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The Wrap, a media outlet focused on the entertainment industry, reports that Disney is set to announce a major AI-driven initiative. This shift is expected to primarily target postproduction and visual effects but could also impact their parks and experiences.
This development suggests potential major changes in how Disney films (as a remonder, Disney also owns Marvel and Lucasfilm) could be produced in the future. This news may not come as a complete surprise, since Disney CEO Bob Iger has previously spoken about AI, stating that technological progress is inevitable.
However, this news comes amid Disney’s ongoing layoff plans in response to the pandemic: approximately 7,000 employees have been laid off across the group, aimed at improving the company’s financial position. The company was hit hard by COVID, particularly when it comes to its theme parks, cruises, and box office revenue. In September, around 300 more employees were let go.
This AI-driven initiative will likely aim to reduce costs, especially in visual effects and postproduction expenses.
It remains challenging to predict the exact impact, both internally and among VFX vendors. That being said, following Lionsgate’s recent announcement of a deal with Runway, a company specializing in generative AI, this is yet another sign of Hollywood’s shift towards AI.
