Avail Launches Corpus to Help Media License Content for AI

The startup, Avail, known for its script summarization product used in Hollywood, is launching a new product called Corpus. This new tool aims to help media companies and creators license their content to AI model developers, providing a new revenue stream and greater visibility.

Focus on Smaller Media Companies and Creators

Avail's CEO, Chris Giliberti, emphasizes the company's mission to support smaller media companies and individual creators who often miss out on large licensing deals. “We were really interested in helping some of these smaller media companies or even individual creators participate in this moment,” Giliberti says. The goal is to bridge the gap between these smaller entities and the large generative AI models that currently dominate the market.

Early Partnerships and Focus

Avail has already secured partnerships with the Spanish-language podcast producer Sonoro and the short-form video network Mad Realities. The company also plans to prioritize YouTubers and other online creators. “YouTubers are going to be a really big focus for us because these chatbots can be referring a valuable audience if the chatbots know who they are. “And in order to know who they are, they have to train on their data,” Giliberti explains.

Collaboration with AI Firms

Giliberti mentions that Avail is collaborating with a range of AI firms, from large model developers to smaller companies focused on specific AI applications. “The various models have different kinds of remits that they’re looking to buy data against,” Giliberti says. This tailored approach allows Avail to match media content with the specific needs of different AI models, such as those seeking STEM content.

Background and Support

Avail's initial product, a script summarization tool, launched last year and has been widely adopted by Hollywood studios and talent agencies. The company is backed by notable investors, including Shari Redstone’s Advancit Capital, Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six, and General Catalyst.

Goal of Corpus

Corpus aims to provide smaller media and entertainment companies, as well as independent creators, with the opportunity to license their content to AI firms. This is particularly important as giants like OpenAI, Google, and Meta continue to secure deals with major media companies, often sidelining smaller entities. “We want to help rights holders get cited and paid; it’s crucial, as the longstanding search and ad revenue model breaks down,” Giliberti says.