Google Invests In A24 To Develop AI-Powered Filmmaking Tools “Shaped By The Creators Who Use Them”

Google DeepMind and A24 have unveiled an innovative research partnership allowing the studio and its filmmakers to “help shape new technology in service of their vision and expand their storytelling possibilities.”

Google made an investment in A24 as part of the collaboration, wrote Eli Collins, VP Product, Google DeepMind, in a blog post Monday. There were no financial details but the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the deal, put the figure in the $75-million range, similar in size to previous rounds with other backers including Thrive, and assuring the mini-major will continue to remain independent.

The agreement pairs the tech giant’s leading research lab with the buzzy independent studio behind Backrooms to help artists develop new workflows and techniques and ensure “the tools of the future are shaped by the creators who use them,” Collins said in his post.

The hands-on research and development collaboration spans multiple projects over time and along the way will provide DeepMind with feedback and guidance from leading artists. Collins called the partnership “the beginning of a collaborative journey, one rooted in research and shared curiosity. While the initial focus is on bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and next generation entertainment, the specific goals, technical outputs and creative milestones of this initiative will evolve over time.”

The partnership gives A24 access to DeepMind’s research, infrastructure, and global reach. But this is not a production deal, or an IP deal, or a data training deal, rather A24 will have an active hand in shaping new workflows DeepMind builds with A24 and its filmmakers retaining full creative control.

“As A24 and Google DeepMind’s researchers work side-by-side to test, iterate and build, this partnership aims to expand what is possible in the future of entertainment,” Collins said.