Google DeepMind invests $75M in A24 to embed AI research inside filmmaker workflows

Google DeepMind announced a $75 million investment in A24 and a multiyear research partnership to co-develop AI-powered filmmaking tools, marking Google's first equity stake in a traditional film studio. The deal pairs DeepMind's research lab with A24 Labs (Scott Belsky's tech division) to embed researchers directly inside A24's production workflows. Key distinction: Google gains no access to A24's film library or existing content; the partnership is framed as artist-first, with filmmakers retaining full creative control over the developed tools and their use.

The core technology is Veo, DeepMind's video generation model (currently capped at 8-second clips); the research goal is to close the gap toward feature-length narrative support. Belsky emphasized the tools will "preserve creative control and support risk-taking," explicitly positioning this against "prompted generation type of AI that people feel uncomfortable with." DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis stated: "we believe the best way to develop tools that empower artists is to work directly with them." The deal is non-exclusive; neither party is locked in exclusively to the other.

For operators: this marks a shift in how AI labs approach creative-industry partnerships—from licensing generic models to embedded R&D with industry-leading practitioners. A24's willingness to open its workflow (famous for secrecy) signals confidence in the research structure and the value of having a voice in tool design. Broader context: Lionsgate expanded AI partnerships with Runway; Netflix acquired InterPositive (Affleck's AI startup); SAG-AFTRA's 2026 contract (effective July 1) now mandates AI performers provide "significant additional value." Watch how the model evolves as tools mature.