Tyler Perry, renowned filmmaker and studio owner, has decided to halt his ambitious $800 million studio expansion in Atlanta. The expansion, which included the addition of 12 soundstages to the existing 330-acre property, is now on indefinite hold due to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Perry expressed his astonishment at the capabilities of OpenAI’s text-to-video model, Sora, which debuted on February 15.

In an interview, Perry highlighted the potential of AI technology to eliminate the need for physical sets and on-location shoots. While acknowledging the business opportunities presented by these developments, Perry voiced concerns about the impact on jobs in the entertainment industry. He emphasized the need for regulations to protect the workforce, stating, ‘There’s got to be some sort of regulations to protect us. If not, I just don’t see how we survive.’

Perry disclosed that he had recently used AI in two upcoming film projects to streamline the production process, avoiding hours of makeup work. However, he expressed uncertainty about how to address the threat of AI to certain job categories in the industry, emphasizing the rapid and malleable nature of the technology.

Calling for an industry-wide approach, Perry stressed the importance of collaboration to navigate the challenges posed by AI. He urged the entertainment industry to unite and find solutions to safeguard the future of the workforce. Perry also underscored the need for a government approach to support various industries affected by AI.

As Perry grapples with the decision to embrace AI in his studio, he emphasizes the dual perspective of focusing on the business’s bottom line and the well-being of the individuals in the industry. He raised concerns about the potential loss of jobs shortly and called for a collective effort to address the profound impact of AI on the entertainment sector.”