Disney forms a task force to explore applications of AI across entertainment empire

Walt Disney, one of the leading producers and providers of entertainment, has established a specialised task force in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This move comes at a time when Hollywood is dealing with the consequences of artificial intelligence in the entertainment business. The newly created organisation, which was formed earlier this year before the Hollywood writers' strike, wants to investigate diverse uses of AI inside Disney's huge entertainment empire. According to officials who talked to Reuters, the strategy comprises in-house AI development initiatives as well as partnerships with startups.

Vacancies at Disney for these job roles

Disney's AI-focused initiative is generating buzz among the business's numerous divisions. At Disney, there are currently 11 vacant roles that call for knowledge in artificial intelligence or machine learning. These jobs include a wide range of divisions inside the business, from engineering and Walt Disney Studios to theme parks, Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney-branded television, and the advertising team. According to the job descriptions, the latter is trying to develop a future AI-powered ad system.

AI, a game-changer in the entertainment industry

According to a senior executive who has worked with Disney's business operations, the corporation has a long history of conducting AI research. The purpose is to investigate how AI could influence the production of films, video games, and interactive experiences in theme parks. The need for conventional media companies like Disney to quickly adopt AI has been stressed by an unnamed insider. Otherwise, they run the risk of going out of business. With the potential to provide significant savings over time, AI is considered a tool to reduce the escalating costs of producing films and television shows.

From character robots to customer support

In Project Kiwi, for instance, a little robot that resembles Baby Groot from the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movie was made using machine learning techniques. These artificial intelligence-enabled robots are capable of recognising and navigating their environment, and they may eventually interact with park visitors. AI offers the potential to improve customer service and create one-of-a-kind, interactive experiences in Disney's parks business. Several people, including a former Disney Imagineer, have expressed similar optimism about these chances.

AI around ‘Steamboat Willie’

Since 1928's ‘Steamboat Willie’ animation, when synchronised sound was first used, Disney has been actively embracing technical advancement. The company has thousands of patents in many different fields, including amusement parks, movies, and goods. Former CEO Bob Iger placed a strong emphasis on technology throughout his leadership, which generated collaborations with tech institutes around the world.

Disney's AI endeavours

The ‘Magic Bench,’ a mixed-reality device that enables interaction with virtual characters on displays without the use of special glasses, is one of Disney's most recent AI-driven developments. The company conducts its AI, machine learning, and visual computing research in Switzerland, producing 'digital humans' that closely resemble fictional or real-world individuals. The purpose of this technology is to enhance digital effects rather than replace human actors, according to an insider with knowledge of the subject.

An executive who has collaborated with Disney emphasised that the company's history of AI research extends back a long way and encompasses areas currently under discussion, such as creating tools for movie production, interactive games, and conversational robots within theme parks.

Ultimately, Disney's creation of an AI task group demonstrates its dedication to investigating the possibilities of artificial intelligence throughout its enormous entertainment enterprise.