David Ellison says AI could be the ‘biggest creative unlock in modern history’
During Paramount Skydance's latest earnings call, CEO David Ellison said "it's hard to imagine" AI won't have a bigger impact on the film industry than CGI. In response to a question about the company's outlook for AI, Ellison said: "I think when you zoom out and look at production, AI really has the potential to […]
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison predicts artificial intelligence could usher in the most significant creative breakthrough in modern cinema history. During the company's latest earnings call, Ellison likened AI's potential impact to the advent of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in the early 1990s, which transformed blockbuster films like Jurassic Park and Terminator 2.
Ellison remarked that while AI is unlikely to replace artists, it could revolutionize production, making premium content creation more accessible and affordable.
Drawing a parallel with CGI, Ellison offered Terminator as an illustrative example, noting that the film cost $4 million to produce in 1991 but would now require $60 to $70 million. He suggested AI could help alleviate the financial burden, enabling filmmakers to take greater risks with original storytelling. Ellison further explained that the company has been developing its own AI tools, anticipating that content creation will become more efficient and projects will accelerate due to these advancements.
Ellison also emphasized that AI will make premium IP and live events even more valuable, highlighting that in an era of AI-generated content, there will always be a demand for genuinely handcrafted storytelling. He underscored that AI is a tool for artists, reinforcing that it will never replace the human touch in filmmaking.
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