By Kashmira Konduparty
Google is investing approximately $75 million in independent film studio A24 as part of a partnership to develop artificial intelligence tools for filmmaking, marking the technology company’s first equity investment in a Hollywood studio.
The investment, led by Google’s AI research division DeepMind, is aimed at creating AI-powered tools that support filmmakers during production rather than replace creative work. The collaboration is expected to focus on developing technologies that improve workflows while preserving artistic control, amid growing debate over AI’s role in the entertainment industry.
READ: Meta plans layoffs that could hit 16,000 employees as AI spending surges (March 14, 2026)
The investment values A24 similarly to a funding round completed in 2024, when the studio was valued at about $3.5 billion. The partnership does not give Google access to A24’s film and television library, a point both companies emphasized as concerns over copyright and AI-generated content continue to shape discussions across Hollywood.
A24, known for award-winning films including “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and recent releases such as “Backrooms” and “Marty Supreme”, has established a dedicated innovation unit called A24 Labs to oversee the collaboration. The team, comprising about 20 employees, is already developing AI-assisted production tools, including software that can generate storyboards from scripts.
Google said the partnership is intended to help filmmakers experiment with new technologies while ensuring creative professionals remain central to the filmmaking process. The companies described the initiative as a research collaboration designed to explore how AI can enhance storytelling rather than automate it.
READ: Meta layoffs in 2026 hit Reality Labs, spark wave of ‘Open to Work’ posts (
The deal comes as technology companies increasingly seek partnerships with media organizations to expand AI applications beyond traditional software development. Hollywood studios have explored AI for tasks such as visual effects, editing, localization and production planning, though many writers, actors and directors have voiced concerns about its potential impact on jobs and intellectual property.
The announcement has also sparked criticism from some A24 fans, who argued that the studio’s partnership with a major AI developer conflict with its reputation for championing independent, artist-driven filmmaking. Online discussions questioned whether the collaboration could undermine the studio’s creative identity, despite assurances that Google’s technology will not be used to train models on A24’s existing films.