Google takes stake in A24 for AI film technology partnership

Google’s DeepMind AI unit is entering a research and development partnership with A24 to build technology for film production. The deal puts one of the biggest AI labs directly alongside an independent studio known for filmmaker-driven movies, at a time when Hollywood is still fighting over how AI should be used.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Google is investing about $75 million in A24. According to the Journal, the investment marks the first time Google has taken an ownership stake in a film studio.

Google said the collaboration is intended to help filmmakers “expand their storytelling possibilities.” In its announcement, the company said the work will pair DeepMind with A24 so artists can help shape future production tools and methods.

Deal will cover multiple projects

Google said the partnership will run across “multiple projects over time,” but it did not name any specific films or television projects tied to the agreement. The company described the first phase as focused on connecting advanced technology with future entertainment work.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Google and A24 want to develop tools for both movie production and distribution. The companies have not detailed what those tools will do or when they might be used on a released project.

The Journal also reported that the agreement is multiyear and non-exclusive. That structure would leave A24 free to work with other technology companies, while allowing Google to build AI tools with a studio whose projects often involve closely identified directors and artists.

According to the Journal, the deal does not give Google access to A24’s film and television library data. That condition is likely to draw attention because training data has become one of the central disputes between entertainment companies and AI developers.

Hollywood AI disputes form the backdrop

Google’s AI models are trained on publicly available internet data, according to the report. The partnership arrives while several major studios are pursuing legal fights with AI companies over alleged copyright violations.

Disney and Universal have sued Midjourney over alleged copyright infringement, according to reporting cited by The Verge. Warner Bros. has also brought a lawsuit against Midjourney, and Disney, Universal and Warner Bros. have pursued claims involving MiniMax’s Hailuo AI, according to the same cited reporting.

The new Google-A24 arrangement differs from those disputes because it is framed as a studio partnership rather than a lawsuit. Still, it places AI development inside the filmmaking process, an area where studios, artists and technology companies have not settled common rules.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Google and A24 hope to involve artists already connected to the studio. One example named by the Journal is Kane Parsons, the YouTube creator and director of Backrooms.

A24 and Google have not announced a release plan for any resulting tool or project. For now, the partnership gives Google a foothold in a working film studio and gives A24 access to DeepMind’s AI research as both companies test how generative technology might fit into entertainment production.

This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.