Amazon is expanding its use of artificial intelligence in film and television production, betting that AI tools can reduce costs and accelerate workflows amid rising budgets in Hollywood.
At Amazon MGM Studios, a new internal unit known as AI Studio is developing tools designed to streamline pre- and post-production processes. The company plans to launch a closed beta in March, with industry partners expected to test the tools ahead of broader results in May.
Albert Cheng, head of AI Studio, said the initiative operates like a small startup within Amazon, focused on applying AI without replacing human creativity. “We fundamentally believe that AI can accelerate, but it won’t replace, the innovation and the unique aspects humans bring to the work,” Cheng said.
Amazon said writers, directors, actors, and designers would remain involved at every stage, with AI serving as a support tool rather than a substitute. The push comes as concerns grow across the entertainment industry that AI could lead to job losses and disrupt creative roles.
The company acknowledged that AI adoption is part of a broader efficiency drive across Amazon, which has cut roughly 30,000 corporate jobs since October, including roles at Prime Video.
AI Studio is working with filmmakers and production companies to develop tools that improve character consistency, integrate with industry-standard creative software, and lower the cost of large-scale scenes. Amazon is also relying on its cloud arm, Amazon Web Services, and plans to support multiple large language models while prioritising intellectual property protection.
Amazon pointed to its series House of David as an early example of AI-assisted production, where AI-generated elements were blended with live-action footage to expand battle scenes at lower cost.
