Netflix’s Ted Sarandos on AI in Screenwriting
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos believes that while AI can enhance the creative process, it will not replace the unique talents of human screenwriters and performers.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos shared his optimistic point of view about the future of human creativity in Hollywood despite the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). In an interview, Sarandos emphasized his confidence in the irreplaceable nature of human talent, particularly in screenwriting. He remarked, “I don’t believe that an AI program is going to write a better screenplay than a great writer, or is going to replace a great performance, or that we won’t be able to tell the difference.”
However, Sarandos did acknowledge the potential impact of AI when used effectively. He noted, “AI itself won't take your job, but someone adept at utilizing AI might.” Sarandos views AI as a natural progression within the creative industry, drawing comparisons to past technological shifts, such as volume stages, which didn’t eliminate on-location shoots. Writers, directors, and editors will leverage AI to enhance their work, making tasks more efficient and achieving feats previously impossible, similar to the evolution from hand-drawn to computer-generated animation, which expanded employment opportunities in the animation sector.
Sarandos also recalled the initial resistance to home video and how it eventually became a lucrative avenue for studios. "Every technological breakthrough in entertainment has faced opposition initially but ultimately contributed to business growth. I believe this pattern will continue with AI."
These views align with those of renowned filmmaker James Cameron. In an interview last summer, the Oscar-winning director expressed skepticism about AI’s ability to write emotionally resonant stories, “I just don’t personally believe that a disembodied mind that’s just regurgitating what other embodied minds have said — about the life that they’ve had, about love, about lying, about fear, about mortality — and just put it all together into a word salad and then regurgitate it … I don’t believe that’s ever going to have something that’s going to move an audience. You have to be human to write that.
This optimistic outlook underscores Sarandos’ belief in the irreplaceable nature of human creativity. While AI can assist and augment the creative process, it is the unique insights and emotions of human writers, directors, and actors that continue to define and drive the success of Hollywood storytelling. However, similar to other technological advancements in the past, knowing how to use the new tools might gradually become what sets the competitive professionals apart.