Netflix Boss Says GenAI Could Be A Tool To Help Tell Better Stories, Humans Still Critical To Creative Process

As a devoted fan of Netflix and the entertainment industry, I’ve been closely following the latest developments in AI and its potential impact on film and TV production. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, recently shared his insights during the company’s earnings briefing, and I find myself in full agreement with his perspective.


Several people ponder over the potential influence of AI and advanced AI technologies on the entertainment industry, particularly films and TV shows. Notable industry leader, Netflix, shares their perspective, acknowledging the uncertainties but expressing belief that AI innovations could significantly shape the future.

Based on my own observations and experiences, I firmly believe that AI is poised to revolutionize the way creators produce captivating content. Over the past century, if we look back at the entertainment industry’s evolution, we can clearly see how advancements in technology have fueled the growth of great businesses. As someone who has been following this trend closely, I am convinced that AI will provide an excellent set of creator tools, enabling individuals to craft more engaging and compelling stories.

As a gamer, I can relate this to my experience with video game graphics. When games transitioned from 2D sprites to 3D models, the production costs didn’t decrease – instead, they skyrocketed. It took more resources and a larger team to bring those stunning visuals to life.

Several people are worried that AI may lead to job losses in Hollywood. During the 2023 Hollywood strikes, one of the significant accomplishments of the new agreement was securing protection for writers against AI. This is still a contentious topic.

In an earlier conversation with The New York Times, Sarandos expressed that AI won’t be capable of penning a superior screenplay compared to a human, and it cannot provide a more authentic acting performance than a skilled human actor. Sarandos added, “AI isn’t going to steal your job. Instead, it’s the individual who effectively utilizes AI that could potentially replace you.”

He expressed his belief that improving content by 10% rather than reducing production costs by 50% will result in a more successful business. In other words, what truly captivates audiences is the quality of the writing, the acting chemistry, unexpected plots, and twists.

Sarandos added that people are more interested in the tale being told rather than the intricate details of the technology used to create it.

He pointed out that they might not be overly concerned with budgets or the specific technology used. Instead, their primary goal is to establish a connection. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize the narrative’s quality in our approach.

Sarandos continued by expressing that it’s premature to anticipate significant impacts of AI on films and television. However, he emphasized that our primary objective stays consistent: creating compelling narratives.

Netflix announced that they are currently working on over 80 different game projects, one of which is a multiplayer version of Squid Game scheduled to come out by the end of this year.

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2024-07-19 17:40