Lionsgate Partners with Runway to Introduce AI in Film Production
Lionsgate, the studio behind major franchises like The Hunger Games and John Wick, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with AI company Runway. Together, they plan to train a generative AI model using Lionsgate’s extensive library of over 20,000 titles, marking the first time a Hollywood studio has teamed up with Runway.
This collaboration aims to enhance the creative process in both pre-production and post-production, offering new tools for filmmakers while also significantly cutting costs.
Michael Burns, Lionsgate’s Vice Chair, expressed excitement about how this technology could streamline production, especially for action-heavy films. He highlighted that Runway’s AI tools could be particularly useful for effects-heavy scenes, such as explosions, which are common in Lionsgate's films.
“We view AI as a great tool for augmenting, enhancing, and supplementing our current operations,” Burns stated. The studio expects to save millions by leveraging this technology in future projects.
AI deal causes concern
However, the deal has stirred controversy within the creative community. Many critics are concerned about the potential impact AI could have on jobs in the industry.
Writer and producer Helen Delzany expressed concern over the deal, warning that “the greater tragedy in all of this is how stale film and entertainment may become.”
Actor Alexander Chard also voiced his disapproval, stating, “Our words, performances, and direction are merely to feed the machine until we’re no longer needed.” Others have echoed similar sentiments on social media, describing the collaboration as “vile” and “disgusting.”
AI companies praise Runway and Lionsgate deal
Despite the backlash, some insiders see the partnership as a positive step forward. PJ Acetturo, a producer and CEO of an AI entertainment company, hailed the move as “amazing for the industry,” emphasising how AI could bridge the gap between technology and traditional film production.
Runway’s CEO, Cristóbal Valenzuela, defended the collaboration, stating that AI is not about replacing jobs but accelerating the creative process.
“Artists are always in control of their tools,” he reassured, adding that the best stories are yet to be told with these new advancements.
What are the legal concerns?
Legal concerns also loom over the partnership. Runway is currently facing a lawsuit for copyright infringement, with accusations that it unlawfully stored images in its AI systems.
This legal uncertainty, combined with the recent passing of a California law regulating AI performance replicas, has cast a shadow over the deal. Studios across Hollywood are experimenting with AI, but the technology’s use remains a contentious issue, especially in light of the recent Hollywood actors' strike, where AI was a central concern.
For Lionsgate, though, the potential benefits outweigh the risks. The studio has long relied on producing high-quality films on more modest budgets compared to other Hollywood giants. With AI, they aim to continue that tradition while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in filmmaking.
As AI technology continues to evolve, so will its role in the entertainment industry. Whether it leads to the revolution of creativity or the staleness critics fear, one thing is certain: AI is here to stay.
