Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, is excited about the future of filmmaking with AI. He believes AI can do more than just cut costs; it can actually make movies better. During a recent earnings call, Sarandos shared his vision of AI enhancing films by about 10%, tapping into its potential beyond just saving money.
He reflected on director James Cameron’s thoughts about AI possibly halving the production costs of blockbusters. Sarandos sees a bigger opportunity. For him, AI isn’t just about cheaper films; it’s about making them fundamentally better. Netflix’s creative teams are already using AI in various production stages, from designing sets to planning visual effects (VFX), which is changing the way movies are made.
AI is particularly game-changing for smaller productions. It opens the door to sophisticated VFX that used to be reserved for big-budget films. ‘Traditionally, only large projects could afford advanced effects like de-aging,’ Sarandos pointed out. Now, AI tools are leveling the playing field, letting smaller films compete visually on a grand scale.
Despite its benefits, AI’s role in Hollywood is still a hot topic, especially concerning jobs in the creative industry. The 2023 strikes by SAG-AFTRA and the WGA highlighted these concerns. Sarandos mentioned the experience of cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto. On ‘The Irishman,’ Prieto dealt with high costs for de-aging technology. With AI, those costs have dropped significantly, making similar effects much more affordable.
Looking to the future, Netflix aims to enhance the creative process with AI, focusing on improving the experience for both creators and viewers. Sarandos is optimistic about AI’s potential, saying, ‘Our focus is simple: find ways for AI to improve the member and creator experience.’
