AI-generated footage is already appearing in Netflix content, raising industry questions

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in Hollywood, it’s already being used in finished content on Netflix, sparking both excitement and concern across the entertainment industry.

Netflix has begun incorporating AI-generated footage into its productions, marking a significant shift in how films and TV shows are made. AI has already been used to create final on-screen visuals, rather than just assisting behind the scenes.

One notable example includes an Argentine sci-fi series where a sequence, involving a large-scale visual effect, was created using generative AI instead of traditional methods. Executives have pointed to the efficiency of the technology, noting it can complete complex scenes significantly faster and at a lower cost than conventional visual effects.

Netflix leadership has framed AI as a creative tool rather than a replacement for artists, emphasizing that it can help filmmakers achieve results that might otherwise be too expensive or time-consuming. However, the growing use of AI has also intensified debates within Hollywood about job security, creative ownership and the role of human artistry in filmmaking.

The development comes amid a broader industry shift, as studios experiment with artificial intelligence in areas ranging from visual effects to search and content discovery. Netflix has also explored AI-driven tools to improve user experience and content production, signaling a long-term investment in the technology.

While AI-generated footage offers clear advantages in speed and cost, it remains a controversial topic. Critics argue that increased reliance on AI could undermine creative jobs and lead to an influx of lower-quality, mass-produced content, sometimes referred to as “AI slop.”

As Netflix continues to expand its use of AI, the debate over its impact on storytelling and the future of filmmaking is only expected to grow, positioning the technology as one of the most consequential changes in modern entertainment.