Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LION) and leading generative AI research company Runway today announced an expansion of their strategic collaboration, deepening the companies’ shared commitment to a future where AI and entertainment grow together. The preferred partnership with Runway is part of Lionsgate’s multifaceted AI strategy under the leadership of Chief AI Officer Kathleen Grace and the studio’s AI Steering Committee.
Under the new agreement, Lionsgate has taken an equity interest in Runway and the two companies will be launching a joint development program to develop and produce new IP. As part of this program, the companies plan to roll out a slate of co-developed projects blending AI and content, beginning with a short-form episodic series drawing on some of Lionsgate's existing IP and Runway’s generative models. Lionsgate and Runway will also partner on a series of filmmaker-focused events, with Lionsgate serving as a presenting partner at the Runway AI Festival in June.
Lionsgate and Runway announced their first-of-its-kind partnership in September 2024, using Runway’s tools across pre-visualization, storyboarding and final-frame production for an expanding array of content creators.
“Runway is a great creative partner, an exciting part of our AI strategy and a valuable driver in expanding our storytelling capabilities,” said Lionsgate Vice Chairman Michael Burns. “This is an iterative process. As we continue to expand the use cases of Runway technology across our production operations and introduce its tools to more of our filmmakers, we believe it will help our talent redefine and reshape the art of the possible in their creative endeavors.”
“We consistently see that the studios most serious about AI are thinking about it as a creative resource, not a cost-cutting tool,” said Cristóbal Valenzuela, co-founder and co-CEO of Runway. “Lionsgate gets that. This expanded partnership will help more stories be told, faster. That’s core to our mission at Runway, and we’re excited to help create the next generation of iconic content.”
Lionsgate is the first Hollywood studio to partner with an applied research AI company, the first to hire a Chief AI Officer and the first to build out an infrastructure to support its AI strategy.
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LION) is one of the world's leading standalone, pure play content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a premier talent management and production powerhouse at 3 Arts Entertainment and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by Lionsgate's bold and entrepreneurial culture.
