Character Video Generation Represents New Entertainment Category

Character video generation is representing a new entertainment category through Disney’s $1 billion OpenAI investment and licensing partnership. The three-year deal grants Sora access to over 200 characters, potentially creating an entirely new content consumption category.
According to Thursday’s announcement, the partnership enables Sora users to create short social videos featuring Disney characters based on text prompts. These AI-generated videos can be shared and viewed by fans, creating a category that blends user-generated content, official IP, and AI technology in novel ways. The licensing terms specifically exclude any use of talent likenesses or voices.
Disney’s partnership with OpenAI extends into multiple operational areas. The entertainment company will utilize OpenAI’s tools for new product development and experiences, while deploying ChatGPT for employee productivity. This comprehensive approach demonstrates Disney’s belief that AI-generated character content represents a sustainable new entertainment category rather than temporary novelty.
CEO Bob Iger framed the collaboration as marking an important moment for the entertainment sector. He emphasized Disney’s intention to responsibly extend its storytelling capabilities through generative AI while protecting creators and their contributions. This new category could fundamentally expand how audiences engage with entertainment beyond passive viewing.
The entertainment industry has largely maintained distance from AI companies, worried about data usage and union relations. OpenAI has engaged with several major studios about Sora’s potential, but Disney’s commitment suggests character video generation could become a significant entertainment category. The updated Sora platform, launched in September with invitation-only access, allows users to generate videos from text prompts, explore content from other users, and create realistic AI avatars with user-granted permissions.