Tyler Perry Pauses $800M Studio Expansion Amid AI Concerns

Filmmaker Tyler Perry has halted his long-planned studio expansion in Atlanta, citing concerns about AI, particularly OpenAI's text-to-video tool, Sora.

Tyler Perry, the acclaimed filmmaker and entertainment mogul, has recently made headlines by announcing a halt on a massive $800 million expansion of his Atlanta studio. The decision stems from Perry's concerns over the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly spotlighting the recently unveiled OpenAI's text-to-video tool, Sora.

Perry has been closely monitoring the evolution of AI technology. His decision to pause the studio expansion — a project that was in planning for the past four years, promising to significantly enlarge the studio's capacity with 12 additional soundstages — signals a cautionary stance towards the progress of AI tools and influence in creative fields.

Perry's concerns are not with the use of AI per se, as he has used AI technology in post-production processes of two upcoming films opting for digital aging effects over traditional makeup techniques, but with the broader implications it holds for the entertainment industry. He acknowledges the efficiency and creative possibilities AI offers, such as generating sets through text descriptions, eliminating the need for physical travel. However, Perry's worry lies in the lack of balance,  potential job losses and the impact on various sectors within the industry, from actors to crew members across different departments.

Perry's pause on the studio expansion reflects a concern for the welfare of the human workforce that powers the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to embracing new technologies, urging for regulations and thoughtful consideration to safeguard the jobs and livelihoods of those who might be affected by the automation and efficiencies AI promises. “There’s got to be some sort of regulations in order to protect us,” he stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, “If not, I just don't see how we survive.”

Amid these concerns, Perry continues to expand his creative partnerships, as evidenced by his recent expanded deal with Netflix, encompassing a multi-year, first-look series pact, building upon the feature film deal established in October.