Amazon to Accelerate TV and Film Production Using AI

• Amazon will launch a closed beta in March 2026, partnering with industry figures including 'Maleficent' producer Robert Stromberg and 'Big Bang Theory' actor Kunal Nayyar to test AI tools
• The AI Studio operates as a small 'two pizza team' focused on bridging the gap between consumer AI and professional filmmaking needs, including character consistency and integration with industry-standard tools
• Amazon's 'House of David' series second season demonstrates the approach, using AI combined with live-action footage to create battle scenes at lower cost while maintaining creative control

Amazon to Accelerate TV and Film Production Using AI - Summary

Key Development:

Amazon MGM Studio is launching an AI initiative to accelerate movie and TV production, with a closed beta program planned for March inviting industry partners to test new AI tools. The "AI Studio" project, operating as a startup under the company, is led by entertainment executive Albert Cheng.

Strategic Rationale:

The initiative responds to spiraling production budgets that limit content output. Amazon aims to reduce costs and streamline creative processes while maintaining human involvement at every production stage, including writers, directors, actors, and designers. The company emphasizes AI will "accelerate, but not replace" human creativity.

Technical Approach:

AI Studio focuses on bridging the gap between consumer AI offerings and professional filmmaking requirements, including improving character consistency across shots and integrating with industry-standard tools. The project leverages Amazon Web Services and will work with multiple large language model providers for pre- and post-production applications.

Proof of Concept:

Amazon's hit series "House of David" demonstrates the technology's potential. Director Jon Erwin used AI combined with live-action footage to create expanded battle scenes at lower cost for season two.

Industry Context:

The move comes amid Hollywood concerns about AI displacing jobs, with A-list actors like Emily Blunt expressing fears about obsolescence. Amazon previously cut approximately 30,000 corporate jobs since October, its largest layoff ever, partly attributed to AI efficiencies, including positions at Prime Video.

Partnerships:

Early collaborators include producer Robert Stromberg ("Maleficent"), actor Kunal Nayyar ("The Big Bang Theory"), and former Pixar animator Colin Brady.