Netflix Taps Into AI for the First Time in Series Production
Netflix released The Eternaut, a sci-fi series based on a popular Argentine graphic novel. The story follows a group of survivors trying to navigate a deadly snowfall in Buenos Aires. But behind one of its most dramatic scenes — a building collapse — there was something new happening in the production process.
For the first time, Netflix used generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create part of the visual effects. Instead of using a traditional VFX studio, the production team turned to AI tools to design and complete the scene digitally. This made The Eternaut the first Netflix show to include a finished shot made with AI.
A Scene Too Expensive to Make the Usual Way
During a recent earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos explained why they used AI. The team wanted to include a large building collapse in the story, but the cost of creating it with traditional VFX was too high. With a limited budget, the only way to include the shot was by using generative AI.
Video Credit: Youtube
The result was impressive. According to Netflix, the AI-generated scene was finished ten times faster than it would have taken using normal methods. Sarandos said that AI tools helped the team work within their budget while still keeping the story’s creative vision intact. The company also said it does not plan to replace artists or writers. Instead, Netflix sees AI as a way to help creators do their work faster and better.
Fun Fact About Netflix’s AI Use
This is not the first time Netflix has used AI in its business. AI already plays a big role in how Netflix works behind the scenes. For example, its recommendation system helps save the company over USD 1 billion every year. The AI studies what viewers watch, how long they watch, and what they skip — then suggests other shows they might enjoy.
Image Credit: Medium
Netflix also uses AI to choose which images or thumbnails to show on your screen. It even adjusts video quality based on your internet connection to help avoid buffering. These features are part of a much larger system that relies on artificial intelligence to make the app feel personal and easy to use.
Some Concerns About AI in Entertainment
While Netflix is optimistic about using AI in production, not everyone feels the same. Many writers, artists, and industry professionals have shared concerns. Some are worried that AI could take over creative jobs. Others are asking if the AI tools were trained using copyrighted materials without permission.
These worries became a major topic during the 2023 writers’ strike, when creators demanded stronger protections against studios using AI to replace human work.
Looking Ahead at AI in Shows and Films
So far, Netflix has not said if more series will use AI in the same way as The Eternaut. But the company is clearly experimenting with the technology and sees it as part of future production work. Whether this becomes common in the industry depends on how creators, audiences, and studios choose to respond.
For now, The Eternaut stands as the first example of a Netflix series where generative AI helped bring a key moment to life — faster, cheaper, and with no green screen required.
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