How AI Is Transforming How Movies Are Made

As Hollywood bleeds jobs and productions flee Los Angeles, a new hybrid studio called Innovative Dreams is betting AI can reverse the tide. Backed by Amazon Web Services and AI company Luma, the company combines the LED backdrops of virtual production with AI tools across the entire pipeline, preserving actor performances and traditional filmmaking techniques while dramatically cutting costs and timelines. The first project to use the technology, The Old Stories: Moses, a three-part series starring Ben Kingsley, shot over 40 locations in a single week on an LA soundstage, a job that would have taken a traditional production over a month. But as AI reshapes filmmaking, questions remain about whether it will create jobs, or quietly eliminate them. CNBC's Julia Boorstin explores whether this new wave of AI-powered production could become a defining force in the future of Hollywood. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:41 Chapter 1 - Lights, camera, AI 4:42 Chapter 2 - Innovative Dreams 8:16 Chapter 3 - Hollywood’s future Senior Correspondent: Julia Boorstin Produced, Shot and Edited by: Andrew Evers Senior Field Producer: Stephen Desaulniers Senior Director of Video: Jeniece Pettitt Additional Footage: Getty Images, Innovative Dreams » Subscribe to CNBC: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBC » Subscribe to CNBC TV: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBCtelevision About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more. Want to get ahead at work? Then you need to learn how to make effective small talk. In CNBC’s new online course, How To Talk To People At Work, expert instructors teach you how to use everyday conversation to gain visibility, build meaningful relationships and advance your career. Use coupon code EARLYBIRD for 20% off. Offer valid from April 20, 2026 to May 4, 2026. Terms apply. https://cnb.cx/4sGlSkh Connect with CNBC News Online Get the latest news: https://www.cnbc.com/ Follow CNBC on LinkedIn: https://cnb.cx/LinkedInCNBC Follow CNBC News on Instagram: https://cnb.cx/InstagramCNBC Follow CNBC News on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBC Follow CNBC on Threads: https://cnb.cx/threads Follow CNBC News on X: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBC Follow CNBC on WhatsApp: https://cnb.cx/WhatsAppCNBC #CNBC How An Amazon-Backed Hollywood Production Startup Deploys AI For Speed And Cost-Cutting