AI in Hollywood: A Disruptive Force or the Next Creative Evolution?

Introduction:

At the recent Axios AI+ Summit in New York, legendary Hollywood producer Jeffrey Katzenberg compared the arrival of artificial intelligence in the film industry to the seismic shift brought about by computer graphics in the 1990s. As AI technologies rapidly infiltrate various creative fields, particularly in content creation and forecasting, Katzenberg and other industry leaders weighed in on its transformative impact. From the echoes of past resistance to digital animation to the looming disruption AI could cause in entertainment and beyond, the discussion offered insight into how industries might not just survive but thrive by embracing change.

The Transformation AI Promises in Hollywood and Beyond:

Jeffrey Katzenberg, the renowned co-founder of DreamWorks and former Disney executive behind blockbusters like Shrek, addressed how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative industries during the Axios AI+ Summit. Drawing a compelling parallel to the resistance faced by computer-generated imagery (CGI) in the 1990s, particularly in pioneering films like Toy Story, Katzenberg reflected on the fear and hesitation among traditional animators at the time. He noted that those who chose to embrace CGI thrived, while those who resisted were left behind — a dynamic he sees repeating itself with AI today. During his talk, Katzenberg emphasized that while disruption is inevitable, adaptation is key. He stated, “AI isn’t going to replace people, it’s going to replace people who don’t use AI,” urging professionals to see AI as a tool, not a threat.

The discussion touched on the 2023 writers strike, a pivotal moment in Hollywood where AI took center stage. The strike culminated in a groundbreaking agreement that included formal rules regarding AI’s role in creative projects, underscoring just how urgent and relevant the issue has become. Alongside Katzenberg, Weather Company CEO Rohit Agarwal highlighted how AI is also revolutionizing fields like meteorology, aiding in more accurate forecasts, supporting public safety, and potentially fighting climate change. However, he emphasized that the human element remains irreplaceable — what he called their “secret sauce.”

The AI+ Summit gathered key voices to discuss the global race in AI development, enterprise integration, and societal adaptation. As various industries confront a rapidly changing technological landscape, AI is being seen less as a futuristic concept and more as an immediate force — one that will reward those who innovate and leave behind those who resist. Katzenberg’s perspective reflects not just nostalgia for the past but a clear warning and opportunity for the future. In essence, learning to wield AI creatively could be the new competitive edge across sectors.

What Undercode Say:

AI as the New Creative Catalyst

Katzenberg’s comments highlight a recurring pattern in technological evolution: disruption is often followed by a boom in innovation for those willing to adapt. The comparison to the 1990s CGI revolution is apt, given how animation studios that embraced digital tools not only survived but redefined the industry. AI stands at a similar crossroad today. For Hollywood, this could mean a reimagining of scriptwriting, visual effects, casting, and even marketing — all accelerated through machine learning.

The 2023 writers strike served as a critical reminder of how AI has moved from backstage to center stage. Writers demanded — and won — protective measures to ensure AI doesn’t fully replace human creativity but rather augments it. This reveals a fundamental truth: professionals aren’t necessarily against AI, but they want safeguards to protect originality and job security. This nuanced stance suggests AI will likely become a collaborative partner rather than a dominating force in the creative process.

Katzenberg’s quote, “AI isn’t going to replace people, it’s going to replace people that don’t use AI,” is quickly becoming a mantra across industries. The phrase mirrors the mindset that separated successful digital-era creatives from those who faded into obscurity. The future won’t be AI versus humans, but AI with humans — those who understand its strengths and limitations will lead the next era of storytelling.

The conversation also reveals a deeper truth: fear of change often originates from job insecurity, especially among professionals trained in traditional methods. But if history is any guide, those who adapt to new tools — from CGI in the 90s to AI today — often find themselves ahead of the curve. Think of how Pixar thrived while others scrambled to catch up. In the same way, creators who learn to co-create with AI might soon lead the narrative economy.

Additionally, the cross-industry relevance of AI was underscored by Rohit Agarwal’s comments on meteorology. Forecasting, an area once heavily reliant on historical data and human intuition, is now becoming precision-based through AI-powered modeling. But even in this data-driven field, human oversight remains crucial — reinforcing the idea that AI’s role is to amplify, not replace, expertise.

This echoes across journalism, music, gaming, and even healthcare. Whether it’s generating scripts, scoring scenes, analyzing audiences, or predicting weather patterns, AI is a multiplier of human capability. What differentiates the winners from the laggards will be their speed of adoption, ethical frameworks, and openness to iterative learning.

To stay relevant, Hollywood and similar creative sectors must embrace a dual strategy: integrate AI to streamline and enhance production, while maintaining the unique emotional intelligence that machines cannot replicate. Storytelling, after all, remains deeply human — but how it’s crafted and delivered will never be the same again.

Fact Checker Results ✅

✅ AI was central to the 2023 writers strike — Confirmed
✅ Katzenberg compared AI to the CGI shift in the 1990s — Accurate
✅ AI is currently enhancing forecasting at The Weather Company — Verified 🌦️

Prediction 🔮

AI will become a standard tool in Hollywood production workflows within the next five years. Creatives who integrate AI early will see productivity gains, cost reductions, and broader storytelling capabilities. Meanwhile, industries that delay adoption out of fear may find themselves quickly outpaced in both output and relevance. 🎬🤖

References:

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