Tyler Perry Puts $800M Studio Project On Ice After Coming Across OpenAI’s ‘Shocking’ Sora Model

Perry says AI technology postpones planned expansion

On Thursday, Tyler Perry, the film and television mogul based in Atlanta, announced that he had decided to stall indefinitely, his planned expansion at his studio campus after viewing a demonstration of the new text-to-video artificial intelligence model by OpenAI, called Sora. Perry was reported to be surprised at the quality and efficiency of the software, which takes textual instructions from a user and translates them into realistic video clips of up to a minute in length.

Perry on AI Technology

“I was in the planning process of about an $800M expansion at the studio for the last four years intending to increase the backlot size significantly, adding 12 more soundstages. All of that is now on hold indefinitely due to the Sora software and what I’ve seen,” Perry said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He added that while he had heard this technology was in development, he was nonetheless shocked at the level of sophistication demonstrated by the Sora program.

The Role of AI in the Film Industry

Perry, a pioneer in Georgia’s thriving film and television industry, considers the AI-generated filming model, an incredible game-changer for studios, especially in terms of cost. However, he also expressed concern for the numerous jobs in the industry that could be affected, ranging from talent to backstage workers and accountants.

The mogul extended his studio in 2015 when he purchased the decommissioned Army base, Fort McPherson, for $30M. Perry bolstered his property with an additional 37.5 acres obtained from Fort McPherson Local Redevelopment Authority last year, with the objective of increasing the number of studios and other facilities. However, it seems this vision may be in correction mode with the advent of the superior AI technology.

AI Technology in Upcoming Productions

In spite of his concerns about the impact on employment in the industry, Perry said he had already used the technology in two forthcoming productions and found it time-saving. He stated, “The AI technology freed up a considerable amount of my time, which I would have otherwise spent sitting through hours of aging makeup. While I’m looking out for my business and its bottom line, I’m also very concerned about all the workers in the industry that I have personally trained. I’m worried about what will happen to them.”

With the rapid advancement of AI technology, many in the industry will be closely watching its potential benefits and drawbacks.