Runway CEO Says AI Could Let Hollywood Produce 50 Films for the Cost of One

Cristóbal Valenzuela, CEO of AI video generation company Runway, said that artificial intelligence could enable film studios to produce 50 movies for the same cost as one $100 million blockbuster, according to TechCrunch. Speaking at the Semafor World Economy event, Valenzuela argued that AI tools could make high-quality production more affordable and scalable across the entertainment industry.

Valenzuela explained that AI is lowering costs in multiple stages of production, including pre-production, scripting, planning, execution, and visual effects. He said Runway’s technology is already being used by studios and creators to speed up workflows and reduce budgets.

He pointed to examples such as the upcoming $70 million film “Bitcoin: Killing Satoshi,” which reportedly used AI to cut projected expenses from $300 million. Other major studios, including Amazon and Sony Pictures, are also incorporating AI to manage production costs.

Valenzuela said he believes AI will allow more creators worldwide to participate in filmmaking, describing the current shift as a move toward greater creative output. He suggested that by expanding the number of films produced, studios would improve their chances of success while giving more people access to storytelling tools.