Billionaire Filmmaker “Shocked” by Capabilities of New AI Video Generator
Tyler Perry has put an indefinite hold on his plans to expand his Atlanta studio complex by a further $800 million, citing rapid advancements in artificial intelligence as the reason behind this major business decision.
The media mogul had planned to add 12 new sound stages to Tyler Perry Studios, but after seeing demonstrations of OpenAI’s new text-to-video generator Sora, he admits the technology is “shocking” and deeply concerning for the future of jobs in the entertainment industry.
“I am very, very concerned that in the near future, a lot of jobs are going to be lost,” Perry told The Hollywood Reporter. “I really, really feel that very strongly.”
AI Could Replace Location Shoots and Set Building
Perry suggests advanced AI like Sora removes the need for certain core film production jobs and processes. The billionaire explained he no longer needs to send crews on location or construct expansive sets on site thanks to the realism the technology can generate.
“I can sit in an office and do this with a computer, which is shocking to me,” he revealed.
The media mogul even used AI himself recently to digitally age his appearance, avoiding hours in the makeup chair.
Sora has stunned many in the industry following its limited launch on February 15. The text-to-video generator created by AI leader OpenAI can produce high-quality footage simply prompted by written descriptions.
Jobs From Actors to Drivers Under Threat
With AI advancing faster than anticipated, Tyler Perry believes a wide range of jobs in film and TV now face an existential threat.
He warns that everyone from actors and editors to sound engineers and transportation crews could be replaced by artificial intelligence in the coming years. The rapid progress has forced the business leader to stop his studio growth plans in their tracks.
“All of that is currently and indefinitely on hold because of Sora and what I’m seeing,” Perry explained.
Hollywood Needs “Whole Industry Approach” to Prepare for AI
While Hollywood unions have secured new contract terms limiting AI use in script writing, Perry argues more still needs to be done.
He told The Hollywood Reporter that “a whole industry approach” is required to protect the future of jobs in entertainment. The mega-producer wants to see industry-wide standards established to fairly handle innovations while saving people’s livelihoods.
“It can’t be one union fighting every contract every two or three years,” Perry stated. “I think that it has to be everybody, all involved in how do we protect the future of our industry because it is changing rapidly, right before our eyes.”
With AI progress rapidly accelerating, the acting powerhouse knows the time to act is now before the balance of power indelibly shifts.
