‘John Wick’ and ‘Hunger Games’ Studio Lionsgate Under Fire After Unprecedented AI Deal
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., known for popular franchises like “John Wick” and “The Hunger Games,” is facing backlash due to a groundbreaking agreement with AI startup Runway. According to the Wall Street Journal, this partnership involves giving Runway access to Lionsgate’s extensive content library in exchange for a custom AI model intended to assist in editing and production efforts for films and TV shows.
This collaboration is viewed as a significant step in integrating generative AI into Hollywood, but it has sparked controversy among creatives, actors, and industry executives debating the implications of such technology. Critics, including filmmaker Justine Bateman and Gavin Michael Booth, have voiced concerns about the potential impact on jobs and the motivations behind studio agreements with AI companies, suggesting that the studios may be seeking to create proprietary versions of AI rather than defending copyright.
Supporters of the deal argue that generative AI could enhance creative work and provide financial relief for the struggling industry. However, the ongoing debate raises questions about the future of filmmaking and the protection of creative rights in light of technological advancements.
A major Hollywood studio in charge of one of the most explosive action franchises is facing equally explosive pushback.
But it’s got nothing to do with any of the movies themselves.
Rather, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. is taking flak for a “first of its kind” artificial intelligence deal.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the studio in charge of films like “John Wick” and “The Hunger Games” has inked a major AI deal with Runway, a “fast-evolving AI startup.”
The Journal described this deal as a bit of a mutual exchange.
Lionsgate will give Runway “access to its content library in exchange for a new, custom AI model that the studio can use in the editing and production process.”
The longtime entertainment company will reportedly seek to use “generative artificial intelligence in the creation of its new movies and TV shows, a sign of the emerging technology’s advance in Hollywood.”
The report continued: “The deal — the first of its kind for Runway and one that could become a blueprint in the entertainment industry — comes as creatives, actors and studio executives debate whether to use the new technology and how to protect their copyright material.
“Advocates say generative AI can enhance creators’ work and help a cash-strapped industry save time and money.”
While the advocates may argue for that, critics of AI were swift to condemn this deal in a myriad of ways.
Filmmaker and author Justine Bateman blasted the ulterior motives she believed were at the root of this deal.
Over a year ago, I told you that I assumed the studios were NOT sending lawyers to the #AI companies over their models injesting their copyrighted films, because they wanted their own custom versions.
Well, here you go. https://t.co/t21mtqEGT8 pic.twitter.com/eucJw709sK— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) September 18, 2024
“Over a year ago, I told you that I assume the studios were NOT sending lawyers to the #AI companies over their models injesting their copyrighted films, because they wanted their own custom versions [of generative AI],” Bateman posted to X on Wednesday.
She added, along with a screen shot of the WSJ article, “Well, here you go.”
Filmmaker Gavin Michael Booth took to X to ask AI advocates how, exactly, this wasn’t going to impact jobs:
Ok people, tell me generative AI won’t take filmmaking jobs again now Lionsgate has a deal with Runway AI. This isn’t going to stop and it is only going to speed up.
— Gavin Michael Booth (@GavinBooth) September 18, 2024
“Ok people, tell me generative AI won’t take filmmaking jobs again now Lionsgate has a deal with Runway AI,” Booth posted. “This isn’t going to stop and it is only going to speed up.”
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