Disney's OpenAI Video Pact Will Not Affect Its Other Programming, CEO Bob Iger Says

Core Insights - Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that videos created with OpenAI's Sora will soon be available on Disney+, but he does not anticipate any impact on the company's existing film and TV pipeline [1] - Disney's three-year deal with OpenAI, which includes a $1 billion investment, is expected to yield results in the coming months, allowing OpenAI to license 250 Disney characters [2] - The introduction of vertical videos on Disney+ will be capped at 30 seconds, aiming to leverage the growth of short-form and user-generated content seen on platforms like YouTube [3] Company Strategy - The agreement with OpenAI is seen as a way to enhance Disney+'s offerings with short-form video content, which is expected to increase user engagement [3] - Iger emphasized that the use of Sora tools could enable Disney+ subscribers to create their own short-form videos, marking a significant step in content interactivity [3] - Despite the integration of AI, Iger does not foresee any negative effects on Disney's other programming [3] Industry Context - The entertainment industry is currently facing scrutiny regarding AI, particularly as guilds prepare for contract negotiations, with AI being a contentious issue in previous discussions [3] - Disney, along with other major media companies, has filed lawsuits against AI firms for allegedly training models on copyrighted material, highlighting ongoing tensions in the industry [4] - Iger noted that Disney views AI as a tool for enhancing creativity, productivity, and consumer connectivity, indicating a strategic pivot towards leveraging technology for business growth [4]