Netflix’s first show with generative AI is a sign of what’s to come in TV, film

In a groundbreaking move for the entertainment industry, Netflix has unveiled its first scripted series utilizing generative artificial intelligence. This innovation was highlighted during a recent investor call by co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who pointed to the Argentine series 'The Eternaut,' which premiered in April, as the pioneering example of AI-generated final footage in a Netflix original. In this series, producers harnessed the power of generative AI to depict a dramatic scene featuring a building collapsing in Buenos Aires. The project was a collaborative effort between Netflix's production innovation team, known as iLine, and the creative team at Scanline, the visual effects studio involved in the production. Sarandos noted that the AI-enhanced visual effects sequence was completed up to ten times faster than traditional methods, and would have been financially unfeasible without this technological advancement. Viewers have reportedly responded positively to the results, although Sarandos acknowledged that the overall appeal of the series, which is based on a comic, plays a significant role in the audience's reception. Nonetheless, Netflix's willingness to integrate generative AI into its projects indicates a strategic shift toward utilizing technology not only for cost efficiency but also to enhance the creative process. Sarandos added that creators are already benefiting from AI in various aspects of production, including pre-visualization and shot planning, suggesting that advanced visual effects are no longer exclusive to high-budget films. He emphasized the potential for generative AI to revolutionize the way films and series are produced, making them not just more affordable, but also richer in quality and creativity.