AI film startups are setting up studios in Hollywood, using US and Chinese AI models while touting lower production costs and a way around traditional financing (Robert Booth/The Guardian)

In Hollywood, a new wave of AI film studios is emerging, capitalizing on the potential of artificial intelligence to create movies with lower production costs and reduced dependence on traditional studio financing. Promise, one such studio, is situated near the historic Sony Pictures Culver City studio, but operates independently within its own modest premises. The studio employs cutting-edge AI models, both US-based and Chinese, to generate backgrounds, special effects, and even synthetic performers.

At Promise, human actors like Tori Thomas can collaborate with AI technology to create scenes in real time, significantly reducing production time. For instance, Thomas recently filmed a chase scene in a field of swaying grass, which was generated by the Chinese AI model Seedance 2.5. She could instantly visualize the different backgrounds, allowing for quick adjustments and a more efficient shooting process.

Prominent directors such as Christopher Nolan and Guillermo del Toro have expressed concerns about the rapid advancement of AI technology and its potential impact on jobs. Additionally, actors and writers fear displacement due to the rise of AI-generated performances, with Democratic congresswoman Laura Friedman warning of tens of thousands of American workers being displaced.

However, AI film studios like Promise remain optimistic, anticipating a creative renaissance and a new era of independent, highly empowered creative companies. With the potential for AI-enabled films to be 20% to 50% cheaper than conventional productions, these studios aim to democratize the filmmaking process and foster greater creative risk-taking.