Breaking

Google DeepMind Invests $75M in A24 to Co-Develop AI Filmmaking Tools

June 27, 2026 at 11:15 EDT

Media Generation
Funding & M&A
Foundation Models

Google DeepMind and indie film studio A24 announced a multi-year, non-exclusive research partnership on June 22, 2026, to co-develop AI-powered filmmaking tools, with Google investing roughly $75 million in A24. It marks the first time Google has taken an equity stake in a film studio. Under the deal, A24's filmmakers will provide feedback to DeepMind's researchers while jointly shaping tools that support production and distribution workflows. An early focus cited is AI-generated storyboards for pre-visualization. Announcement

June 22, 2026 · Google DeepMind × A24

DeepMind Bets $75M on A24 — and Hollywood Pushes Back

Google takes its first equity stake in a movie studio, partnering with indie favorite A24 to build AI tools for storyboards and pre-production. The "art-first" studio's fans aren't thrilled.

~$75M

Equity investment — Google's first in a movie studio

Multi-year

Non-exclusive research partnership via A24 Labs

$300M+

Worldwide gross of A24's Backrooms, its biggest hit

What the deal does — and doesn't — cover

In scope

AI-generated storyboards
Pre-production support
Easing behind-the-scenes pain points

Out of scope

No access to A24 films, IP or training data
Not fully generative "prompted" movies
Exclusivity — both sides free to work with others

Cautious support

Tools built under artist direction
Focus on workflow, not generative films
A "seat at the table" beats the "sidelines"

The backlash

Fear of automation and creative job losses
Distrust that "artists shape the tools"
Clashes with A24's art-first, creator-centric brand

The sharpest irony

Backrooms director Kane Parsons recently called generative AI "cultural rot" — just before the studio behind his hit signed its AI deal with Google.

No models, benchmarks or release timing disclosed. The effort remains at the research stage as AI deepens its hold across Hollywood.

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