Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, recently shared his views on how AI will impact Hollywood and storytelling.
He believes AI will lower production costs but will not replace human creativity.
Sarandos spoke about AI’s potential to make storytelling more accessible and ambitious without massive budgets.
He emphasized that while AI is a powerful tool, the emotional core of stories must come from people.
His perspective offers insight into how AI might reshape filmmaking without sacrificing the art of storytelling.
How AI Could Lower Hollywood Production Costs
Sarandos explained that AI tools could reduce expensive visual effects costs.
He gave the example of Martin Scorsese’s film “The Irishman,” which used costly de-aging technology.
The de-aging effects reportedly added about $30 million to the film’s budget.
Today, Sarandos said, AI could achieve better visual effects at a fraction of that cost.
This cost reduction could open doors for many creators to tell stories that were once too expensive.
AI as a Creative Tool, Not a Replacement
Sarandos highlighted AI as a helpful tool that enhances storytelling rather than replaces creators.
He said AI allows filmmakers to express ideas in new ways, similar to how visual effects and animation tools changed the industry.
According to Sarandos, AI helps bring stories to life that were previously impossible due to budget constraints.
However, he warned against over-reliance on AI-generated content without human judgment.
He stressed the importance of creators rejecting “predictable” AI outputs when they don’t serve the story.
The Limits of AI in Capturing Imagination
Sarandos described AI-generated content as “the antithesis of imagination.”
He explained that AI produces the most predictable results based on input but lacks true creativity.
This limitation means AI cannot replace the emotional depth and originality humans bring to storytelling.
For Sarandos, human imagination remains essential for crafting compelling narratives.
Industry Voices on AI and Creativity
Director James Cameron expressed similar views about AI’s role in film production.
He suggested AI might halve the cost of effects-heavy blockbusters but will not replace human creators.
Tech companies are increasingly launching AI video tools to assist creators.
For instance, OpenAI’s Sora can generate short videos from text and edit frames.
Google’s Flow uses AI models to create visuals, sound effects, and dialogue automatically.
What This Means for the Future of Filmmaking
The integration of AI in Hollywood promises more efficient and cost-effective production.
AI tools could democratize filmmaking by enabling smaller studios to create ambitious projects.
However, human creativity and judgment remain critical for storytelling quality.
Ted Sarandos’ views suggest a balanced future where AI supports, not supplants, human storytellers.
The film industry will likely see AI as an assistant that expands creative possibilities rather than a replacement.
Conclusion: AI’s Place in Hollywood According to Ted Sarandos
Ted Sarandos believes AI will revolutionize Hollywood budgets without replacing human creativity.
AI offers powerful tools to reduce costs and help creators tell bigger stories.
Yet, imagination and emotional connection in storytelling must come from humans.
The future of filmmaking will blend AI’s efficiency with the irreplaceable touch of human creativity.
This vision supports a new era where technology enhances but never replaces the art of storytelling.