It seems like only yesterday when the world was introduced to ChatGPT or Midjourney, and talks of AI replacing humans had begun. Well, Lionsgate Studios, a veteran film-making company has joined hands with an AI research company called Runway.
This doesn’t mean that there are going to be layoffs or anything but it does seem that the timing of this deal is quite, suspicious. The recently released Lionsgate films are suffering at the box office and AI could potentially be the solution!
Lionsgate Makes A Deal With Runway
Although Lionsgate has some iconic movies to its name such as the John Wick franchise, Saw, The Expendables, and, more, the studio has been struggling recently.
Bill Skarsgård’s The Crow and Kevin Hart’s Borderlands are two recent examples of movies that have failed massively at the global box office, but that’s not the end of the line. Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is nearing its release date in theaters and the film is also not expected to make much at the global box office. Amidst these turbulent times, Lionsgate has made a deal with the AI-research company Runway.
Vice chairman Michael Burns of Lionsgate revealed their intentions for making this deal with Runway and how they will utilize AI in their movies (via The Hollywood Reporter).
Runway is a visionary, best-in-class partner who will help us utilize AI to develop cutting-edge, capital-efficient content creation opportunities.
Suffice it to say that not many details have been revealed about how exactly they will use AI for their movies. However, it is assumed that experimentation with CGI scenes and risky storylines can be created by AI within minutes.
This can help cut costs as useless scenes involving CGI or acting would not have to be created. However, this is just speculation and nothing can be confirmed as of now.
On the other hand, there are rumors that AI will help in creating CGI scenes and although it would be efficient, there’s a drawback as well. People fear that AI is slowly replacing CGI artists and that the creativity and level of detail that humans have, will not be achieved by AI.
Fans Do Not Like This Announcement
Naturally, people are afraid that AI is taking up jobs (especially in the creative department) and they do not like this idea. With Lionsgate having a not-so-good year, fans are more nervous and disappointed in the company than before.
Taking to their social media accounts on X, fans disagreed with the company’s announcement of collaborating with Runway. Fans even talked about how Lionsgate is having a difficult year.
So, there’s that. It seems that the future of AI and motion pictures is upon us anytime soon. Only time can tell whether the deal between Lionsgate and Runway was a good choice or not.
On the professional side of things, Lionsgate is all set to release the upcoming Francis Ford Coppola film Megalopolis. The film has received average ratings and some review bombings and is set for a release date of 27 September in theaters across the U.S.
