Walt Disney has announced a major move in the entertainment and technology space with a USD 1 billion investment in OpenAI, along with a content licensing deal that allows the startup’s video generation tool Sora to use a wide range of Disney owned characters.
Under a three year partnership, Sora will be allowed to create short social videos based on user prompts using more than 200 characters and assets from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars. The agreement includes the use of costumes, props, vehicles and well known environments. Disney Plus will also highlight a curated collection of fan created videos generated through Sora.
This collaboration makes Disney the first major licensing partner for Sora and reflects a shift in its strategy toward emerging artificial intelligence platforms. The entertainment company, along with a common noun, is currently in a legal dispute with Midjourney, accusing the firm of distributing visuals created using characters taken from their films without approval. In September, Disney also issued a cease and desist notice to Character AI for similar concerns.
OpenAI stated that its ChatGPT Images tool will be able to produce visuals based on Disney owned intellectual property. However, the agreement does not permit the use of any actors likenesses or voices.
Through this partnership, Disney will also become a large enterprise customer of OpenAI, using its APIs to build new digital experiences across its businesses, including updated features on Disney Plus. The company plans to use ChatGPT internally for employees as well. In exchange, Disney will receive warrants that give it the option to purchase more equity in OpenAI.
“This important moment in artificial intelligence will help extend the reach of our storytelling,” Chief Executive Bob Iger said, adding that both companies aim to maintain a “thoughtful and responsible” approach to safeguarding creators and their work.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the partnership reflects how technology companies and creative studios can work together “to promote innovation that benefits society” while giving audiences new ways to experience content.
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