Lionsgate Partners with Runway to Use AI in Filmmaking Saving Millions

Lionsgate, the studio known for producing blockbuster franchises like John Wick and The Hunger Games, has partnered with AI research company Runway to bring generative AI technology into its filmmaking toolkit. This marks Runway's first collaboration with a Hollywood studio, focusing on building a custom AI model tailored to Lionsgate’s extensive library of over 20,000 films and TV shows.

AI in the Filmmaking Process

Runway's AI technology is designed to assist filmmakers by generating cinematic content that can enhance their creative processes. According to Lionsgate, the AI-generated video can be further refined with Runway’s suite of tools, allowing directors and creatives to use AI to augment their work in both pre-production and post-production. Several filmmakers already see significant potential in how this technology could streamline their projects.

Lionsgate's vice chair, Michael Burns, shared that the studio anticipates saving "millions and millions of dollars" through the use of Runway’s AI tools. In particular, the technology is expected to be especially useful in action films where expensive effects like explosions are common. "We blow a lot of things up, and that is one of the things Runway does," Burns said.

Runway’s Vision for AI in Creativity

Runway, based in New York City, has raised $237 million from investors such as Google, Nvidia, and Salesforce Ventures. The company’s AI research aims to revolutionize creative industries by offering innovative tools for art, entertainment, and storytelling.

Runway co-founder and CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela explained the company's mission: "We’re committed to giving artists, creators and studios the best and most powerful tools to augment their workflows and enable new ways of bringing their stories to life."

Valenzuela also praised Lionsgate’s creative team for their vision and openness to using AI in their work. He expressed excitement about collaborating with the studio to bring its creative ideas to life.