AI industry vet Kathleen Grace has been named Lionsgate‘s first Chief AI Officer.
In the new position, Grace will work closely with Lionsgate Vice Chairman Michael Burns and other senior leaders across the studio to lead its AI strategy and execution, and provide tools to serve the creative vision of its filmmakers, create opportunities for new efficiencies in its production, marketing, distribution and administrative operations, and spearhead initiatives to protect the IP of the studio and its talent partners.
Grace will report to Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer and will be part of the studio’s senior decision-making team.
In September 2024, Lionsgate announced that it was teaming with AI research company Runway to train a proprietary AI model to serve its filmmakers.
Grace previously served as Chief Strategy Officer at AI company Vermillio, the first AI platform built to license and protect IP and likeness.
“Kathleen understands the AI ecosystem from the perspective of creators and IP holders alike, and she is the right person to lead our team forward in this exciting, complex and nuanced environment,” said Feltheimer. “Her AI expertise and digital media savvy will help us grow alongside our talent partners as we create new opportunities, establish new safeguards, and execute new strategies.”
“We’re proud to see Kathleen step into a pioneering role as the first Chief AI Officer at a Hollywood studio,” said Dan Neely, Co-Founder & CEO of Vermillio. “She’s been a valued part of Vermillio’s growth and we’re excited to see her use her experience to help shape the future of AI in Hollywood.”
“I’m very excited to become part of the team at Lionsgate. They have amazing creative partners, a rich and diverse portfolio of IP, an entrepreneurial and forward-looking culture, and a willingness to adapt to and embrace new technologies,” said Grace. “I look forward to collaborating with their team of executives focused on the AI space, supporting initiatives already underway while taking their AI strategy to the next level in its ability to expand the creative palette for their storytellers.”
As Vermillio’s Chief Strategy Officer, Grace ensured that content owners and talent were able to track, authenticate, and be compensated for the use of their work in AI models. She previously headed New Form, a digital studio backed by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Discovery Communications, where she developed more than 40 pilots and sold nearly 25 series to networks and platforms including TBS, go90, Freeform, Quibi and Refinery29. She also spearheaded YouTube’s global Spaces initiative, launching creator studios in Los Angeles, New York, London, and Tokyo. Grace has creator credits on projects such as The Burg, Vuguru’s The All for Notes and Facebook Watch’s 365 Days of Love with Sofía Vergara.