Google Pumps $75 Million into A24 for AI Filmmaking Tools Built by DeepMind

Google and A24 have struck an AI research partnership, with Google investing roughly $75 million in the independent studio to work with its DeepMind unit on new AI-powered technologies for filmmakers — a sum in line with what Thrive Capital invested in A24's last funding round. The deal gives A24 access to DeepMind's research and infrastructure while researchers build out new workflows, but crucially does not give Google access to A24's content library or data. A24 partner Scott Belsky, who leads technology division A24 Labs, said the partnership differs from other AI deals because developers have mistakenly advertised AI as a way to make films cheaper and faster. His division is developing AI-generated storyboard applications, a reimagination of production that filmmakers like Martin Scorsese have already endorsed. The deal reflects Hollywood's turbulent AI era — Disney sued AI companies while briefly licensing its characters to OpenAI, Lionsgate expanded its Runway AI partnership, and Netflix acquired Ben Affleck's AI startup InterPositive.