Lionsgate's Runway AI Video Deal
Curated by
elymc
4 min read
17,372
262
Lionsgate, the studio behind blockbuster franchises like John Wick and The Hunger Games, has partnered with AI startup Runway to develop a custom AI model trained on Lionsgate's vast content library, marking a significant step in integrating artificial intelligence into mainstream film production.
maginative
Runway Inks Deal with Lionsgate to Bring Generative Video AI into ...
runwayml
Runway Partners with Lionsgate
Show all
Lionsgate-Runway AI Partnership
The groundbreaking partnership between Lionsgate and Runway, announced on September 18, 2024, aims to create a custom AI model trained on Lionsgate's proprietary catalog12. This model will generate cinematic video that can be further refined using Runway's suite of controllable tools3. Initially, the technology will be used for storyboarding, with plans to expand its application to creating background elements and special effects4.
- The deal is expected to save Lionsgate "millions and millions of dollars" in production costs5
- Lionsgate filmmakers will have access to Runway's cutting-edge AI tools for various aspects of production4
- The partnership opens possibilities for future licensing opportunities, potentially reshaping content creation in the entertainment industry6
6 sources
AI Model Implementation Details
Runway's AI model will be trained on Lionsgate's vast library of over 20,000 film and TV titles, including popular franchises like The Hunger Games and John Wick12. The training process will involve analyzing visual styles, cinematography techniques, and narrative structures present in Lionsgate's productions to create a custom "cinematic video" model tailored to the studio's content2. While the exact financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it is expected to save Lionsgate "millions and millions of dollars" in production costs3. The partnership raises questions about compensation for creative teams whose work is used in training the AI model, as specific details on this aspect have not been made public45. This lack of transparency has sparked concerns in the industry, especially in light of recent strikes and ongoing debates about AI's impact on creative professions4.
5 sources
Statements from Key Figures
Michael Burns, Lionsgate's vice chair, hailed Runway as a "visionary, best-in-class partner" that will help the studio develop "cutting-edge, capital-efficient content creation opportunities"12. He emphasized that AI would be used as a tool to augment and enhance existing operations, with several filmmakers already excited about its potential applications in pre- and post-production processes13.
Cristóbal Valenzuela, Runway's co-founder and CEO, expressed commitment to providing creators with powerful tools to enhance their workflows and enable new storytelling methods24. He stated, "The history of art is the history of technology," highlighting the company's efforts to build transformative mediums for artistic expression2. Valenzuela also noted Lionsgate's clear vision for integrating AI into their creative process4.
4 sources
AI Applications in Film
The integration of AI into film production through the Lionsgate-Runway partnership opens up innovative possibilities for creative workflows. Filmmakers can now leverage AI tools for rapid iteration and experimentation, allowing them to visualize different versions of their ideas more efficiently1. Specific applications include:
- Accelerating traditionally manual tasks like video editing and visual effects creation
- Using text prompts to generate visual effects or scenery
- Enhancing post-production processes such as color correction
- Facilitating real-time collaboration between directors, editors, and VFX teams1
2 sources
Industry Implications and Challenges
The partnership between Lionsgate and Runway signals a potential shift in the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry, positioning Lionsgate as a technological innovator1. However, this move also raises concerns about job displacement and the impact on creative roles in filmmaking2. The use of AI in content creation remains controversial, with Runway facing legal challenges from visual artists alleging copyright infringement2.
- The deal comes amid a difficult summer for Lionsgate, with several box office disappointments2
- California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed bills regulating the use of AI replicas of performers2
- The success of this venture will depend on audience reception to AI-enhanced content and the industry's ability to balance technological innovation with creative integrity1
2 sources
AI Partnerships Trend
Major entertainment companies are indeed exploring partnerships with AI firms to leverage their content libraries and develop custom models. Disney, for instance, has invested in two language AI startups through its 2024 Accelerator Program1. These include AudioShake, which uses AI to parse audio tracks for mixing or dubbing, and ElevenLabs, a multilingual AI voice startup1.
The trend of custom AI models trained on proprietary content libraries is gaining momentum:
- Disney Music Group has partnered with AudioShake to unlock new creative and marketing opportunities for its catalog, including stem separation and automated lyric transcription2.
- Epic Games is collaborating with Disney to build a $1.5 billion open game and entertainment universe, likely incorporating AI technologies3.
- OpenAI, while not explicitly partnering with entertainment companies, is seeking massive funding that could put it on par with major corporations like Disney and Uber4.
4 sources
Related
Are other major entertainment companies like Disney planning similar AI partnerships
How might these AI deals impact the future of content creation in the entertainment industry
What are the potential benefits for startups participating in these AI accelerator programs
How do these partnerships affect the development of open-source AI models
What role do IP rights play in these AI collaborations between companies
Keep Reading
Sony Pictures Uses AI to Cut Film Costs
Sony Pictures Entertainment is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline film and television production and reduce costs. CEO Tony Vinciquerra recently emphasized the company's focus on using AI to produce movies and shows more efficiently, potentially impacting areas like animation, visual effects, and post-production.
30,938
How Runway ML is Redefining Film Production
Runway ML, an AI-powered video editing platform, is revolutionizing the film industry by automating complex post-production tasks and empowering creators with innovative tools. As reported by Filmmakersacademy.com, this technology is making high-concept storytelling more accessible to independent filmmakers, offering capabilities such as automated editing, visual effects enhancement, and efficient collaboration.
8,251
Top Reasons to Start Using Runway Gen-3
Runway's Gen-3 Alpha, the latest iteration of AI-powered video generation technology, is revolutionizing content creation with its unprecedented speed and versatility. This groundbreaking tool allows users to create realistic AI videos in seconds, offering a range of features that promise to transform the landscape of digital creativity and video production.
6,853