation

Lionsgate's Groundbreaking Collaboration with Runway

Lionsgate has officially joined forces with AI startup Runway to develop a new customized video generation model. The model will utilize Lionsgate's extensive portfolio, including well-known franchises like John Wick and Hunger Games. This innovative partnership aims to provide filmmakers, directors, and other creatives with advanced tools to better augment their artistic expressions.

Path to Capital-Efficient Content Creation

According to Lionsgate's Vice Chair, Michael Burns, this deal represents a path towards capital-efficient content creation opportunities. He emphasizes that several filmmakers are already eager to explore the potential applications of this AI technology in their projects, particularly during pre-production and post-production.

AI's Role in Modern Filmmaking

Runway's co-founder and CEO, Cristóbal Valenzuela, highlighted the importance of the AI model as an augmentation tool aimed at giving filmmakers new ways to bring their narratives to life. The agreement includes exciting possibilities, though details about compensating creative teams whose work may be used for training remain unclear.

Industry Impact and Legislative Concerns

As Lionsgate ventures into the AI field, the entertainment landscape faces increasing scrutiny over using AI technologies. Filmmakers have expressed concerns regarding job security, particularly around the creation of AI replicas of background performers—issues that contributed to the recent SAG-AFTRA strike.

In response to these industry shifts, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed several SAG-AFTRA-backed bills aimed at granting performers more control over their digital likenesses. As the industry navigates these changes, Lionsgate's commitment to AI could shift the balance of content creation.