Disney is tripling down on AI. Now they have made a whole new business unit to coordinate AI usage throughout the company called Office of Technology Enablement. While they keep saying it’s for things like augmented reality in the parks with some help for the studios, the new unit head, Jamie Voris will report to Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
This aligns with the previous rumor that Disney was going to go all-in on AI.
Jamie Voris is actually from the film studio side. He was the CTO for Walt Disney Studios for 14 years and is now heading up this new AI division. He will be replaced as the studio’s CTO by Eddie Drake.
The decision to report to the Entertainment co-chair and being led by someone from the studios makes this decision seem more geared towards film and TV to me.
This is not going to go over well with the unions that have fought against AI replacing jobs.
What is Disney’s new Office of Technology Enablement?
This new unit is tasked with overseeing and coordinating Disney’s use of new technology and AI across film, television, and theme parks.
According to Alan Bergman, they are doing this to explore opportunities to focus on technology like AI and mixed reality for the three divisions. Not just theme parks.
“Our ability to remain at the forefront of technological advances will only be more critical as we move forward — making it all the more important to understand and embrace new technological shifts in ways that enable our people, creativity and business.
The pace and scope of the advances in AI and XR (extended reality) are profound and will continue to impact consumer experiences, creative endeavors and our businesses for years to come – making it critical that Disney explore the exciting opportunities and navigate the potential risks. The creation of this group underscores our dedication to doing that.“
The upside is that 100 new jobs are rumored to be created, but if earlier reports are true and Disney wants to use AI for post-production and VFX, many other jobs could potentially be lost.
It keeps being referred to as a way to use technology in a “responsible manner” but what does that even mean? Responsible to who? The shareholder, the guest, and the employees who could be replaced?
Establishing industry “best practices” does not necessarily mean that they are good for the people working in the industry. It just means that they are good for the companies running the industry.
This is why I keep stressing that while it’s being made out to be a big win on the parks and experiences front for emerging tech and new attractions (which it is), it is also going to be used in the film and television division. Given that the position reports there and not to Josh D’Amaro, who is in charge of the theme parks, it seems the real target is film and TV.
What do you think?
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