Last summer, Amazon MGM Studios established a specialized AI Studio to create its own artificial intelligence tools aimed at making TV and film production more efficient. These tools are designed to help with tasks such as maintaining character consistency across different shots and assisting with both pre- and post-production work.

A recent report indicates that these AI tools have progressed beyond internal testing. Amazon plans to start a closed beta program in March, during which it will invite industry partners to test the technology. The company expects to share initial results from this program by May.

The AI Studio is working with several well-known producers to guide the implementation of these tools. Collaborators include Robert Stromberg, known for “Maleficent,” Kunal Nayyar from “The Big Bang Theory,” and former Pixar animator Colin Brady. Amazon is also leveraging support from Amazon Web Services and plans to partner with multiple large language model providers.

Albert Cheng, who leads the AI Studios initiative, has stressed that the objective is to assist creative teams rather than replace them. The focus is on boosting efficiency and cutting costs while safeguarding intellectual property and preventing AI-generated content from being used to train other AI models.

One practical example is Amazon’s series “House of David,” which incorporated 350 AI-generated shots in its second season.

Nevertheless, the growing use of AI in Hollywood has sparked significant discussion. Many professionals in the industry are concerned about the potential impact on jobs, creativity, and the future of filmmaking. These conversations are becoming more prominent as more companies explore AI tools.

For instance, Netflix has also adopted AI technology. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos mentioned that the series “The Eternaut” used generative AI to create a scene showing a building collapse.

In recent years, Amazon has pointed to its advancements in AI as a reason behind workforce reductions. The company cut 16,000 jobs in January, following 14,000 layoffs the previous October.