Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson On Studio’s New AI Deal: “Our Filmmakers Are Using It Already”

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The Lionsgate earnings call this afternoon would not have been proper without addressing the elephant in the room: the studio’s deal with AI research firm Runway.

Announced on September 18, it was a first-of-its-kind partnership between a major Hollywood studio and Runway, which would create and train a new AI model customized to the studio’s portfolio of film and television content.

Eyebrows, of course, were raised. What did that mean? Keanu Reeves’ likeness used in perpetuity across John Wick movies until the end of time?

Complete, 100% AI-generated movies? Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson sought to calm any concerns when asked by an analyst about the studio’s use of AI under this new deal. “There were some questions when it was reported,” the exec said. “Once we clarified for our filmmaking partners, for our talent partners, exactly what this was, how it would be used, what it is, what it isn’t, we’ve had great support and our filmmakers are using it already.” Lionsgate Vice Chairman Michael Burns emphasized on the earnings call, “We think this is very much going to enhance filmmaking and become an incredible tool for the community.” RELATED: ‘Borderlands’ & More Squeeze Lionsgate’s Quarter As CEO Candidly Admits, “We Reported Disappointing Financial Results” On the top of the call, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer said: “We believe that AI, harnessed within the appropriate guardrails, can be a valuable tool to serve our talent.