Runway, a burgeoning enterprise specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) video technologies, has entered into a collaboration with Lionsgate—the renowned studio behind cinematic series such as “John Wick” and “Twilight.” This partnership aims to develop a bespoke video model trained on Lionsgate’s extensive film repertoire. Michael Burns, Lionsgate’s vice chairman, articulated that this initiative will provide the studio’s filmmakers, directors, and other creative professionals with access to the model, thereby enhancing their artistic endeavors.
Furthermore, Runway is contemplating strategies to license these models as templates, enabling individual creators to construct and refine their own customized models. This alliance marks the inaugural public collaboration between a generative AI startup and a major Hollywood studio. Previously, The Wall Street Journal reported that industry giants such as Disney and Paramount had engaged in discussions with generative AI providers; however, these negotiations have yet to yield tangible outcomes.
The announcement of the Lionsgate-Runway partnership coincides with the recent enactment of legislation in California aimed at regulating the utilization of AI-generated digital replicas in film and television productions. Additionally, Runway is currently addressing legal challenges alleging that the company trained its models on copyrighted materials without obtaining proper authorization.