Studios Shift Hiring Approach: Seeking AI-Savvy Film Graduates

Hollywood film studios are shifting their approach to hiring talent. Instead of training staff on AI video tools, they're looking for graduates who already know how to use them.

According to Semafor, studios are asking 'How do we find people who already know how to use this?'

Runway's CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela told Semafor that his company has helped build a pipeline of students with AI skills. Runway offers courses at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and USC's School of Cinematic Arts, among others.

Google and OpenAI also offer programs for filmmakers to learn AI tools. Google's Flow Sessions gives selected filmmakers access to its Flow AI filmmaking tool, while OpenAI teamed up with Tribeca Studios on a year-long program that funded independent filmmakers to make short films with OpenAI's tools.

Filmmaker Brad Tangonan, who participated in Flow Sessions, expects AI skills to become a requirement for working in film. 'You're going to have to learn how to use [these tools] if you do want to be in the industry,' he told Semafor.