Last summer, Amazon MGM Studios launched a dedicated AI Studio to develop proprietary AI tools for streamlining TV and film production. The focus is on areas like improving character consistency across shots and supporting pre- and post-production work.
According to a report, those tools are now ready to move beyond internal testing. Amazon will begin a closed beta program in March, inviting industry partners to try out its AI tools. The company anticipates sharing initial outcomes from the program by May, but chose not to provide further details when approached for comment.
The AI Studio is collaborating with notable producers like Robert Stromberg, known for “Maleficent,” Kunal Nayyar from “The Big Bang Theory,” and former Pixar animator Colin Brady to learn the best way to implement these tools. Amazon is also tapping Amazon Web Services for support and intends to work with several large language model providers.
Albert Cheng, who heads the AI Studios initiative, emphasized that the goal is to support creative teams, not to replace them. The focus is on improving efficiency and reducing costs while ensuring that intellectual property is protected and AI-generated content isn’t absorbed into other AI models. One cited example is Amazon’s “House of David” series, which featured 350 AI-generated shots in its second season.
However, the rising adoption of AI in Hollywood has stirred considerable debate. Many in the industry worry about its implications for jobs, creativity, and the future of filmmaking. These conversations are growing louder as more companies experiment with new tools. For instance, Netflix has also used generative AI, with Co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealing its series “The Eternaut” employed the technology to create a building collapse scene.
In recent years, Amazon has cited its success with AI as a factor in layoffs. The company recently eliminated 16,000 jobs in January, following 14,000 layoffs the previous October.