Google DeepMind bets $75M on AI’s future in Hollywood with A24 deal

A new alliance has emerged between a Hollywood studio and a tech giant.

Google DeepMind announced this on Monday a $75 million investment (according to the WSJ) in the popular indie film studio A24, known for hits such as ‘Marty Supreme’, ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ and the latest blockbuster ‘Backrooms’. Google DeepMind bills the investment as a partnership, a “first of its kind” where the two companies will create AI tools for filmmaking, with Google DeepMind “receiving feedback and guidance from leading artists.” A24 has recently collaborated on several projects with big names such as Timothée Chalamet and Anne Hathaway.

“We believe the best way to build tools that empower artists is to work directly with them,” said Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, in a press release. “By working with filmmakers and industry leaders like A24 from the ground up, we can build new AI capabilities to support artists in telling authentic, meaningful stories that enable their creative vision.”

While there is controversy in Hollywood over the use of AI in films, A24 would be far from the first studio to explore the integration of AI into the creative process. Netflix announced earlier this year that it was making a purchase Ben Affleck’s company, InterPositive, which makes AI tools for filmmakers. Last year, meanwhile, Amazon’s MGM Studios launched an AI unit focused on developing tools for television and film production.