Disney Has a New Task Force to Explore AI’s Benefits

In a new report via Reuters, entertainment giant Disney has formed a task force to explore the benefits of AI. Some of those benefits, according to their sources, include reducing costs.  If proven to be a success, it could lead the entire industry in a whole new direction regarding its relationship with artificial intelligence.

From their sources, the task force was launched before the writer’s strike. But one would imagine that now with the strike in full swing, there will be some push toward AI. Three sources told Reuters that the group wants to develop AI applications in-house and seek out partnerships with outside startups.

To back these claims up a bit. It seems that the company currently has eleven job openings for those who have expertise in either AI or machine learning. The postings aren’t limited to just a specific sector of the company. It seems that these jobs touch from the popular theme parks, studios, and Walk Disney Imagineering.

All of this is coming at a time of increased concerns related to the effect AI will have on labor across industries. Practically, entertainment as both writers and actors are striking due to the push to AI further into the industry. Though there are different viewpoints on the technology depending on the project and actors.

It seems that overall, there is a great deal of anxiety related to AI. As one can imagine, artificial intelligence could be employed in multiple facets of the Disney brand; not just entertainment. From optimizing part operations that could see chatbots used to assist guests, to greater immersive experiences for visitors.

Disney is hoping that AI could supercharge its brand through innovation. But of course, there are concerns as well about entertainment. Disney isn’t a stranger to using AI as studios; if anything the company is often one of the first to employ new technology.

For example, Lucas Films use deep fakes and other technology to de-age actors and even bring back characters played by dead actors. In the latest Indiana Jones film, de-aging technology was used heavily for scenes to show a version of Harrison Ford not seen since the 1980s.

Though with all of this said, one has to keep in mind that this report, though from multiple sources, has yet to be confirmed. Disney has also declined to provide a comment regarding this AI team.

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