Google DeepMind and A24 Team Up on AI Tools for Filmmakers

Google DeepMind and independent film studio A24, known for productions such as Everything Everywhere All at Once and Moonlight, have announced a multi-year research partnership. Google has invested roughly $75 million in A24, an amount close to what investment firm Thrive Capital put in during the studio's previous funding round.

This marks the first deal of its kind for DeepMind with an entire film studio rather than a single filmmaker. Google's lab has previously worked with directors such as Darren Aronofsky on individual projects, but has never before struck an agreement covering a whole production organization.

Not a data deal, a tools deal

Both companies stress that this is not a production agreement, an intellectual property license, or a deal for access to training data. Google explicitly rules out training its models on A24 films, and the studio retains full creative control over all its material. The partnership centers on joint research, with DeepMind engineers building new tools alongside A24 filmmakers and testing them directly under real production conditions.

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said the initiative aims to support authentic, meaningful storytelling that helps creators realize their artistic vision, rather than replacing their work with algorithms.

Storyboard generator as first test

The first concrete application of the collaboration is expected to be an AI-assisted storyboard generator. Storyboards, the illustrated shot plans used to map out scenes, have for decades been created by specialized artists before filming begins, a process that is time-consuming and costly, especially for the lower-budget productions A24 typically handles.

The agreement is not exclusive. A24 retains the right to work with other AI companies and other models, and DeepMind can strike similar agreements with additional film studios. That sets this arrangement apart from the exclusive licensing contracts recently signed by record labels and publishers with AI companies.

Film industry reaction

A24 has publicly defended the decision, explaining that it would rather have a seat at the table than be left out entirely of a process already underway across the industry. That line captures Hollywood's broader dilemma over generative AI: studios and creators fear losing jobs and control over source material, but are equally reluctant to cede ground to competitors already experimenting with similar tools.

For Poland's film and advertising production market, the signal is clear. Major AI labs are now seeking not just access to training data but also the practical, hands-on craft knowledge of filmmakers, building tools tailored to the real needs of a film set rather than just flashy demos.

It remains unclear when the storyboard generator will move into testing beyond A24, or whether tools developed under the partnership will ever be made more widely available. Both companies say the collaboration is meant to run for several years and cover further research projects beyond the first tool.

Sources: A24 Opens Filmmaking Workflow to Google DeepMind in AI Partnership (indiewire.com), A24 and Google DeepMind form AI Partnership (hollywoodreporter.com), Google DeepMind and A24 announce first-of-its-kind research partnership (blog.google)