David Ellison says AI could be the ‘biggest creative unlock in modern history’

AI as the Next Creative Frontier

During Paramount Skydance’s recent earnings call, CEO David Ellison likened the rise of artificial intelligence to the advent of computer‑generated imagery (CGI) in the early 1990s. He argued that AI could become "the biggest creative unlock in modern history," offering filmmakers new ways to craft stories without replacing the human artistry that defines cinema.

Lessons from the CGI Revolution

Ellison pointed to landmark CGI‑driven films such as Jurassic Park and Terminator 2 as evidence of how technology can expand narrative possibilities. Those movies demonstrated that digital tools can turn previously impossible concepts into box‑office successes, while still relying on directors, writers, and visual artists to shape the final product. The comparison suggests that AI may follow a similar trajectory: a catalyst that amplifies imagination rather than a substitute for it.

Practical Benefits for Production

Ellison highlighted several concrete ways AI could reshape the studio’s workflow:

• Budget Efficiency: He noted that a film like Terminator cost roughly $4 million to produce in the 1990s, but a comparable modern shoot could run $60‑70 million. AI‑driven pre‑visualization, script analysis, and asset generation could compress those costs, making high‑risk projects more financially viable.
• Speedier Development: By automating routine tasks—such as storyboarding, location scouting, or even preliminary visual effects—AI could accelerate the timeline from concept to greenlight, allowing studios to respond more quickly to market trends.
• Enhanced Originality: Ellison believes AI tools can free creators from technical constraints, enabling them to explore more daring narratives and experimental formats without the fear of prohibitive budgets.

Guarding the Value of Hand‑Crafted Storytelling

While championing AI’s potential, Ellison stressed that premium intellectual property and live events will retain their worth. In a market flooded with "AI slop," he argued, audiences will continue to seek out meticulously crafted stories that bear the unmistakable imprint of human creators. This stance reinforces the idea that AI should be viewed as an assistant—a means to augment, not supplant, artistic vision.

The Road Ahead for Paramount Skydance

Ellison revealed that the studio is already developing its own AI tools, aiming to integrate them across production pipelines. He expects these innovations to:

1. Simplify content creation,
2. Accelerate project turnover, and
3. Transform collaborative workflows.

The ultimate goal, according to Ellison, is to make high‑quality, risk‑taking storytelling more accessible while preserving the premium placed on genuine craftsmanship.

--- Bottom line: David Ellison’s outlook positions AI as a powerful, cost‑saving ally for filmmakers—one that can unlock unprecedented creative freedom while keeping artists at the heart of the process. The industry’s challenge will be to harness these tools responsibly, ensuring that the next wave of cinematic breakthroughs remains rooted in human imagination.