Showrunner: The Netflix of AI

AI production company Fable Studios has launched the alpha version of Showrunner, an app that allows users to create and watch AI-generated animated series. The app enables viewers to generate their own episodes by selecting characters, storylines, and shot types through user prompts.

The first two episodes of an animated series titled “Exit Valley” have been released, featuring a tech-industry satire with an animation style reminiscent of “South Park” and “Rick and Morty.” The first episode depicts Gold Rush-era ancestors of Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, and the Winklevoss twins in a battle over a valuable element, satirizing the competitive nature of Facebook's creation. Fable Studios plans to produce 22 episodes for the first season of "Exit Valley."

Showrunner offers a variety of styles for users to choose from, including Pixar-like animation in the series “Pixels” and anime styles in series such as “What We Leave Behind” and “Ikiru Shinu.” The app can generate scenes between 2-16 minutes long from prompts of 10-15 words. Users can also edit scripts, shots, and voices to personalize their episodes.

Fable Studios previously used “South Park” as a test case for Showrunner, producing AI-generated episodes that were viewed nearly 8 million times on X (formerly Twitter). However, Fable Studios clarified that these episodes were for research only and that the platform will not support the creation of episodes using existing intellectual property.

Showrunner is designed for non-professional users and aims to make TV show creation accessible to a broader audience. The app has garnered interest from Hollywood studios and filmmakers who see potential in using the tool for creating new content.

Edward Saatchi, CEO of Fable Studios, envisions a future where audiences can create and watch personalized episodes on demand. He believes that AI will transform entertainment into a more interactive and participatory experience.

Jacob Madden, Fable Studios' head of Technology and co-creator of Showrunner, highlighted the platform's potential to ignite creativity and allow for real-time experimentation with storytelling. Madden expressed enthusiasm for the innovative possibilities Showrunner presents for the future of TV.

Fable Studios aims to redefine the relationship between audiences and entertainment, anticipating significant changes in the industry within the next five years.