Amazon MGM Studios is moving deeper into artificial intelligence entertainment production, announcing a new initiative that funds access to specialized AI tools aimed at reshaping how television and film projects are developed.
The studio unveiled the GenAI Creators’ Fund, a program designed to support filmmakers, digital creators, and technology startups building scripted content with the help of emerging AI production capabilities. As part of the effort, Amazon MGM Studios is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to introduce what the companies describe as the first production platform built specifically for AI-enabled visual storytelling.
According to Albert Cheng, chief operating officer of Amazon MGM Studios, the goal is to expand what creators can achieve.
“The most important thing to remember is, we’re human-centric,” Cheng told Variety. “AI tools are meant to empower human creativity, and allow TV shows and movies that would not have been possible before.”
The Amazon MGM Studios AI workflow centers on Project Nara, the production platform developed with AWS and made available exclusively to creators selected through the GenAI Creators’ Fund.
Across all AI projects, Cheng said creators continue working with human actors and voice talent rather than replacing performers with automated systems, though it’s unclear whether the studio intends to change that approach in the future.
The initial slate supported by the fund included three animated series greenlit for Prime Video. One of the projects, Punky Duck, from Jorge R. Gutierrez, the filmmaker behind 20th Century Studios’ The Book of Life, Nickelodeon’s El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, and Netflix’s Maya and the Three, was initially announced as part of the lineup. However, the project has since been scrapped following criticism from creative peers and fans over its use of AI.
In response to backlash, Gutierrez shared the following statement: “Actions speak louder than words. My intent was to showcase artists, both new and seasoned, both inside and outside the studios, driving this new tech. My sincerest apology to those I upset. I promise to do better moving forward. Thank you for your patience with me. I will try harder.”
The remaining two projects are still moving forward. One of them, Love, Diana Music Hunters, expands the world of pocket.watch creator Diana. Created by Albie Hecht, the former Nickelodeon executive who oversaw the development and production of SpongeBob SquarePants, the series follows a group of K-pop-inspired space musicians as they travel to Planet Goo, where they must restore music and save its alien inhabitants.
The other series, Cupcake & Friends, is developed by BuzzFeed Studios. The series is based on the character Cuppy, originally created by Loryn Brantz, who has publicly criticized BuzzFeed’s licensing of the character for an AI-generated production, calling it “an assault on artists everywhere.” The animated series centers on a relatable cupcake and her friends as they deal with the unexpected chaos of a sleepover.
Release dates have not been announced for either series.
