The Lion King director calls AI in films "Wild West": “I think what AI will do is….”

Rob Minkoff, co-director of Disney's 'The Lion King,' sees artificial intelligence as a tool that could democratize

filmmaking by reducing production costs and enabling new voices. He acknowledges concerns over copyright

infringement and suggests creating a body to protect intellectual property.

Rob Minkoff, co-director of Disney's "The Lion King," describes artificial intelligence in filmmaking as a "Wild

West" that could democratize content creation, potentially leading to an "explosion of new voices" in the industry. In an interview with CNBC, Minkoff said, "I think what AI will do is potentially democratize the process of making content, because if literally anyone is given these incredibly powerful tools, then what we should see is truly an explosion of content, an explosion of new voices."

The 62-year-old director, speaking ahead of the Reply AI Film Festival, believes AI could significantly reduce

production costs, making filmmaking more accessible to a broader range of creators.

However, Minkoff acknowledges legitimate concerns surrounding AI in the film industry, particularly regarding

copyright infringement and intellectual property protection. "It's the Wild West, where it seems like

anything is possible and anything can be done," he told CNBC.

To address these issues, Minkoff suggests creating a dedicated body to protect filmmakers' intellectual property and ensure proper compensation, similar to organizations in the music industry like ASCAP and BMI.

Despite concerns, Minkoff remains optimistic about AI's potential benefits. "I hope that technology ultimately will

save us, in some regards, or make life better, easier or more prosperous," he said, as reported by CNBC.

The director draws parallels between current AI concerns and fears surrounding computer animation in the 1990s. He recalls using computers to create the iconic stampede scene in "The Lion King," demonstrating how new technology can integrate seamlessly with traditional techniques.