We tested OpenAI’s Sora 2 video generator to find out why Hollywood is freaking out

The debut of OpenAI's Sora 2 AI video generation tool has ignited fresh concerns among musicians, actors, and various content creators. This innovative service allows users to produce brief videos simply by entering a prompt, but it is currently exclusive to iOS devices and accessible only via invite codes. Despite its limited availability, Sora has rapidly surged to the top of the Apple App Store, achieving an impressive milestone of 1 million downloads within just five days of its launch. However, this rise has not come without backlash. Prominent organizations in Hollywood, including the Motion Picture Association, have raised alarms over OpenAI's copyright practices, labeling them as 'exploitation' and prompting scrutiny from major talent agencies. These objections have led to modifications in how Sora 2 addresses prompts related to delicate subject matters. CNBC’s Julia Boorstin gained early access to the tool and experimented with various prompts, such as asking for a video of a cartoon cat devouring lasagna and a superhero rescuing someone from a fire. While some requests faced copyright issues, others were successfully fulfilled. The unfolding story of Sora 2 highlights the tensions between innovation and intellectual property rights, making it a focal point of discussion in the entertainment industry.