Of course Netflix is about to start using AI to generate animated content
Netflix is launching an AI content studio. Could the next Stranger Things be AI generated? Erm, no.
Netflix is planning on an AI content assault through a new studio called INKubator, according to a new report from Lowpass. The newsletter brings word that the streaming giant is hiring for roles for the new venture that will use AI to initially produce “short-form animated content.”
One job listing identified by Lowpass posted by the startup explains that it’ll be “creating animated shorts and specials using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines.”
However, that appears to be short-term. In the long-term, the tech will focus on “GenAI-enabled workflows, artist tooling, and scalable, secure multi-show environments.” Eventually the studio says it will “aim to develop feature-quality content.” Another listing says the company plans to “ensure that INK’s technology investments accelerate creative ambition […] as we ramp up activity and aim to expand into longer-form content.”
So what’s starting off as a less harmful experiment with short-form animation, could eventually replace half the library on Netflix within an instant. Usually I’d pour scorn on the quality drop off, but with the vast majority of Netflix’s original content output, would anyone really be able to tell?
Most of Hollywood is taking a wait-and-see attitude to AI, mindful about the public perception and the negative effects on the creative industries. But this is Netflix we’re talking about. They don’t really have any qualms about upsetting the status quo at whatever cost.
Chris Smith
