Generative AI Filmmaker’s New Studio Gets Backing From Andreessen Horowitz

Dave Clark, a generative AI filmmaker, has co-founded Promise, a new Los Angeles-based entertainment studio which integrates generative AI into film and TV production.

Promise recently secured seed funding from Peter Chernin’s North Road Company and Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). The exact amount of funding has not been disclosed.

Integrating GenAI Into The Production Process

Clark, whose genAI short film Battalion explored the experiences of the only Black unit to storm Omaha Beach during D-Day, will operate as Promise’s chief creative officer.

Alongside Clark are co-founders are industry veterans George Strompolos (CEO), the former CEO of Fullscreen, and Jamie Byrne (President and COO), one of YouTube’s first executives.

Togetehr, the team brings a unique combination of creative and technical expertise to the new venture.

Promise is developing proprietary software called MUSE, which integrates generative AI into the production process. This technology aims to streamline collaboration while maintaining a high standard of creative quality. 

Hollywood And Silicon Valley Backing

The seed funding round was co-led by Peter Chernin, a media industry veteran, and a16z partner Andrew Chen. 

Chernin, who previously invested in Strompolos’ venture Fullscreen, expressed optimism about Promise’s approach to AI. 

“Generative AI holds exciting potential for storytelling, and this team has built a model that prioritizes the role of artists and creatives,” he said, according to Variety.

The studio, headquartered in Venice, Los Angeles, currently operates with a small team of about 10 employees, with plans to expand as productions begin. 

Its founders have described the venture as an effort to build a new type of studio designed for the evolving demands of modern storytelling.

Feature Image Credit: Jeff Lorch