During a panel discussion at the Variety Entertainment and Tech Summit, experts explored AI's evolving role in the entertainment industry, emphasizing its potential and challenges.
On September 18, 2026, several influential figures from the entertainment and technology sectors convened to examine the complex relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and the entertainment industry during the "Entertainment and Media in the Age of AI" panel at Variety's Entertainment and Tech Summit. Google’s Vice President of Technology and Society, Mira Line, highlighted current misconceptions surrounding AI, stating, “I think the word ‘AI’ is doing too much right now.” This sentiment underscored the need for clarity as industry leaders address varying interpretations of AI within their fields.
The panel featured executives such as Girish Balakrishnan from Netflix, Kathleen Grace from Lionsgate, Bertie Thomson from Hasbro, Annaka Vasquez from Teads, and Meagan Keane from Adobe. They discussed AI's specific uses in entertainment and the importance of establishing a common vocabulary about the technology. Balakrishnan mentioned Netflix’s framework for AI implementation across roughly 300 programs, emphasizing its potential to foster trust among creatives and enhance the storytelling process.
Grace, Lionsgate’s Chief AI Officer, presented insights on the "Human Generative Workflows" paper developed by the American Film Institute and supported by industry peers. This collaborative effort aims to clarify AI applications in creative projects, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve while maintaining copyright standards.
During discussions, Adobe's Meagan Keane outlined different categories of AI tools, which she described as “assistive,” “corrective,” and “generative.” By educating users on these distinctions, companies can facilitate a more productive dialogue about AI’s capabilities. She noted that as AI tools become more integrated into production processes, creatives may not even recognize they are using AI, as the conversation shifts toward generative technology.
Moreover, panelists such as Thomson from Hasbro highlighted the significance of maintaining brand integrity while utilizing AI technologies. Hasbro’s approach emphasizes crafting authorized versions of beloved characters through AI, ensuring consistency and safeguarding intellectual property while exploring new interactive avenues.
Despite the potential benefits, the discussion revealed deep-seated misconceptions about AI in the entertainment industry. Executives stressed that producing high-quality films and television shows demands far more than the simplistic application of AI tools, as many may assume. Line articulated that the complexities involved in film production require thoughtful integration of AI technologies, stating, “There’s a lot of consideration that goes into everything we make.”
This demand for respect and understanding within the industry can foster a more sophisticated dialogue about AI's contributions and limit unrealistic expectations formed by social media portrayals and public perceptions.
The conversation surrounding AI in the entertainment industry is evolving, reflecting both the potential and the challenges that come with integrating advanced technologies into creative processes. As industry leaders clarify the framework and practical uses of AI, it has the potential to deepen collaboration among creators and streamline production processes. However, overcoming public misconceptions remains critical to ensuring that the industry embraces AI responsibly, ultimately enhancing storytelling without compromising artistry.
For ongoing updates from the Variety Entertainment and Tech Summit, more discussions can be found in related coverage such as Media Execs Discuss Trends at Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit and TikTok, Spotify, and Pinterest Propel Fandom at Variety Summit.
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