WASHINGTON (TNND) — Artificial intelligence is no longer just a futuristic concept or a behind-the-scenes tool. It’s now playing a significant role in how films are made.

AI in Modern Filmmaking

AI is becoming a key part of the filmmaking process, particularly in enhancing performances rather than replacing them. In The Brutalist, AI was used to adjust foreign language accents while keeping the original actors’ voices intact, according to reporting from the BBC. In Emilia Pérez, AI blended the lead actress’s vocals with those of another singer to extend her vocal range, which is an approach that wouldn’t have been possible with traditional editing tools.

This marks a shift in how Hollywood views AI. While it was once seen as a threat, particularly during last year’s writers' and actors' strikes, it’s now being recognized for its creative potential.

Speeding Up Animation Production

AI is also making animation production much faster. Take The Lion King, for example. According to Cartoon Research, the original 1994 film took more than 600 artists over three years to complete.

Now that timeline is being radically shortened. Lionsgate Vice Chairman Michael Burns told New York Magazine that with AI, it could be possible to produce an entire anime film in under three hours. While that claim is ambitious, it reflects a broader trend: AI is streamlining what used to be years-long processes.

AI Government Rebrand to Keep Pace

As AI continues to grow across industries, the federal government is adjusting its oversight approach. This week, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced a rebranding of the AI Safety Institute. It will now operate as the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI).

According to the Department of Commerce, CAISI will still study the risks associated with AI—such as cybersecurity and biosecurity, but it will also act as the government’s primary liaison with private tech companies. The focus is shifting toward innovation, standards development, and voluntary partnerships with developers to guide safe, effective use of AI in both the public and private sectors.

What Comes Next

These developments suggest a new phase for AI: one where government and industry are working more closely together to shape the technology’s future. For Hollywood, that could mean greater access to AI tools under clearer guidelines. For the broader economy, it signals a growing push to harness AI’s potential, while still managing its risks.