Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently spoke on the growing role of artificial intelligence in entertainment, expressing optimism about its future impact on the industry.
He believes that AI will not only cut production costs but also elevate the quality of movies and TV shows.
According to Sarandos, AI has the potential to be more than a cost-cutting tool.
In his view, it can enhance creative output and improve storytelling capabilities in significant ways.
“We remain convinced that AI represents an incredible opportunity to help creators make films and series better, not just cheaper,” Sarandos said in comments shared by the Hollywood Reporter.
He emphasized that this isn’t about machines replacing people, but about real creators using better tools.
Sarandos pointed out that AI is already aiding human workers in early production phases, per Breitbart News.
Specifically, he mentioned that creators are currently benefiting from AI in areas like pre-visualization, shot planning, and visual effects.
These tools are helping professionals streamline production processes without compromising creativity.
To support his claims, Sarandos highlighted Netflix’s involvement with an Argentinian sci-fi series titled The Eternaut. The show utilizes AI extensively during both pre-production and post-production.
One notable example from The Eternaut involved a building collapse sequence. Sarandos said AI technology helped render the scene in half the time typically needed for traditional visual effects.
Both the creators and the studio were pleased with the results. Sarandos also noted that the most important measure of success came from audience reactions, which were overwhelmingly positive.
He argued that AI is giving storytellers more creative freedom than ever before. By expanding what’s possible on screen, the technology is creating new opportunities for innovation.
“This is real people doing real work with better tools,” Sarandos reiterated, insisting that AI is serving as a complement rather than a threat to human talent.
However, not everyone in Hollywood shares his enthusiasm. In 2023, widespread strikes by writers and actors were triggered largely by concerns over AI’s role in the industry.
Actors were particularly worried that studios would use AI to replicate their likenesses and voices, thereby reducing the need for human performers.
The Screen Actors Guild—SAG-AFTRA—accused studios of refusing to offer fair agreements on crucial issues related to AI protections and job security.
Video game industry workers have also protested the use of AI. Programmers and voice actors voiced fears that their roles could be replaced by machine-generated content.
These concerns show that while AI is being embraced by executives like Sarandos, it remains a highly controversial issue among those who rely on creative work for a living.
