Lionsgate has acquired an equity stake in Runway, a generative AI video company, and plans to use its existing film and TV franchises to create AI-generated short-form series. The move expands a partnership the two companies first established in 2024 and represents a significant commitment by the studio to artificial intelligence technology in entertainment production.
The expanded partnership will see Lionsgate and Runway begin developing AI-powered content drawn from the studio's catalog of intellectual properties. This approach allows the studio to leverage its existing franchises for new formats and distribution channels using generative AI tools that can create video content from text prompts and other inputs.
The equity investment deepens the financial and strategic relationship between the traditional Hollywood studio and the AI technology provider. Runway has emerged as one of the leading companies in generative AI video, competing in a space that has attracted significant attention and investment as studios and content creators explore how artificial intelligence might transform production processes and content creation.
The plan to create short-form series from existing franchises suggests Lionsgate sees AI as a tool for expanding the reach and longevity of its intellectual property rather than replacing traditional production methods entirely. Short-form content has become increasingly important for studios seeking to engage audiences across social media platforms and streaming services where viewing habits differ from traditional long-form programming.
The announcement positions Lionsgate as among the more forward-leaning major studios in adopting AI technology for content creation, even as the entertainment industry continues to grapple with questions about how artificial intelligence will affect creative jobs and traditional production workflows. The studio's willingness to take an equity position signals confidence that AI-generated content will play a meaningful role in the future of entertainment production and distribution.