According to the Wall Street Journal, Google's DeepMind division and A24 will collaborate on tools for film production and distribution, marking the first time Google has taken a stake in a movie studio.
While the agreement reportedly does not give Google access to A24's film and television library, the deal brings together one of the world's largest AI developers with the studio known for films including “Ex Machina,” Alex Garland's 2014 thriller about the dangers of artificial intelligence, as well as the recent breakout hit “Backrooms.”
A24 partner Scott Belsky attempted to ease concerns that Google's deal with the studio would lead to the kind of generative AI tools that many filmmakers have criticized, telling the Journal that the companies are focused on tools that preserve creative control and support filmmakers.
“We think there are better uses that preserve creative control and support risk-taking," Belsky told the Wall Street Journal, adding, "won't look anything like the prompted generation type of AI that people feel uncomfortable with."
As part of the deal, A24 and Google plan to develop tools for film production and distribution. A24's existing technology and innovation division, A24 Labs, is already developing an AI-assisted storyboarding tool designed to help filmmakers identify potential production issues before filming begins.
“We believe breakthroughs happen when you get technology into the hands of the best minds in the field,” Eli Collins, a vice president of product for DeepMind, said.
