Business Insider has learned that Google has launched a joint project with production company Range Media Partners called 100 Zeros, within the framework of which it plans to finance and produce the creation of films and series that promote the popularity of its products and technologies among a young audience in general, forming the corresponding pop culture.
Google clarified in a statement that the project is not a new production studio, but the company’s Platforms & Devices team will simply collaborate with Range Media.
AI On Screen: Exploring the Human-AI Relationship
Google and Range Media announced a partnership called AI On Screen and the production of short films about AI with the aim of subsequently creating a full-length film based on them. Here’s how one of the shorts, called Sweetwater, is described: “When the son of a late celebrity visits his childhood home, a piece of fan mail reveals a stunning AI, forcing him to come to terms with his mother’s legacy.” “Through our ongoing partnership with Range, we aim to collaborate with the Hollywood creative community in thoughtful and productive ways, while maintaining our ongoing commitment to responsibly supporting creative expression and exploring the possibilities of technology through storytelling,” a Google spokesperson said.
Strategic Integration of Google Technologies
Specifically, Google will not object if characters in films use Android smartphones instead of iPhones and use their features. The success of the new initiative will be measured by how it affects public opinion of the company’s products and services. Google dominates the global mobile phone market, but is second to Apple in U.S. sales. Apple has gained strong support among Generation Z thanks to its luxurious image and blue text bubbles, Business Insider reports. Its smartphones have become ingrained in pop culture, appearing in films like Legacy and Knives Out. According to a Piper Sandler survey conducted in the spring, 88% of U.S. teens use an iPhone. Moreover, young people are increasingly turning to AI or other platforms like Amazon and TikTok to answer their questions instead of Google Search, reminds NIX Solutions.
Google said it has no plans to use YouTube to distribute 100 Zeros content. Instead, the company plans to partner with traditional studios and streaming services like Netflix.
“We’re working with Range to help the creative community integrate cutting-edge technologies and platforms like XR and AI into their filmmaking,” Google told TechCrunch.
We’ll keep you updated as more information about the 100 Zeros initiative and its upcoming projects becomes available.