AI Transforming Hollywood Careers

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the Hollywood film industry, creating new professional opportunities. To keep pace with this change, an online AI film school called “Curious Refuge” is providing new skills to professionals worldwide in cinema and advertising fields. Launched in May 2023, this AI film academy has already attracted over 10,000 students from more than 170 countries. Founded by Caleb Ward and Shelby Ward, the school offers courses in documentary, narrative filmmaking, and advertising using AI. The courses are available in 11 languages and use a pre-recorded online system that allows students to learn at their own pace.

Professionals like Michael Eng, who worked for many years in Hollywood’s visual effects sector, turned to this school to rebuild their careers after losing job opportunities due to lack of experience with machine learning and AI tools. He states that learning AI tools quickly opened new job opportunities for him. However, not everyone in Hollywood views AI positively. With the introduction of the AI-created virtual actress “Tilly Norwood” last year, organizations like the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union have raised concerns about AI replacing human actors. A 2024 study predicts that generative AI could impact around 120,000 film and animation jobs by the end of 2026. Nonetheless, some experts believe that while AI may cause some job losses, it will also open doors to new jobs and new artists. Chris Jacquemin, head of digital strategy at WME talent agency, says AI reduces economic barriers to starting creative projects.

Curious Refuge was acquired last year by Promise, an AI entertainment studio. Promise uses this school as a talent pipeline to discover new artists and creators in AI-assisted production. Yves Bergquist, head of AI and Neuroscience at USC Entertainment Technology Center, says AI education is the biggest opportunity right now because this technology is highly complex and rapidly evolving. At this pivotal moment when AI is completely transforming the film industry, schools like Curious Refuge are equipping Hollywood’s new generation with AI-ready skills, opening new pathways for future creators.