IMAX embraces AI to expand original content reach

Industry Overview - The entertainment and media industry grew 5% to $2.8 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach $3.4 trillion over the next five years at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 4% [2] - Non-English language content is experiencing rapid growth even in traditionally English-speaking markets, with Netflix reporting a 90% increase in viewership of non-English content in the U.K. over the last three years [2] Company Initiatives - IMAX is leveraging AI to enhance localization of its original content in response to the rising demand for non-English content [1][3] - IMAX has partnered with Dubai-based startup Camb.ai to utilize its AI speech models for translating original content, including documentaries [3] Camb.ai Technology - Camb.ai has developed AI dubbing and speech translation technologies that have been successfully used in live sports events and leagues [4] - The company offers its Boli model for speech-to-text translation and Mars for speech emulation, supporting 140 languages, including low-resource languages [4] AI Deployment and Strategy - IMAX plans to roll out AI translations in stages, starting with high-resource languages, following internal testing of Camb.ai's technology on its original content [9] - The AI technology can deliver speech translation in up to 10 languages simultaneously with a latency of 20 to 30 seconds, which aligns with typical streaming delays [9] Financial Aspects - IMAX's AI deployment is expected to reduce translation costs, although specific figures were not disclosed [11] - Camb.ai raised $4 million in a seed round led by Courtside Ventures and is currently closing a larger pre-Series A round to expand its operations [11]