The Walt Disney Company made a major push further into artificial intelligence on Thursday, announcing a licensing agreement with OpenAI that gives it access to Disney’s vast library of content and characters.
The three-year deal, worth an estimated $1 billion, will allow consumers to use the Sora App to generate short, user-prompted social videos that can be viewed and shared by fans, drawing on more than 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars characters, the company said.
The companies in a press release announcing the deal voiced a commitment to “responsible use of AI that protects the safety of users and the rights of creators,” and noted the agreement does not include any talent likenesses or voices.
“The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry, and through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said.
In a statement of his own, OpenAI founder Sam Altman said the deal illustrates “how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society, respect the importance of creativity, and help works reach vast new audiences.”
