Posted in: Cartoon Network, Movies, streaming, TV | Tagged: ai, animation, artificial intelligence, cartoon network, Warner Bros

WB Animation/Cartoon Network Studios Prez: Artists Need AI Protection

Sam Register, president, Warner Bros. Animation & Cartoon Network Studios, had some important thoughts to share regarding art, artists & AI.

It's safe to say that after spending half of the previous year shut down by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the television industry is looking to make up for lost time in 2024. But there are a number of both new and remaining issues that need to be addressed – and some of those issues were addressed with a panel of top entertainment industry executives & producers in a piece by the Los Angeles Times earlier today. One of those taking part was Sam Register, president, Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios, who had some interesting comments to make about the post "Peak TV" television landscape, whether or not linear TV and streaming can co-exist, and why more needs to be done to protect artists and their craft from the growth of AI (artificial intelligence).

"There was pre-peak TV, and it doesn't feel like we're even back to those times yet. I think everyone's being very careful about actually making the greenlight decision," Register shared when asked about the state of the television industry heading into the new year. "Whereas a Netflix executive could have an idea at breakfast and have a greenlight by lunch, those days seem to be over, and things are back to a pace that maybe is a little bit slower." But the industry is also at odds with itself, as streaming and other online options continue to eat away at linear television. Register believes that linear & streaming can co-exist – but it's about thinking differently and having a better understanding of what viewers want.

"Yeah. It's getting harder," Register shared when asked about the difficulties in striking a balance between streaming and linear. "As part of Warner Bros., we have lots of linear networks. They're very profitable, and we're still selling great stuff to them. But we're also making sure there's a place that they will live also on streaming, so we're doing ambidextrous programming and selling." The Warner Bros. Discovery executive continued, "We make everything from preschool to adult animation, and it's the kids, that 6-to-11 core, that basically Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon and Disney all made their bones on. That is disappearing. We're seeing a lot more YA and adult animation doing great. And we see a lot of younger content being produced. But it's that space in the middle, and it's not just streaming that's getting kids away from linear. It's YouTube and it's Roblox."

When it comes to one of the biggest negotiation issues during the WGA & SAG-AFTRA strikes – and an issue that doesn't appear to be going anywhere anytime soon – Register made it clear that artists are still bringing much more to the table than artificial intelligence (AI) can. "Animation's a visual medium. But so far, I haven't seen anything AI can do visually that an artist doesn't do better currently." That said, Register understands just how quickly the technology is advancing – and how it could be used for pre-production and post-production work sooner rather than later. Because of that, Register reaffirmed the industry's need to "protect the artists and the art form as long as we can" in the face of the evolving technology. "As an animation studio, I just think it's important we protect the artists and the art form as long as we can. Because I think we should give jobs to people who really do that and so they can get their entry-level experience."

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