Roku's Anthony Wood Sees AI Revolutionizing Hollywood and Streaming Industry
As the founder of Roku, one of the world's largest streaming platforms, Anthony Wood is no stranger to predicting the future of the media industry. Recently, he shared his thoughts on how generative AI will impact Hollywood and streaming at a CES summit.
According to Wood, the first 100% AI-generated "hit movie" will debut within the next three years. This prediction reflects the significant role AI is expected to play in reducing production costs for content creators.
For Roku, embracing AI is crucial for staying competitive in an industry where operating expenses are increasingly becoming a major differentiator. The company has aggressively adopted AI technologies across its product lines, including targeted ads and recommendations. However, Wood also acknowledges that generative AI will have a more profound impact on the cost of content creation.
"I think people underestimate how dramatic that's going to be," Wood said. "Humans are still the creative force behind creating content and hit shows, but the cost is going to come down dramatically."
To take advantage of this shift, Roku has recently acquired two new businesses: low-cost, ad-free streamer Howdy and bundled channel service Frndly TV. The $3-per-month Howdy offering positions itself as an attractive alternative to traditional streaming services, capitalizing on a growing segment where consumers are seeking affordable ad-free options.
"We're using that [advertising power] to grow it," Wood explained. "But Howdy has very broad appeal... I think it's going to be a really large business."
With the potential for AI-driven cost reductions and new revenue streams, Roku is poised to capitalize on the changing landscape of the streaming industry.
As the founder of Roku, one of the world's largest streaming platforms, Anthony Wood is no stranger to predicting the future of the media industry. Recently, he shared his thoughts on how generative AI will impact Hollywood and streaming at a CES summit.
According to Wood, the first 100% AI-generated "hit movie" will debut within the next three years. This prediction reflects the significant role AI is expected to play in reducing production costs for content creators.
For Roku, embracing AI is crucial for staying competitive in an industry where operating expenses are increasingly becoming a major differentiator. The company has aggressively adopted AI technologies across its product lines, including targeted ads and recommendations. However, Wood also acknowledges that generative AI will have a more profound impact on the cost of content creation.
"I think people underestimate how dramatic that's going to be," Wood said. "Humans are still the creative force behind creating content and hit shows, but the cost is going to come down dramatically."
To take advantage of this shift, Roku has recently acquired two new businesses: low-cost, ad-free streamer Howdy and bundled channel service Frndly TV. The $3-per-month Howdy offering positions itself as an attractive alternative to traditional streaming services, capitalizing on a growing segment where consumers are seeking affordable ad-free options.
"We're using that [advertising power] to grow it," Wood explained. "But Howdy has very broad appeal... I think it's going to be a really large business."
With the potential for AI-driven cost reductions and new revenue streams, Roku is poised to capitalize on the changing landscape of the streaming industry.
this AI revolution is gonna change everything! 
no more expensive movie sets 
, just code and a computer 
, sounds crazy right? 
but if it means cheaper movies for us 
, i'm all in 
. Roku's got the strategy right 
acquiring those ad-free streamers to make that $$$ 
. AI is the future and we gotta get on board 
! 
Think about it, no more expensive movie sets, no more special effects that require tons of manpower, just pure magic from a machine 
. It's like, $3/month and you get all the content you want without ads? Yes please! 
The future of entertainment is looking bright, folks! 
!
that's insane! 
But for real tho, if the first 100% AI-generated "hit movie" drops in like 3 years, we're in for a wild ride 
. Howdy and Frndly TV are gonna own the streaming scene 
.
. First, we've got movies being made entirely by machines, and then streaming services are going to be cheaper because of it? That sounds like a game-changer for creators and consumers alike 
. Roku's been ahead of the curve with their AI adoption, so fingers crossed they can make the most of this new tech wave 
!
. But let's talk about this AI thingy... I mean, can you imagine having an entire movie made just by a computer? Like, what would happen to all our film studies projects if they could do that for us? 
? Like, 100% AI-generated hit movie within 3 yrs? That's wild! 
The future of streaming is lit