As the first domestic AI-focused economic broadcasting channel, ABC (AI Business Channel) held its grand launch event, where Kim Kwang-jip, CEO of Studio Metak, introduced the current state of AI technology and its future vision.
Kim stated, "Studio Metak is utilizing AI to lower content production costs and secure our own intellectual property rights (IP), aiming to lead the content industry in the AI era." He explained that ABC serves as the optimal broadcasting platform for securing leadership in AI media.
He noted, "We have been demonstrating AI video production in Netflix dramas, advertisements, and films," adding, "We are currently developing AI virtual artists that are active in broadcasting entertainment and content, as well as brand modeling. Based on this, we are in the final stages of producing a four-member male virtual group."
Kim emphasized, "AI video technology has rapidly advanced in the past two years. The technology available in 2023 was not suitable for actual production, but now it has progressed to the point where high-quality video production is indistinguishable from real footage." Initially used for short advertisements and music videos, AI technology is now expanding into long-form content such as feature films and dramas.
He pointed out that the current content production environment is burdened by rising production and labor costs for dramas, stating, "Utilizing AI is essential to lower production costs and reduce the number of shooting days."
Studio Metak is employing AI to reduce costs in areas such as AI pre-visualization, large crowd scenes, filming dangerous scenes and wide shots, and replacing overseas locations. Kim explained, "We can now produce a video that previously took 20 billion won and eight months in just two weeks and at less than one-tenth of the cost."
Global collaborations are also ramping up. Kim revealed, "We are conducting AI tests on some Warner Brothers projects," and noted that in a joint project with a Hollywood company, they are considering a structure where close-ups are filmed by famous actors while crowd scenes and wide shots are produced by AI, achieving over 90% cost savings.
Studio Metak is also working on content production utilizing existing IP. The company is currently producing an AI animation of director Im Kwon-taek's film 'Seopyeonje.'
Continuing to demonstrate actual content production through AI technology, Studio Metak is also pursuing performance and funding plans. Kim stated, "Last year's revenue was 5 billion won, and this year's expected revenue has risen to around 10 billion won." He added, "We currently have a branch in Silicon Valley and are preparing to establish branches in Japan and Singapore."
He further noted, "Currently, producing a single piece of content costs between 100 to 150 billion won in the U.S. and 5 to 10 billion won in Korea. However, if one piece succeeds, we can replace ten pieces of content at one-tenth of the original production cost."
Kim acknowledged concerns that AI may replace humans, stating, "I understand the worries that AI will replace us. However, I believe that those who effectively utilize AI will replace those who do not. Now is the optimal time to become a leader in the AI era."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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