Key Takeaways
- Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos believes AI’s biggest potential is making films “10% better,” rather than just “50% cheaper” as suggested by James Cameron.
- Filmmakers are already using AI for tasks like visual effects prep, shot planning, and set references.
- AI tools can bring advanced visual effects, like de-aging, to smaller-budget films.
- Industry concern over AI displacing jobs has eased somewhat, with more focus on responsible implementation.
- Sarandos points to advancements since *The Irishman* (2019) as proof of AI’s rapid progress and cost reduction in visual effects.
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos sees artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance movie quality, not just slash production costs.
Speaking during an earnings call, Sarandos responded to comments by filmmaker James Cameron, who suggested AI could cut major film budgets in half.
Sarandos acknowledged Cameron’s point but offered a different perspective. “I remain convinced that there’s an even bigger opportunity to make movies 10% better,” he stated.
He noted that creative teams are already incorporating AI into their workflows. Uses include preparing visual effects sequences, planning shots, and creating references for sets.
A key benefit, Sarandos explained, is making high-end effects accessible. Techniques like digital de-aging, once reserved for big-budget blockbusters, can now be used in smaller films thanks to AI-powered tools.
This comes after significant industry debate, including strikes where unions voiced concerns about AI’s impact on jobs and creativity. According to Deadline, there’s now a growing sense that AI can be beneficial if used thoughtfully.
Sarandos highlighted the rapid progress by comparing Martin Scorsese’s 2019 film *The Irishman* to a more recent project, *Pedro Páramo*, directed by *The Irishman*’s cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto.
He recalled the “cutting-edge, very expensive” de-aging technology used in *The Irishman*, which still had limitations. Just five years later, Prieto achieved similar effects in *Pedro Páramo* using new AI tools “at a fraction of what it cost.”
In fact, Sarandos mentioned, the entire budget for *Pedro Páramo* was roughly equivalent to just the visual effects cost for *The Irishman*. “That’s incredibly exciting,” he added.
Netflix’s approach, Sarandos concluded, is to find ways AI can improve the experience for both its subscribers and the creators making content.
The comments followed Netflix reporting strong first-quarter financial results, exceeding analyst expectations despite no longer releasing subscriber numbers.
