Netflix embraces generative AI for Argentine TV series

Co-CEO Ted Sarandos said that genAI was used to create a scene of a building collapsing in Buenos Aires in the Argentine science fiction series The Eternaut.

Sarandos said the sequence is the first genAI final footage to appear on screen in a Netflix original series or film.

"The cost of it would just wouldn't have been feasible for a show in that budget.

"That sequence actually is the very first [generative] AI final footage to appear on screen in a Netflix original series or film. So the creators were thrilled with the result," said Sarandos.

The creative team partnered with Eyeline Studios, a production innovation group within Netflix, to create the scene with the aid of AI. Sarandos said genAI helped them to complete the building collapse sequence 10 times faster than if they had used traditional special effects tools.

His comments come at a time of ongoing concern among creatives about the impact of AI on the film and TV industries. Concerns about AI were one of the key causes of the Hollywood actors and writers strike in 2023.  

Sarandos described AI as "an incredible opportunity to help creators make films and series better, not just cheaper."

Sarandos was speaking as Netflix announced a 16% rise in revenue to $11bn (£8.25bn) for the three months to the end of June compared to the same period last year. Profits rose from $2.1bn to $3.1bn.