AI video tools need to convince filmmakers that their models are worth using in the production process. Without that belief, what’s the point?
To kick-start a new wave of AI-driven filmmaking, Runway has put aside $5 million in cash, along with service credits, to fund up to 100 original films. If you're a filmmaker who's curious about AI, this could be your chance to get some support.
Runway's "Hundred Film Fund" is designed to give video-based projects a boost if they use the company’s generative video model. As they put it in their blog post, “Traditional funding mechanisms often overlook new and emerging visions within the larger industry ecosystem.”
The fund is offering grants for various types of content—whether it’s feature films, shorts, documentaries, experimental pieces, or music videos—and even formats that haven’t been invented yet. Along with the $5 million in cash, there’s the potential for up to $2 million in service credits. Interestingly, the total cash available could grow to $10 million, though when asked for details, Runway’s Head of Creative, Jamie Umpherson, kept it vague, explaining that they want to remain flexible and that the program could expand beyond the initial 100 films.
One question is how they plan to divvy up the $5 million between 100 projects, especially since grants as large as $1 million are supposedly on the table. Umpherson sidestepped this, saying the amount awarded will depend on the unique needs of each production. (If you’re interested, you can check out the details and apply.) If you're feeling ambitious, you might even aim for one of the five “director residency” spots, though it’s unclear exactly what those entail.
The bright side? Runway isn’t asking for ownership or creative control. They do expect biweekly production updates and reserve the right to showcase the final film, but that’s about it. The selection committee includes some notable names, like Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal and musician will.i.am, who might also offer additional guidance.
Of course, it’s hard to escape the feeling that Runway really just wants people to use their product. But there’s also some truth to the idea that new and experimental tech doesn’t always get the attention it deserves from traditional production companies. Sometimes, all it takes is a little financial push to help someone discover an innovative use for a technology that otherwise might not have been funded.
That said, there are valid concerns about how uneven the results might be. As veteran filmmaker Michael Black recently noted, just because you hand someone a powerful tool, it doesn’t mean they’ll know how to use it like a pro. It’s possible a fresh voice will emerge, but the pool of truly talented filmmakers will likely remain small.
Still, maybe casting a wide net is the best approach. You never know—funding 100 films might result in a couple that really push the envelope with AI-generated video. Sure, some directors might take the money and only use AI for a quick dream sequence or something minimal. But if a decent chunk of them genuinely engage with the tech, that’s probably a win for Runway.
