Lionsgate extends stake in gen AI firm Runway

John Wick and Mad Men producer Lionsgate has extended its investment in generative AI firm Runway, in a deal that will see the former’s IP and the latter’s AI tech being combined on shows.

Lionsgate has taken an undisclosed stake in Runway as part of an agreement that will create a program to develop and produce new IP.

A slate of co-developed projects blending AI and content is to be rolled out, beginning with a short-form episodic series drawing on existing Lionsgate IP and Runway’s generative models.

Further details of the project and the investment have not been revealed, although Lionsgate did not make a cash injection into Runway.

The move extends a previous partnership between Lionsgate and Runway announced in 2024 that saw the US studio using the AI firm’s tools across pre-visualisation, storyboarding and final-frame production.

The short-form series is the latest indicator of Lionsgate’s embrace of AI, following the appointment of chief AI officer Kathleen Grace in February.

Lionsgate vice chairman NMichael Burns said: “Runway is a great creative partner, an exciting part of our AI strategy and a valuable driver in expanding our storytelling capabilities.

“This is an iterative process. As we continue to expand the use cases of Runway technology across our production operations and introduce its tools to more of our filmmakers, we believe it will help our talent redefine and reshape the art of the possible in their creative endeavors.”

Runway’s co-founder and co-chief exec, Cristóbal Valenzuela, added: “We consistently see that the studios most serious about AI are thinking about it as a creative resource, not a cost-cutting tool. Lionsgate gets that.”

She added that the expanded partnership “will help more stories be told, faster. That’s core to our mission at Runway, and we’re excited to help create the next generation of iconic content.”

Lionsgate split from cablenet Starz just over a year ago and has since been focusing on expanding its AI efforts with production. It houses companies including 3 Arts Entertainment and holds a 20,000-title film and TV library.