Google has reportedly been reaching out to Hollywood’s biggest studios, hoping to strike licensing agreements that would allow it to train its AI models on copyrighted material in exchange for massive financial payouts. While these deals could be a win-win for Google, they pose distinct risks for the studios, who might find themselves embroiled in controversy if they’re seen as overly cozy with tech.

The tech giant’s pitches focus on the positive aspects of its AI technology, which could help shift public perception from the negative to more positive views as the industry continues to grapple with the real-world harms of AI. However, such partnerships could also alienate audiences and workers, as the potential for job losses becomes a pressing concern.

One notable exception is Lionsgate, which has already struck a deal with Runway to generate AI-generated shorts. If any of the big legacy studios follow suit, it could be a watershed moment, with more production houses likely to embrace AI tools. The potential for speedier production timelines and cost savings is appealing, but the use of AI in film production has already sparked backlash, with fans dismayed by the presence of AI-generated images in Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s artbook.

Ultimately, the studios need to balance the potential benefits of AI with the risks of public backlash and the potential to alienate their workforce. Google’s AI could be Hollywood’s gold mine, but it could also be a public relations calamity if handled improperly.