Google’s DeepMind division announced a $75 million investment in A24’s newly created Labs team, a boutique unit of about 20 engineers and creatives. The funding will fund the development of artificial‑intelligence tools designed to assist filmmakers from concept to distribution. A24 creators will be the first to test the technology, which includes AI‑generated storyboards and other pre‑visualization applications.
DeepMind’s move represents the tech giant’s first equity partnership with a Hollywood studio. While Google already owns YouTube and the AI video platform Veo, this deal extends its research focus from video games into the realm of cinema. The agreement does not allow Google to train its models on A24’s existing catalog of movies and TV shows.
Scott Belsky, who left Adobe’s executive ranks to head A24 Labs in January 2025, says the collaboration seeks to address audience and industry concerns about generative AI. "We think there are better uses that preserve creative control and support risk‑taking," Belsky told the Wall Street Journal. He added that A24’s AI tools will differ from the “prompted generation” methods that have drawn criticism for potentially lowering production costs and diluting artistic vision.
The partnership builds on DeepMind’s earlier work with director Darren Aronofsky, a vocal advocate for AI in filmmaking. Google’s official blog notes that the specific goals, technical outputs, and creative milestones of the initiative will evolve over time, hinting at a flexible, long‑term research relationship.
A24, founded in 2012, has built a reputation for championing independent voices and unconventional storytelling. Its breakout hits include Oscar winners Moonlight and Lady Bird, while Everything Everywhere All at Once became the studio’s first film to surpass $100 million at the box office. Recent successes such as Backrooms, the highest‑grossing original horror debut, have generated more than $270 million, and the upcoming Elden Ring adaptation, directed by Alex Garland, carries a $175 million budget. Valued at up to $3.5 billion, the studio balances artistic risk with investor expectations.
Industry observers note that Hollywood’s relationship with AI remains mixed. Some producers have threatened legal action over alleged copyright violations, while giants like Disney have walked away from deals with AI firms. Google’s infusion of capital into A24 signals confidence that AI can augment, rather than replace, the creative process.
A24 declined to comment on the partnership at the time of reporting. DeepMind representatives directed inquiries to Google’s blog post, which emphasized a collaborative, research‑focused approach spanning multiple projects.
This article was written with the assistance of AI.
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