Google is investing $75 million in independent film studio A24 as part of a new partnership focused on artificial intelligence research, signaling the first time the tech giant has taken an equity stake in a movie studio. The deal, announced June 26, aims to develop AI tools for film production and distribution through collaboration between A24 and Google’s DeepMind unit.
A24, known for recent releases such as "Backrooms" and "Marty Supreme," was last valued at $3.5 billion in a 2024 fundraising round led by Thrive Capital. Sources familiar with the deal indicated that Google’s investment was roughly on par with that of Thrive Capital’s previous contribution. Over the past two years, A24’s revenue has more than doubled, fueled by increased film budgets and expansion into unscripted television, music, and theater.
The partnership seeks to create AI-driven technologies that support creative processes without compromising artistic control, addressing widespread industry concerns about AI’s impact on originality. Studios and filmmakers have previously challenged AI firms over copyright issues, and many in Hollywood remain cautious. Disney’s own AI collaboration with OpenAI ended abruptly earlier this year, while Netflix has recently acquired an AI startup capable of editing scenes without reshoots. However, broad adoption of AI in mainstream film production remains limited.
Scott Belsky, A24 partner overseeing technology and innovation, emphasized the studio’s aim to harness AI in ways that preserve creativity and encourage risk-taking. He noted that their tools “won’t look anything like the prompted generation type of AI that people feel uncomfortable with.” The agreement is multi-year and non-exclusive, and importantly, does not grant Google access to A24’s film and television data or library.
A24’s new AI initiative, led by Belsky’s 20-person A24 Labs team, has already developed an application for AI-generated storyboarding, enabling filmmakers to draft and troubleshoot scenes before production. This approach highlights the group’s interest in collaborative AI tools rather than automation geared solely toward efficiency or cost-cutting.
The collaboration also plans to involve A24’s roster of established and emerging artists, including actors like Timothée Chalamet and the director Kane Parsons. Eli Collins, vice president of product at DeepMind, expressed confidence that combining advanced technology with top creative talent will foster meaningful innovation.
Since its founding in 2013, A24 has grown into a major player in the film industry, known for producing distinctive movies that attract dedicated audiences. It has expanded internationally, opening a United Kingdom office and seeking strategic investors abroad to support global content production. Currently, A24 is working on its largest-scale film to date, a $175 million adaptation of the video game "Elden Ring," directed by Alex Garland.
While the partnership presents new opportunities for A24 to evolve into a global media company, it also carries potential risks given the company’s reputation for supporting independent filmmakers and appealing to younger viewers often wary of large tech firms and AI’s social implications. The deal underscores a growing, cautious engagement between the entertainment and tech sectors around AI’s future role in creative industries.