Bob Iger-Backed AI Company Launches New Celebrity Avatar Tool
While The Walt Disney Company currently finds itself entangled in numerous copyright battles with AI companies, Bob Iger and his team have made it clear that they are not fundamentally opposed to using the technology as a tool.
Tasked with navigating an ever-changing media landscape, Iger has consistently said that he is “bullish” on the prospect of artificial intelligence, calling it some of “the most powerful technology” Disney has ever seen.
At the same time, the veteran CEO has been adamant that companies like Disney need to protect their intellectual property.
Midjourney
It is a fine line to walk.
Iger’s Investment in Genies
In addition to his role as CEO of Disney, Iger has invested in Genies, an AI company that has “built its technology and framework to scale, specifically for major talent organizations.”
Essentially, the company has created a product that will allow celebrities and their management to develop “expressive AI identities” that can interact with fans.
Photo: Deadline
“Through its AI companion autogeneration technology and self-serve tools, these organizations can instantly replicate their entire rosters of thousands of talent, while empowering each individual to manage their own AI companion through a dedicated portal,” Genies says.
The Technology Is “IP-Safe”
Unlike the AI companies that Disney is challenging in court, Genies says that its program is “IP-safe.” The goal is to give users a tool that enforces client rights.
Photo: Disney
“We are entering a time when the rules of digital identity, likeness, and creative ownership are being rewritten,” Genies director of business development and strategy Jake Becker said.
Photo: Genies
“As platforms like OpenAI’s Sora face questions about likeness use without consent, and as talent agencies look to enforce client rights, the need for control and protection has never been clearer. Our goal is to let talent bring their visual AI identity to life as dynamic, interactive companions they own and manage. By building clear guardrails and control, we ensure they can safely engage audiences while maintaining ownership of their digital selves and unlocking new, authentic ways to connect and monetize.”
Photo: MickeyBlog
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