Disney forms AI task force to reduce expenses – insiders

Disney Forms Task Force‍ to Explore Artificial Intelligence

By Dawn Chmielewski and Krystal ‍Hu

Walt Disney has ‍created a task force to study artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential applications across the entertainment conglomerate. This move ⁢comes at a time when Hollywood writers and actors ‌are fighting to limit the industry’s use ⁢of AI. The task force,​ established earlier this year, aims‍ to develop AI applications in-house and forge partnerships⁢ with ⁤startups,‍ according to three sources.

Disney’s commitment to AI⁢ is evident in its current job ⁤openings, which include ⁢11 positions seeking candidates with expertise in artificial⁢ intelligence or​ machine learning. These roles span various ⁣departments within the company, from Walt Disney Studios to theme⁢ parks, engineering,‌ television, and advertising.

While‍ Disney declined to comment⁤ on the ​task force, an‍ internal advocate emphasized the importance of legacy media companies embracing AI to avoid becoming obsolete.‍ This supporter believes that AI ‍can ⁣help control ‌the skyrocketing​ costs of movie and television ⁢production, ⁢potentially leading to significant cost savings over time.

AI holds great potential for ‌Disney’s parks business as well. It could enhance customer support and create unique interactions, as demonstrated by Project Kiwi. This⁤ project utilized machine ‌learning techniques to develop Baby Groot, a ⁣small robot that ⁣mimics the movements and ⁤personality of‌ the “Guardians of the Galaxy” character. The former Disney Imagineer who worked on this project envisions Baby Groot eventually interacting with park⁢ guests.

AI has become a contentious issue in Hollywood, with writers and actors‌ viewing it as a threat to their jobs. The Screen Actors Guild and⁤ the Writers​ Guild of⁢ America, ‌both currently on strike, consider AI a central issue in their contract negotiations.

Disney has a long history of investing in technological innovation. From debuting the first cartoon with synchronized sound in 1928 to holding over ⁤4,000 patents, the company has ⁤consistently embraced ⁣new technologies. Under the leadership of CEO Bob Iger, Disney has prioritized technology and even collaborated⁢ with top universities worldwide ‌on⁣ research and development‌ initiatives.

Disney’s research ⁢efforts have yielded impressive ‌results, such as the ⁢mixed-reality ⁣technology called “Magic Bench” and‍ the Medusa performance capture system. These ⁣technologies enhance digital effects‍ and augment human actors rather than replacing them.

With its rich history of technological advancements, Disney is‍ well-positioned to​ leverage AI for future‌ growth and ​innovation.

(Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles and Krystal Hu in New York; ‌Editing by ⁢Kenneth‌ Li and Matthew Lewis)

with Marcus Shroeder

with Dan Geltrude

with Chris Elston

with James Fotis

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