STORY: Walt Disney announced a deal with OpenAI that will let users of its Sora AI video generator to make videos with characters from Star Wars, Pixar and other movie franchises.
Disney is also investing $1 billion in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
The three-year partnership could reshape how Hollywood makes content.
It also side-steps the industry's concerns over the impact of AI on creative jobs and intellectual property rights.
Disney CEO Bob Iger told CNBC the agreement gives users access to 300 of its characters but not to any talent likenesses or voices.
He added, (quote) "Through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works."
According to one person familiar with the matter, Iger and OpenAI's Sam Altman began talking years ago to explore more ways to showcase the potential of generative AI when combined with Disney's characters and stories.
As part of the agreement with OpenAI, a selection of the videos by users will be made available for streaming on Disney+.
That will allow the Disney to capitalize on the growing appeal for short-form video content.
The companies will use OpenAI's models to build new products and customer experiences, including for Disney+ subscribers, while Disney will deploy ChatGPT for its employees.
The partnership comes months after Creative Artists Agency, Hollywood's premier talent agency, criticized OpenAI for exposing artists to "significant risk" through Sora and questioned if creative professionals would be compensated for their work.
