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Runway, a fast-growing generative AI startup specializing in video tools, has inked a groundbreaking deal with Lionsgate, the Hollywood studio known for blockbuster franchises such as John Wick and Twilight. The partnership will see Runway develop a custom AI video model trained on Lionsgate’s extensive movie catalog, marking a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
The AI model, developed using Runway’s advanced video-generating technology, will be accessible to Lionsgate’s filmmakers, directors, and other creative professionals. According to Lionsgate vice chair Michael Burns, the partnership aims to “augment the work” of the studio’s creative talent, allowing them to push the boundaries of visual storytelling with AI-powered tools.
Runway, which has already gained recognition for its innovative AI models that generate and manipulate video content, is expected to provide filmmakers with tools that could enhance everything from pre-production visualization to post-production effects. The AI could assist in creating visual effects, generating realistic environments, and offering creative variations on scenes, giving filmmakers more flexibility and efficiency.
“We are excited to collaborate with Lionsgate to explore the future of AI in film,” said Runway CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela in a statement. “By merging AI technology with human creativity, we aim to unlock new possibilities in visual storytelling.”
The partnership comes at a time when Hollywood is increasingly exploring the potential of artificial intelligence in production, with AI being used for scriptwriting, digital effects, and even casting decisions. However, the use of AI in creative industries has also sparked debate, with some fearing it may replace human roles in the creative process. Lionsgate’s deal with Runway suggests a different approach—one that views AI as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity.
The collaboration between Runway and Lionsgate could usher a new era of filmmaking, where cutting-edge AI technology plays an integral role in the creative process.