David Ellison says AI could have a bigger impact than CGI on film
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During Paramount Skydance’s latest earnings call, CEO David Ellison said artificial intelligence could have a bigger impact on film than CGI and become the “biggest creative unlock in modern history.” He cited Terminator as an example: Ellison said a movie that cost $4 million at the time would cost $60 million to $70 million today, and AI tools could make projects of that scale more viable.
Ellison said Paramount Skydance is developing its own AI tools, which he said will speed up production and transform how the company works. He said the technology will be a tool for artists, never a replacement for them, and that handcrafted storytelling, along with premium IP and live events, will remain valuable in a world of low-quality AI-generated content.
Why it matters · editorial interpretation
David Ellison’s view positions AI as a possible way to make lower-budget film projects more viable while Paramount Skydance develops its own tools. His emphasis on preserving artists and handcrafted storytelling points to an approach that combines production automation with human creative work.
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