Lionsgate Vice Chairman Michael Burns recently revealed how the studio plans to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) through its partnership with AI startup Runway. Burns said AI could allow the studio to create different versions of existing films, adjusting their tone and rating to appeal to broader audiences, including younger viewers.
Using AI, Lionsgate could quickly convert movies into different formats or genres. Burns provided an example of taking an action film from their library, such as those from the John Wick or Hunger Games franchises, and turning it into a PG-13-rated anime within hours. He emphasized that actors and rights holders would still be compensated accordingly.
Additionally, Burns described AI’s potential to significantly reduce production costs for challenging shots. A complex scene involving thousands of soldiers in a snowstorm, which might normally cost millions, could instead be created quickly and inexpensively using AI.
Lionsgate’s collaboration with Runway, supported by investors including Google and Nvidia, marks the studio’s broader exploration into innovative filmmaking practices enabled by artificial intelligence.