The music and film industries wrapped up a tumultuous year trying to reconcile AI’s potential with the threat it poses to human creativity.
The film and music industries have wrapped up a challenging year, oscillating between embracing and resisting artificial intelligence. As 2025 came to a close, the Walt Disney Company made headlines with a substantial $1 billion investment in OpenAI, coupled with a licensing deal for the AI video generator Sora. This move raises a pivotal question: Has this partnership yielded meaningful results? The answer is complex, as both industries grapple with the implications of AI integration.
In Hollywood, the year was characterized by a precarious dance with AI. While studios explored AI innovations behind closed doors, they often refrained from acknowledging these developments publicly. The investment by Disney and the launch of the AI-generated avatar Tilly Norwood sparked significant backlash. Tilly, conceived by producer Eline Van der Velden, was positioned as a groundbreaking figure, but critics were quick to label the attempt as a misstep. Notably, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) emphasized that creativity should remain the domain of humans, a sentiment echoed by prominent actors who raised concerns over AI’s encroachment on their craft.
The reception of Tilly’s first project, an AI sketch titled “AI Commissioner,” was overwhelmingly negative, proving that technical prowess doesn’t guarantee artistic success. Meanwhile, controversies emerged around two Oscar contenders, ‘The Brutalist’ and Emilia Pérez. Both films utilized AI to enhance performances, igniting debates over authenticity and the role of human actors in the creative process. The Academy is now considering stricter regulations surrounding AI disclosures to ensure transparency in future submissions.
Behind the scenes, studios are experimenting with AI for script revisions, marketing, and more, albeit cautiously. The hesitation to publicly embrace these technologies reflects a fear of alienating human talent. Director Rian Johnson succinctly criticized AI’s influence, suggesting it complicates rather than enhances the creative landscape.
Turning to the music industry, the relationship with AI has been even more tumultuous. A recent study revealed that a staggering 97% of listeners couldn’t distinguish between AI-generated and human-created tracks. This blurring of lines has raised alarms among musicians who fear for their livelihoods. While some embrace AI for enhancing their work, others, like Lucas Woodland from the band Holding Absence, describe the situation as deeply concerning.
Major record labels initially resisted AI’s growth but have since begun to adapt. Warner Music Group, after litigation over copyright issues, has entered partnerships with AI music platforms, hoping to gain licensing revenue while navigating a rapidly changing landscape. Spotify and Deezer have also introduced measures to distinguish AI-generated tracks, but the reality remains that AI music is encroaching on traditional artists’ revenues.
Economically, the AI music sector is projected to experience exponential growth, with estimates suggesting that by 2034, it could reach a staggering $60.44 billion. As this technology evolves, it’s becoming increasingly accessible, allowing aspiring musicians to produce high-quality music without extensive training or resources.
Overall, the past year has presented both industries with the undeniable challenge of reconciling AI’s efficiency with the need to protect human creativity. As they navigate these waters, there’s a pervasive tension between the pursuit of innovation and the preservation of artistic integrity. As Disney invests in AI while actor unions campaign against it, the contradiction becomes more apparent. Both industries are wrestling with the consequences of their decisions, and the future remains uncertain.
