A24, Google DeepMind partner on $75M AI filmmaking tools

Key takeaway

• A24, a boutique film studio known for supporting serious filmmakers and indie projects, has announced a $75 million（約120億円） partnership with Google DeepMind to develop AI filmmaking tools.

• The move has drawn sharp criticism from A24's devoted fanbase, who view it as a contradiction of the studio's identity as an anti-establishment tastemaker in a film industry otherwise dominated by AI-generated content and franchise IP.

• A24 frames the deal as research-focused and aimed at improving production workflows, not generating consumer-facing AI movies.

3 Key Points

FAQ

What exactly will A24 and DeepMind build together?

A24 says it is working with DeepMind researchers to develop filmmaking tools and workflows, with a focus on pain points behind the scenes. The studio has stressed the partnership is not about licensing its characters to DeepMind users or creating on-screen AI generation technology.

Why are A24 fans angry about this deal?

A24 has built its reputation as a hip, forward-thinking studio that supports serious artists and stands apart from mainstream franchise IP culture. Fans see the AI partnership as ironic and contradictory, especially given that A24's recent hit Backrooms was regarded by some as a critique of generative AI. On social media, fans have posted criticism ranging from declaring the company dead to threatening piracy.

Is this A24's first venture into AI partnerships?

The article does not state whether this is A24's first AI partnership. However, it notes that A24 cofounder Daniel Katz previously led film financing at Guggenheim Partners, and that A24 received a significant cash injection from Thrive Capital in 2024, which has also invested heavily in OpenAI.