Lionsgate’s AI Gamble: Will This New Deal Rewrite Hollywood’s Future? ????

Lionsgate, the studio behind blockbusters like The Hunger Games and John Wick, announced their partnership with Runway, this past week to train new AI models using their vast film and TV archive. The goal? To “streamline production” and create new content using AI-driven tools.

But not everyone is thrilled. The Hollywood actors’ strike earlier this year highlighted fears about AI’s role in the industry. Many creatives worry this deal could lead to job losses and a decline in the quality of storytelling. Writer and producer Helen Delzany expressed concern that films could become “stale” and predictable. Actor Alexander Chard even suggested on X that artists may soon be “feeding the machine until we’re no longer needed.”

Despite the backlash, some see this as a groundbreaking opportunity. PJ Acetturo, a producer and CEO of an AI entertainment company, believes this partnership could bridge the gap between AI and traditional film production. And Runway’s CEO, Cristóbal Valenzuela, assures that AI isn’t here to replace jobs but to help solve creative challenges faster.

My Hot Take??: When your work—or even your face—can be licensed to an AI, what does that mean for your career and your control over it? We're not just talking about AI mimicking voices or recreating likenesses anymore; we're looking at a future where real talent could be sidelined. If these deals offered royalties or shared benefits, maybe behind-the-scenes crew and talent would feel more secure. But that’s rarely part of the conversation. In a world where distribution and licensing traditionally included everyone, what does that look like in the age of AI?

Until we answer these questions, there will be more questions—especially from those cut out from the benefits of these deals.

Unions are trying to get ahead of the storm. In August, SAG-AFTRA partnered with AI startup Narrativ, allowing members to license digital replicas of their voices for audio ads. While this offers some protection, there’s still concern about traditional voice-acting jobs disappearing as AI advances.

This week, California Governor Gavin Newsom appeared at their LA headquarters to advance two bills aimed at safeguarding performers, mandating consent and representation for digital replicas—even after death.

While this doesn’t eliminate the anxiety felt in Hollywood and beyond, any action from the right parties seems to be a step forward at this moment.

Other headlines to check out:

Web3

• Building on Bitcoin in the Age of Web3 - CoinDesk
• Forge hits 1 million players and reveals new set of Web3 investors - VentureBeat
• Token2049 Highlights: Vitalik Buterin Sings Ethereum Song, Certik Announces Free Security Tools, and More - BeinCrypto

Creator Economy?

• Understanding the future of the creator economy - Vogue Business
• Fanfix Launches Creator Platform with Avani Gregg, Targeting Gen Z Engagement - Whatstrending
• Snap Rolls Out New AR Glasses, Streamlined App Design And Other New Features At Sixth Annual Partner Summit - Deadline
• MrBeast’s leaked production guide is a reminder that YouTube’s top creator does things his own way - tubefilter

AI

• AI at the crossroads: Balancing potential with responsibility - GulfBusiness
• Microsoft’s Hypocrisy on AI - The Atlantic
• YouTube announces new generative AI features for video, music and inspiration. - NBC News
• Middle Eastern funds are plowing billions of dollars into hottest AI start-ups - NPR
• ?No people, no problem: AI chatbots predict elections better than humans- Semafor

Keep my eye on… Meta Connect

I'm keeping an eye on Meta Connect this week. It’s Meta’s big developer event, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg will showcase their latest in AR, VR, and AI tech. I’m curious to see if they unveil new smart glasses or updates to the Meta Quest series, especially after the mixed response to Apple’s Vision Pro. With chatbots and generative AI integrated into everything from headsets to glasses, it'll be interesting to see how Meta plans to make these technologies more accessible and engaging. Stay tuned for the updates!

Creators 4 Mental Health

As a reminder, join us for the 'Creators 4 Mental Health Happy Hour' on Tuesday, October 8, from 5-8 PM in NYC! Learn tools for supporting your well-being in the creator economy. Plus, food, non-alcoholic drinks, and connect with amazing wellness brands too. Don’t miss out—register now to secure your spot!

Follow me on Instagram for updates!

Gentle Reminder ???

You're not the center of most people's lives, and everyone's just trying their best.

When you're taking things personally, this perspective can help you pause before reacting or blaming others for your feelings.

Compassionate approaches to life don’t just help others but your own mental health too.

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Remember, I'm Bullish on you!

With gratitude,