Google and Range Media Partners are joining forces to launch “AI On Screen,” a program commissioning short films from filmmakers and a range of voices across genres that delves into the complex relationship between humanity and AI.
The companies are looking for stories that will resonate on a deeply human level, especially among discerning next-generation audiences, exploring the emotional and ethical dilemmas that arise when we intertwine our lives with intelligent machines.
The two companies will spend the next 18 months developing, financing and producing these short films with a goal to greenlight two into feature-length adaptations. Google and Range say they have built a “comprehensive ecosystem that will empower filmmakers at a pivotal moment where AI’s role requires extensive discussion and diverse viewpoints.”
Peter Micelli, CEO of Range said, “Amid the ever-shifting landscape of Hollywood, we can’t imagine a better partner than Google to help filmmakers and other high-end creatives unlock their deepest ambitions in storytelling. We are excited to launch this short film program as a first step to create an extraordinary pipeline for the next blockbuster features.”
In a statement, Mira Lane, senior director of technology and society at Google and head of Envisioning Studio said, “‘AI on Screen’ represents a significant step in Google’s ongoing commitment to support creative expression and explore the possibilities of technology through the power of storytelling. Especially as AI moves out of the realm of science fiction and into our everyday lives, narrative films present an opportunity to explore and showcase the ways we want to coexist with this technology.
Over the past year and a half, Range has solidified its work in film production working on “A Complete Unknown” and “Longlegs.”
“Sweetwater” and “Lucid” are the first two films to be released. Written by Sean Douglas, “Sweetwater” follows the son of a late celebrity. When he visits his childhood home, a piece of fan mail reveals a startling AI, forcing him to reconcile his mother’s legacy.
“Lucid” is written and directed by Sammi Cohen (“You Are So Not Invited to My Bar Mitzvah”). The film is about a couple who, desperate to escape their suffocating reality, risks everything on a revolutionary dream-sharing device.
Rachel Douglas, Partner and Manager at Range, is overseeing the relationship with Google and producing all films as part of “AI on Screen” film program. Range asked that proposals be submitted through an agent or lawyer.
Sean Douglas is represented by Range Media Partners, and Sammi Cohen is represented by UTA and Range Media Partners.
