Netflix reveals AI in filmmaking across 300 titles, reduces production costs by 40%

Netflix has deployed AI in filmmaking across approximately 300 titles, applying the technology throughout multiple production stages while maintaining that human creativity remains essential for storytelling. The disclosure came during the Creative Asia event at the Busan International Film Festival1

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, where Netflix executives and filmmakers explored both the opportunities and limitations of AI in filmmaking.

AI Deployment Across Production Stages

Sung Q Lee, Netflix's senior director of production for Asia-Pacific, explained how AI in filmmaking has been integrated across diverse production processes. The technology supports previsualization, production design, editing, and VFX work2

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. Lee reframed the question around AI adoption, stating the focus shouldn't be on maximizing AI usage but rather asking what more each title can achieve with AI's help1

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. Netflix India's film 'Glory' exemplified this approach by using AI to create visual effects of large crowds2

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Reducing Production Costs Through Generative AI Tools

Korean filmmaker Kang Yun-sung provided concrete evidence of AI's cost-saving benefits during production of his action film The Gulf of Aden. The director estimated that using generative AI tools from China's Kling AI could reduce production costs by around 40 percent1

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. This reduction stems not only from replacing traditional CG and VFX but also from streamlining the shoot itself, which shortened production time1

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. Kang noted that AI has enabled him to realize scenes previously impossible due to budgetary constraints that have held the Korean industry back from reaching its full potential1

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Human Creativity Remains Essential Despite Technical Advances

While acknowledging AI's technical capabilities, panelists at the Creative Asia event consistently emphasized that human touch remains critical for emotional storytelling. Sung Q Lee drew parallels to previous technological revolutions in cinema, noting that new tools have always improved the 'how' of filmmaking but never decided the 'why' behind telling a story1

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. He stressed that when conveying emotion, a human must ultimately touch it, questioning whether AI can truly connect with human emotion1

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Assistive AI Philosophy at Wētā FX

Kimball Thurston, chief technology officer at Wētā FX, described their approach as assistive AI rather than technology that changes creative intent. The system provides directors and cinematographers with fast visual images and visualization, making it easier to identify errors and correct them quickly1

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. Thurston explained their goal centers on reducing simple, repetitive tasks rather than replacing creative decision-making1

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Divergent Perspectives Between Hollywood and Asia

The panel, co-hosted with the Motion Picture Association, highlighted contrasting attitudes toward AI between Hollywood and Asian content sectors. While the Hollywood creative community remains profoundly wary of AI's implications, Asian filmmakers largely view the technology as an opportunity1

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. Kang Yun-sung partnered with AI filmmaker Kwon Han-seul on Run to the West, billed as Korea's first fully AI-assisted feature. Though the film struggled at the box office, earning about $100,000 amid criticism of its AI visuals, Kang remains committed to exploring AI's potential1

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. The discussion underscored that while AI can lower costs, simplify workflows, and improve visual effects, humans must make final creative decisions2

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