Netflix Pioneers AI Visual Effects to Slash Production Costs in Original Series

Netflix has taken a significant step in entertainment technology by using generative artificial intelligence (AI) for visual effects in its original series, "The Eternauts." For the first time, the streaming giant leveraged AI to create a complex building collapse scene, enabling the production team to complete the sequence ten times faster and at a fraction of the traditional cost. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos highlighted that this innovation allows even lower-budget productions to access advanced visual effects, previously reserved for big-budget projects.

The move comes amid ongoing industry debates about AI’s impact on creative jobs and intellectual property. Netflix’s announcement coincided with a strong financial quarter, reporting a 16% revenue increase to $11 billion and a jump in profits, boosted by the success of popular shows like "Squid Game." Sarandos emphasized that the AI-generated footage in "The Eternauts" marks a milestone for the platform, offering new creative possibilities while raising important questions about the future of content creation. The adoption of AI in entertainment remains controversial, especially following last year’s Hollywood strikes, where unions called for stricter AI regulations.

Source: BBC News