Netflix reportedly used AI to recreate special effects

Netflix has reportedly begun using generative artificial intelligence software to recreate special effects in its productions, with the first experiment reportedly involving the series "The Eternaut." Bloomberg reports that the AI tools have allowed the giant to save time and costs compared to traditional methods.

According to the outlet, Netflix has chosen Runaway AI, a startup developing a video model that competes with those already deployed by OpenAI and Google. Disney has also reportedly tested the waters, choosing Runaway AI for some limited testing. In mid-June, Disney itself filed a lawsuit against Midjourney, another AI startup, for copyright infringement in the creation of images based on licensed content, including Star Wars, The Simpsons, Shrek, and Minions.

Netflix's use of AI was reportedly confirmed by the company's co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, at the end of a meeting with shareholders last Thursday. The manager, as Bloomberg reports, highlighted the technology's use to depict a building collapse in the Argentine series "The Eternaut." So far, Runaway AI has raised $545 million from investors, with a $308 million funding round earlier this year.