Marc Andreessen says AI will give rise to a new type of filmmaker: 'That's a reason for profound optimism'

Didn't go to film school? Don't worry. Legendary investor and movie buff Marc Andreessen doesn't think that will be an issue for future creatives.

During an episode of "Monitoring the Situation," the podcast for the venture capitalist firm that Andreessen cofounded, A16z, he said advancements in AI technology — like OpenAI's Sora 2 — have made it possible for a new type of filmmaker to emerge.

"The filmmaker with no visual skill, or access to a set, or to a camera, or to actors, but with an idea," Andreessen said on Friday. "It's going to start with shorts and animated things and so forth, but it's going to work its way up to full movies."

Andreessen said AI has made the art of filmmaking more accessible to people who may have creative skills but lack the financial resources or technical expertise.

"People who otherwise would be limited to only being novelists or people who do graphic novels but are creative geniuses are going to be able to actually make full movies with AI," Andreessen said. "I think that's a reason for profound optimism. I think we're going to get completely new kinds of film and entertainment from people who otherwise never would have been able to access the medium. I'm very positive on that."

A16z announced last year that it had invested in Promise, a studio that uses AI to create films and other projects.

While some industry leaders view AI as an opportunity to cut costs and speed up projects, others worry it could wipe out jobs.

Members of the Writers Guild of America went on strike, partly due to AI, in 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Skeptics have also expressed concern over potential copyright issues related to how companies train AI models and use copyrighted IP.

Outside of film, other segments in the entertainment industry are also grappling with AI and its impact on creatives. On Thursday, Spotify announced a partnership with major record labels and music companies to develop "artist-first AI music products." In a press release, the streaming platform criticized the tech industry.

"Some voices in the tech industry believe copyright should be abolished. We don't. Musicians' rights matter. Copyright is essential," the company said. "If the music industry doesn't lead in this moment, AI-powered innovation will happen elsewhere, without rights, consent, or compensation."

Representatives for Andreessen Horowitz did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

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