Google’s DeepMind AI lab announced in June 2026 that it is partnering with film studio A24 to develop new movie production and distribution technologies, with Google investing approximately $75 million into A24 as part of the deal. The investment marks the first time Google has taken a financial stake in a film studio.
The multiyear collaboration is non-exclusive and is expected to span “multiple projects over time,” though no specific films have been named. Google stated the “initial focus is on bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and next generation entertainment,” with the goal of helping filmmakers “expand their storytelling possibilities.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, the agreement does not grant Google access to A24’s film and television library data. Scott Belsky, an A24 partner and former Adobe chief strategy officer, told WSJ that the tools being developed “won’t look anything like the prompted generation type of AI that people feel uncomfortable with,” adding that “there are better uses that preserve creative control and support risk-taking.”
The partnership also aims to involve A24’s existing roster of artists. One name cited by WSJ is Kane Parsons, the YouTube creator and director of the Backrooms film. However, Parsons said in an interview with The Australian earlier this month that “generative AI feels less like innovation than a symptom of a broader cultural and economic rot,” and that he gets “no enjoyment” out of using the technology.
The deal may draw scrutiny from the broader film industry. Google’s AI models are trained on publicly available internet data, and studios including Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros. have pursued legal action against AI companies over alleged copyright violations. Whether this partnership signals a shift in how Hollywood engages with AI development remains to be seen.
Source: The Verge