Netflix says it has used visual effects created by generative artificial intelligence (AI) on screen for the first time in one of its original TV shows.<\/p>\n
The streaming giant’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos said AI, which produces videos and images based on prompts, was used to create a scene of a building collapsing in the Argentine science fiction show, The Eternauts.<\/p>\n
He praised the technology as an “incredible opportunity to help creators make films and series better, not just cheaper.”<\/p>\n
The use of generative AI is controversial in the entertainment industry and has sparked fears that it will replace the work of humans. <\/p>\n
The comments came after the company unveiled revenue of $11.08bn (\u00a38.25bn) for the three months to the end of June,16% higher than the same time last year.<\/p>\n
Netflix said the better-than-expected performance was boosted by the success of the third and final series of South Korean thriller Squid Game, which has so far attracted 122 million views.<\/p>\n
Asked about Netflix’s use of AI, Mr Sarandos said the technology has allowed productions with smaller budgets to use advanced visual effects.<\/p>\n
The generative AI used in The Eternauts helped its production team to complete a sequence 10 times faster than if they had used traditional special effects tools, he said.<\/p>\n
“The cost of it would just wouldn’t have been feasible for a show in that budget.”<\/p>\n
“That sequence actually is the very first [generative] AI final footage to appear on screen in a Netflix original series or film. So the creators were thrilled with the result,” said Mr Sarandos.<\/p>\n
AI was among the key concerns raised during a Hollywood strike in 2023. <\/p>\n