The Walt Disney Co. could be about to launch a transformative AI programme that will focus on post production and visual effects.
In a story from The Wrap that has resounded throughout both tech and financial circles, an unnamed insider at Disney said the initiative will transform its creative output.
Although details remain scant, the project is said to involve “hundreds” of people at Disney and aims to transform its creative output, focusing primarily on post-production and visual effects.
Last year, TVBEurope reported the company had established a task force to explore ways in which Disney could develop in-house AI-based applications and collaborate with third party providers. The company was said to be looking to recruit AI experts across all its divisions.
The latest report follows news that Lionsgate recently agreed a deal with AI company Runway, and comes amid growing concerns around the use of the technology from the creative community. Last year, Disney laid off around 7,000 staff or “cast members”, as it refers to its employees.
Speaking at the Canva Create showcase earlier this year, Disney CEO Bob Iger said, “Walt Disney himself was a big believer in using technology in the early days to tell better stories. And he thought that technology in the hands of a great storyteller was unbelievably powerful.
“You’re never going to get in the way of it. There isn’t a generation of human beings that has ever been able to stand the way of technological advancement. What we try to do is embrace the change that technology has created, and use it as the wind behind our backs instead of wind in our faces,” he added.
According to the company insider, it is too early to say when the announcement will be made but it is thought that in making the decision to utilise AI across all elements of its production, Disney is marking a significant shift.
A Disney spokesperson declined to comment on the story.
