Network behind Walking Dead franchise confirms plans to leverage AI as ‘technology play’

Over the past couple years, AI has been one of the most hot-button topics that has impacted us all. Whether it's asking AI simple questions, doing research, or being unable to avoid its presence on search engines and social media, it's everywhere. When it comes to the film and television industry, AI is an even more controversial debate, but a major cable network just announced an unexpected new partnership.

During the AMC Networks second quarter earnings call, CEO Kristin Dolan and President of Entertainment Dan McDermott revealed the network has officially teamed up with Runway, an AI startup firm specializing in generative artificial intelligence. Obviously, for fans of The Walking Dead franchise, the biggest property on AMC's roster, this new AI partnership sounds concerning.

Why AMC Network teamed up with Runway AI company

However, Dolan and McDermott have both explained that AMC's partnership with Runway should be seen as a "technology play" rather than one that will be used to take the place of any creative work, like writing, acting, and the like. They're looking for chances to "put the best tools in the hands of our creatives," as Dolan shared, and McDermott insisted AMC and Runaway's practices with AI "live clearly and cleanly within the parameters established by all the guilds."

It's no surprise that the network's decision to rely on the help of artificial intelligence for the creation of its television series, even if it doesn't infringe on actual creative work, will be met with instant criticism from fans and the public. AI was a critical concern during the actors' and writers' strikes in 2023, but AI has only become more prevalent (and more of an issue) since the strikes were resolved.

According to Dolan, it doesn't sound like Runway's AI technology will be trained with AMC's backlog of programming as an exchange in the partnership. But the executive's answer further explains their purpose and intention for leaning on AI: "Our teams are using Runway for visualization of ideas, whether it’s set design or, you know, interestingly, shots that we wouldn’t be necessarily be able to afford on our budgets, so things like shooting an oil rig or an aerial shot of a shipwreck."

Using AI technology could backfire on AMC

Honestly, the purpose and intention for AMC's use of AI sounds a bit confusing. Is it merely a technology play to help visualize settings and imagery that's too expensive, or will we actually be seeing AI-generated landscapes, rather than those made by CGI artists, in an upcoming season of the next Walking Dead universe series? That's the question fans will surely be asking.

Both Dolan and McDermott insist that partnering with Runway and leveraging their technology in the future will allow the creators and teams of AMC's series to "make these shows as great as possible." McDermott further elaborated on and defended the decision by saying, "We’re literally just giving them tools that will enhance their ability to do the great work they do."

What actually becomes of the partnership between AMC and Runway remains to be seen. Embracing AI will definitely inspire some hard conversations for the network, especially since it's also a cost-cutting move. This decision could ultimately backfire on the network if viewers lose trust that they're actually using the technology as ethically as they say they are. We will have to wait and see what happens for this partnership and what it could mean for The Walking Dead universe.