AI Predictions for 2025: A New Era in Entertainment and Technology
TheWrap interviewed industry and AI experts to get their takes on what AI has in store for 2025.
The past year has seen artificial intelligence continue its rapid evolution, with billions invested into its development and integration across industries. As we step into 2025, AI is poised to further reshape the landscape of entertainment and media, unlocking new creative possibilities while raising important legal and ethical questions.
In 2024, venture capital funding for AI surged to $55.3 billion by September, surpassing the previous year’s total. This momentum underscores the growing appetite for innovation, particularly in Hollywood, where studios and startups are exploring how AI can transform storytelling, production, and audience engagement. Industry leaders shared their predictions for the coming year with TheWrap (full article here), painting a vivid picture of the possibilities ahead.
AI in Hollywood
AI’s presence in Hollywood is set to grow significantly, with the technology touching nearly every aspect of film and television production. Jonathan Bronfman, CEO of the Emmy-nominated VFX and AI company MARZ, envisions 2025 as the year AI moves from experimentation to execution. While it won’t replace departments entirely, AI will streamline workflows, making creative processes more efficient.
Cristóbal Valenzuela, CEO of Runway, predicts that a feature film made entirely with AI will achieve mainstream success this year. Such a milestone could redefine how audiences perceive AI’s role in cinematic storytelling.
Interactive and Immersive TV
Edward Saatchi, CEO of Fable Studio, foresees the rise of “immersive TV,” where viewers can become active participants in their favorite shows. By the end of 2025, audiences could request episodes tailored to include themselves and their loved ones in the narrative. This shift opens doors to new revenue streams, reinvigorating old franchises and fostering a new era of personalized entertainment.
Inclusivity and Accessibility in Storytelling
Generative AI is also lowering barriers for creators, fostering diverse storytelling and enabling more voices to be heard. Yangbin Wang, CEO of Vobile, highlights how AI tools will become increasingly accessible, paired with revenue-sharing models that respect intellectual property. This balance between innovation and fairness is key to sustaining creativity in the digital age.
Enhanced Efficiency in Production
AI is expected to enhance efficiency across the creative supply chain. Sean King of Veritone anticipates that AI will streamline processes like script development, visual effects, and marketing strategies, allowing creators to focus on storytelling. Teresa Phillips of Spherex notes that generative AI could also revolutionize localization, enabling real-time adjustments for regional compliance and cultural relevance.
A More Personal Entertainment Experience
Dom Perella, CEO of Character.AI, sees a shift toward more personal applications of AI in entertainment. Advances in video and voice technology will create interactive experiences that feel uniquely tailored to each consumer, transforming how audiences engage with media.
Legal Battles and Copyright Implications
The legal landscape surrounding generative AI is also poised for significant developments. Peter Csathy, chairman of Creative Media, predicts that federal courts will begin ruling on key copyright cases, with decisions likely favoring rightsholders. These rulings could reshape the economics of AI-driven content creation, increasing the value of licensed material.
A Year of Transformation
As 2025 unfolds, AI is set to redefine the boundaries of entertainment and creativity. From AI-generated blockbusters to immersive, personalized TV experiences, the industry is bracing for a wave of innovation that will challenge traditional norms while unlocking new opportunities. At the same time, ongoing legal and ethical debates will shape how this technology is integrated into the fabric of storytelling and content creation. The fusion of human creativity and AI promises a dynamic future, with 2025 marking a pivotal year in this ongoing evolution.