Google is investing $75 million in independent film studio A24 as part of a new multiyear research partnership with Google DeepMind. The deal gives A24 filmmakers access to DeepMind's research infrastructure while DeepMind receives real-world feedback from working directors to build AI creative tools. Notably, Google will not gain access to A24's content library or use it for model training. An early project involves AI-generated storyboards. The move is part of a broader Hollywood shift toward AI, with Netflix acquiring an AI filmmaking startup, Martin Scorsese advising Black Forest Labs, and OpenAI backing an AI-assisted animated feature. Google's strategic goal is to position DeepMind as the AI partner filmmakers choose rather than resist.
Questions this post answers
What is the deal between Google DeepMind and A24?
Google is investing roughly $75 million in A24, the independent studio behind Backrooms and Obsession, marking Google's first equity stake in a film studio. The arrangement is a multiyear, nonexclusive research partnership giving A24 filmmakers access to DeepMind's research infrastructure while DeepMind gathers feedback from working directors, without granting Google access to A24's existing content library. Anyone tracking how AI is reshaping creative industries can follow deals like this on daily.dev.
Does the Google DeepMind and A24 partnership give Google access to A24's film library?
No, the deal explicitly excludes Google from accessing A24's existing film and television library or its content data. It is structured as a nonexclusive research agreement, so A24 is not locked into using only Google's tools, and Google cannot train models on the studio's catalogue. Developers evaluating AI partnership terms and data rights can keep up with cases like this via daily.dev.
What other AI filmmaking deals has Hollywood made recently besides Google and A24?
Netflix acquired Ben Affleck's stealth AI filmmaking startup InterPositive, gaining exclusive post-production tools trained on real footage, and later launched INKubator, an internal AI-native animation studio. Martin Scorsese joined AI image startup Black Forest Labs as an adviser, using its FLUX model for storyboarding, while OpenAI backed the animated feature Critterz, made for under $30 million in nine months. Those weighing how AI tools are entering creative production workflows can follow these developments on daily.dev.
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