Tech’s interference in Hollywood is not new. Amazon, Apple, Sony, and Netflix are already part of the studio system. – Symbolic photo
The lives of tech giants such as Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, Sam Altman’s OpenAI, and Elon Musk are filled with drama, power struggles, controversies, and lawsuits. Films are now being made about them too.
However, the very companies whose actions and accountability are being examined are increasingly becoming partners in Hollywood’s studios, funding and distribution systems. This raises a bigger question: who will fearlessly make films about the alleged wrongdoing of Big Tech companies?
When business partnerships affect Hollywood stories
A film titled Artificial was made about OpenAI. It focuses on the company’s board attempting to remove Altman as CEO and how the move ultimately backfired. However, after the film was completed in June, Amazon MGM Studios suddenly dropped it, saying it would be better for another distributor to release it.
Behind the scenes, the development has raised questions because Amazon and OpenAI had entered into a reported $50 billion (₹4.4 lakh crore) strategic partnership a few months earlier. Under the deal, special AI models are to be developed for Amazon’s customer-focused applications.
Amazon has also invested $40 million (₹3.52 lakh crore) in Melania, a documentary about US President Donald Trump’s wife. Meanwhile, Netflix’s announced series Thumblight never made it to screens. It was described as a House of Cards-style drama about power struggles and conspiracies in Silicon Valley.
Big Tech remains a powerful story for filmmakers
The Social Reckoning suggests that Big Tech remains one of the most compelling subjects for filmmakers. Based on Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, the film serves as a sequel of sorts to the 2010 film The Social Network.
In the 16 years since the original film, Meta, formerly Facebook, has faced numerous allegations over the social, emotional and political impact of its platforms. Meta has also agreed to a reported $17 billion (₹1.50 lakh crore) settlement in a major US case involving allegations related to harmful products.
All of this provides plenty of material for filmmakers looking to examine the company’s power and accountability.
Elon Musk’s story heads to the big screen
Filmmaker Alex Gibney’s four-hour documentary on Elon Musk is also set to be screened at the Venice Film Festival. The documentary reportedly presents Musk as a controversial figure and examines his influence, business empire and public life.
The wider question is no longer whether Big Tech will become a subject for Hollywood. It is whose version of the story will make it to the screen — and how openly can filmmakers criticise companies that are increasingly connected to the entertainment industry?
Big Tech’s growing footprint in Hollywood
Technology companies are already deeply involved in Hollywood. Amazon, Apple, Sony and Netflix have become established players in the studio system.
Last year, Disney entered into a $1 billion (₹8,800 crore) investment and licensing agreement with OpenAI. Independent film and television company A24 also entered into a $75 million (₹660 crore) research partnership with Google’s AI unit, DeepMind.
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, meanwhile, has a major financial interest in Paramount’s controversial proposed $110 billion (₹9.68 lakh crore) acquisition of Warner Bros. The deal is facing legal challenges in US courts.
As technology companies continue to invest in studios, content and distribution, the lines between Hollywood, Big Tech and corporate power are becoming increasingly blurred. The challenge for filmmakers will be to ensure that these financial and business ties do not decide which stories can be told — or how critically they can be told.
