Even as concerns about the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in filmmaking grow, a new report has outlined that Amazon – one of the biggest players in the global entertainment space – will use AI to speed up the production of movies and TV shows. This comes despite fears that AI will cut jobs and permanently reshape the industry.
Amazon to use AI to speed up film, TV production
A new Reuters report says that at Amazon MGM Studio, veteran entertainment executive Albert Cheng is leading a team charged with developing new AI tools that he said will cut costs and streamline the creative process. A beta program is expected to launch in March, inviting industry partners to test its AI tools. The report states that Amazon hopes to share results by May.
Cheng described the AI studio as a ‘startup’ and said the team consists primarily of product engineers and scientists. Talking about the rationale behind the project, he told Reuters, “The cost of creating is so high that it really is hard to make more, and it really is hard to take great risk. We fundamentally believe that AI can accelerate, but it won’t replace, the innovation and the unique aspects that (humans) bring to create the work.”
Cheng added that the program could help Prime Video, Amazon’s streaming platform, overcome some of the inherent challenges of large-scale film and television production.
‘Not replacing humans’
Amazon has emphasised that humans will not be replaced from the process, and AI will merely be a tool assisting them. The company told Reuters that writers, directors, actors, and character designers will be involved at every stage of production.
The AI Studio is working with producers Robert Stromberg and his company Secret City, Kunal Nayyar and his company Good Karma Productions, and former Pixar and ILM animator Colin Brady, as it explores new tools and how best to implement them.
Amazon Using AI in Film & TV Production – FAQs
1. What is the latest news about Amazon and AI in filmmaking?
Amazon plans to use artificial intelligence to speed up the production of movies and TV shows, according to a Reuters report.
2. Which Amazon division is leading this AI initiative?
The project is being led by Amazon MGM Studios.
3. Who is heading Amazon’s AI studio project?
Veteran entertainment executive Albert Cheng is leading the AI development team at Amazon MGM Studios.
4. What is the main goal of using AI in film and TV production?
The goal is to cut costs, streamline workflows, and accelerate the creative process.
5. When will Amazon’s AI tools be tested?
A beta program is expected to launch in March, allowing industry partners to test the tools.
6. When will Amazon share results from the AI program?
Amazon hopes to share initial results by May, according to the report.
7. What kind of team is building Amazon’s AI tools?
The team mainly consists of product engineers and scientists, functioning like a startup within the studio.
8. Will AI replace writers, directors, or actors at Amazon?
No, Amazon has stressed that AI will not replace humans in the creative process.
9. How does Amazon describe the role of AI in filmmaking?
AI is described as a support tool that accelerates creativity but does not replace human innovation.
10. Why does Amazon believe AI is necessary in filmmaking?
Albert Cheng said high production costs make it difficult to take creative risks, and AI could help ease that burden.
11. How could AI benefit Prime Video?
AI tools may help Prime Video manage the complexities of large-scale film and TV production more efficiently.
12. Is Amazon responding to industry fears about AI job losses?
Yes, Amazon has emphasised that human creators will remain involved at every stage of production.
13. Who will stay involved in productions using AI tools?
Writers, directors, actors, character designers, and other creatives will continue to play key roles.
14. Which production partners are working with Amazon’s AI Studio?
Partners include Robert Stromberg and Secret City, Kunal Nayyar and Good Karma Productions, and Colin Brady.
15. Who is Colin Brady?
Colin Brady is a former animator at Pixar and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).
16. What is Robert Stromberg known for?
Robert Stromberg is a producer and visual artist known for large-scale, effects-driven storytelling.
17. Why is AI in filmmaking controversial?
There are concerns that AI could reduce jobs and permanently reshape the entertainment industry.
18. How is Amazon positioning its AI studio internally?
Albert Cheng described the AI studio as operating like a startup within Amazon MGM Studios.
19. Will AI decide creative content like scripts or characters?
Amazon says AI will assist creators, not make final creative decisions independently.
20. What does this mean for the future of Hollywood?
The move signals a shift toward AI-assisted production, potentially changing how films and TV shows are made while keeping humans central to creativity.
