What happens when your film crew is an algorithm?

AI VIDEO

What happens when your film crew is an algorithm?

AI startup Runway has just rolled out Gen-4, its latest video generation model, and it's calling it one of the most advanced yet.

The tool promises sharper visuals, smoother motion, and the ability to keep characters, objects, and environments consistent across scenes, all without needing extra training or fine-tuning.

With Gen-4, users can feed in a reference image and a short prompt to generate videos that stick to a consistent style, lighting, and composition.

It’s designed to handle complex world-building too, keeping shots coherent from different angles and perspectives.

Runway hasn’t revealed where its training data came from, partly to protect its competitive edge. But that silence is proving controversial.

The company is currently being sued, along with other AI firms, by artists who claim their copyrighted work was used without permission.

Runway argues it’s protected under fair use, though how the case plays out remains to be seen.

Here’s what you should know:

• Runway’s Gen-4 can create realistic, consistent videos using just images and prompts.

• The company is facing legal pushback over its training data.

• AI video tools are already changing the shape of film and animation jobs.

Motion picture, minus the crew

Backed by big players like Salesforce, Google, and Nvidia, Runway is moving fast to stay ahead in the crowded AI video race.

It’s partnered with a Hollywood studio, is investing in AI-created films, and is reportedly eyeing a $4 billion valuation, aiming to hit $300 million in annual revenue this year.

As tools like Gen-4 gain ground, their impact on creative jobs is becoming clearer.

A 2024 study found 75% of studios using AI have already cut or merged roles.

By 2026, more than 100,000 entertainment jobs in the U.S. could be disrupted by generative video tech.

AI video tools are out here auditioning for Oscars now.