
Netflix using startup Runway AI's video tools for production
Netflix is currently using the New York-based startup's tools in content production, according to a person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named in order to discuss private conversations. Netflix declined to comment.
Walt Disney Co., meanwhile, has been testing out Runway's technology and has talked with the startup about possible uses for its generative AI tools, the person said. A Disney spokesperson said the company has no plans to integrate Runway's software into its content production pipeline at this time. Runway declined to comment.
The companies' use of Runway's AI video tools, which has not previously been reported, could raise concerns in the entertainment industry. Many film and TV professionals are anxious about AI's impact on their livelihoods. Disney recently sued Midjourney Inc., another AI image and video startup, for copyright infringement. But AI also offers the promise of speeding up some video production tasks and saving money.
In a conference call Thursday, after Netflix released its second-quarter results, co-Chief Executive Officer Ted Sarandos said the company is using AI in content production. That includes creating special effects shots more quickly and cheaply than it previously had been able to with traditional visual effects tools and processes.
Sarandos said Netflix used the technology for the first time on screen to depict a building collapsing in a show called 'El Eternaut' from Argentina. He did not disclose which AI software it used for that particular scene; a source familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named in order to discuss private information, said Runway's software was not used to create the effect.
Runway is competing in an increasingly crowded corner of the fast-growing market for AI tools with established companies like OpenAI and Google, along with a slew of smaller, newer startups.
The startup has more traction than most AI startups in Hollywood, however. It kicked off a frenzy around AI video generators in early 2023 with the release of a model that could produce slightly choppy-looking three-second clips based on written prompts such as 'drone footage of a desert landscape.' Its technology has since become far more capable and the company has inked a deal with Lionsgate to train an AI model on the studio's content that can be used in its film projects.
Investors have poured $545 million into the company thus far, with a funding round of $308 million earlier this year valuing the company at more than $3 billion.
More recently, Runway has pushed deeper into the world of animation and special effects. Earlier this month, the company started rolling out a new AI model called Act-Two that is meant to make the motion-capture process — traditionally clunky, pricey and time consuming — simpler and cheaper. The model, which works with Runway's flagship Gen-4 AI system, can map a video of a person's body movements onto animated characters.
Other AI startups have also tried to make inroads in the entertainment industry. As Bloomberg News previously reported, OpenAI spent months talking to large studios, including Disney, about its AI video generator, Sora. While OpenAI has found a receptive audience among some filmmakers, it has yet to announce a large commercial partnership for the product.
Metz writes for Bloomberg.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Countdown to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TEVA) Q2 Earnings: Wall Street Forecasts for Key Metrics
Analysts on Wall Street project that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA) will announce quarterly earnings of $0.63 per share in its forthcoming report, representing an increase of 3.3% year over year. Revenues are projected to reach $4.29 billion, increasing 3% from the same quarter last year. Over the last 30 days, there has been a downward revision of 0.7% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter, leading to its current level. This signifies the covering analysts' collective reconsideration of their initial forecasts over the course of this timeframe. Prior to a company's earnings release, it is of utmost importance to factor in any revisions made to the earnings projections. These revisions serve as a critical gauge for predicting potential investor behaviors with respect to the stock. Empirical studies consistently reveal a strong link between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock. While investors typically rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to gauge how the business may have fared during the quarter, examining analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics often helps gain a deeper insight. With that in mind, let's delve into the average projections of some Teva Pharmaceutical Industries metrics that are commonly tracked and projected by analysts on Wall Street. The average prediction of analysts places 'Revenue- COPAXONE- Total' at $101.85 million. The estimate indicates a change of -31.2% from the prior-year quarter. Analysts expect 'Revenue- API sales to third parties' to come in at $156.49 million. The estimate indicates a change of +3.6% from the prior-year quarter. The consensus among analysts is that 'Revenue- Other- Total' will reach $259.03 million. The estimate indicates a change of +144.4% from the prior-year quarter. The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Geographic Revenue- Europe' of $1.25 billion. The estimate points to a change of +3.3% from the year-ago quarter. Analysts' assessment points toward 'Geographic Revenue- International Markets' reaching $602.40 million. The estimate points to a change of +1.6% from the year-ago quarter. The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Geographic Revenue- United States' will likely reach $2.19 billion. The estimate suggests a change of +3.6% year over year. It is projected by analysts that the 'Geographic Revenue- United States- Anda' will reach $358.28 million. The estimate indicates a change of -4% from the prior-year quarter. Analysts predict that the 'Geographic Revenue- Europe- COPAXONE' will reach $40.50 million. The estimate points to a change of -23.6% from the year-ago quarter. Analysts forecast 'Geographic Revenue- Europe- Respiratory products' to reach $55.07 million. The estimate points to a change of -3.4% from the year-ago quarter. Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Geographic Revenue- International Markets- Generic products' should arrive at $478.57 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -1.5%. According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Geographic Revenue- International Markets- COPAXONE' should come in at $10.83 million. The estimate indicates a change of -22.7% from the prior-year quarter. The consensus estimate for 'Geographic Revenue- United States- AJOVY' stands at $50.80 million. The estimate points to a change of +21% from the year-ago quarter. View all Key Company Metrics for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries here>>> Shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries have demonstrated returns of -1.3% over the past month compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +4.9% change. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), TEVA is expected to mirror the overall market performance in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> . Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Hypebeast
24 minutes ago
- Hypebeast
WE11DONE Pre-Fall 2025 Reimagines Uniforms With a Rebellious Twist
Summary WE11DONE'sPre-Fall 2025collection, titled 'Celluloid Dreams,' pays homage to the evocative aesthetics of 1990s cult Hollywood cinema. Drawing from the neo-noir mood ofHeathers, the grunge energy ofEmpire Recordsand the retro-futurism ofGattaca, the Seoul-based label reimagines uniforms with a rebellious twist. Merging nostalgia with subversion, the collection introduces hybrid silhouettes that explore themes of identity and self-expression. Standout pieces include mini kilt skirts, knee-high socks, and pleated checks reminiscent of schoolyard dress codes, juxtaposed with deconstructed staples such as layered dresses, wide-leg trousers, and utilitarian workwear jackets. The brand continues to experiment with structural play, introducing expanded trompe-l'œil waistband motifs and 'dual structure' detailing — as seen in the double-collared trench coats, layered cardigans and shirts that challenge conventional tailoring norms. Unfolding through a visually arresting campaign, 'Celluloid Dreams' amplifies its filmic influences via stylized settings that highlight the collection's rich textures and layers. Comprising menswear and womenswear, the Pre-Fall 2025 collection is available to shop via WE11DONE'swebstore.


Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business Wire
Wikifarmer Launches UK Operations to Transform Olive Oil Sourcing for British Businesses
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wikifarmer, the Athens and Seville-based online agricultural marketplace, is launching UK operations to connect British businesses directly with Mediterranean olive oil producers. With Spanish olive oil prices down 53% year-over-year to €3.55/kg¹, this expansion targets Britain's £320 million olive oil market², projected to reach $1.55 billion by 2030⁶. "Our platform offers free access to quality European producers, with no hidden charges" Share Direct Access. Lower Costs. Greater Transparency. Wikifarmer's platform connects businesses directly with verified Mediterranean producers, eliminating intermediaries to provide transparent pricing, reliable logistics, and flexible credit terms with no subscription fees. The free-to-use model has connected over 7,000 buyers with 15,000 suppliers, facilitating millions in direct trade transactions. "The UK represents a massive opportunity to revolutionize how British businesses source Mediterranean olive oil," says Wikifarmer Co-Founder and CEO, Ilias Sousis. "We offer buyers direct access to quality European producers with the reliability and support they demand." Meeting UK Market Needs British businesses faced olive oil import price increases of 44% in 2024 while dealing with supply chain uncertainties. "Our platform offers free access to quality European producers, with no hidden charges," says Sam Frearson, UK Sales Manager. The UK's £128 billion food and agriculture sector¹¹ relies on traditional supply chains with multiple intermediaries, driving up costs and reducing transparency. Spain supplies 62% of UK olive oil imports, Italy 26%⁴, but most trade passes through costly middlemen. UK olive oil import values rose 31.7% to £333.2 million in 2023⁸, with olive oil comprising 87.1% of Britain's olive market⁷. Recent recovery in global production and a 13.9% drop in EU prices signal market stabilization¹⁰, making now ideal for direct sourcing. Expansion Plans The UK team will focus on onboarding buyers in wholesale, hospitality, retail, and food processing. This expansion advances Wikifarmer's vision to create a digital marketplace connecting farmers directly with buyers, eliminating intermediaries for fair, transparent trade. The company plans further European expansion throughout 2025. About Wikifarmer Wikifarmer ( combines the world's largest agricultural knowledge library with an online B2B marketplace. With over 20,000 direct transactions, Wikifarmer helps businesses reduce costs and supports farmers' profitability.