According to a newly revealed deal, users of OpenAI's AI video creation tool will soon gain the ability to watch personal likenesses interacting with famous figures from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and classic Disney animated films.
Imagine yourself, the red race car and Tony Stark all dancing together in the Mos Eisley Cantina.
This tool represents an AI platform created by OpenAI that permits creators to produce short videos of around 20 seconds via brief written descriptions. Previously, the startup had tried to limit Sora's generated content from using protected intellectual property, though with limited success, which prompted lawsuit threats from rights holders.
A Significant Investment & Licensing Deal
As part of the agreement, Disney revealed it will commit $1bn in OpenAI. Furthermore, it will license about 200 of its most iconic properties—ranging from R2-D2 to Stitch—for use within the Sora app.
Navigating The Industry's Concerns
The deal comes at a time of significant concern in the entertainment industry regarding AI's effect on the livelihoods of writers, actors, and artists. Disney emphasized that its partnership with OpenAI does not include the licensing for actors' faces or vocal performances.
Rather, the collaboration was framed as an unprecedented chance to empower fans. The partners foresee a landscape of "fan-inspired Sora short form videos", akin to taking an digital photo with Princess Jasmine at a Disney resort.
Bob Iger, Disney's CEO, stated that the licensing deal would place "imagination and creativity directly into the hands of Disney fans like never before.
Potential for Wide Viewership
User-generated content could receive wide viewership, with select videos possibly featured on the Disney+ streaming service. This move appears designed to rival the infinite feeds of services like short-form video apps, which themselves often feature excerpts from popular TV shows and movies.
