Brief
Netflix senior exec says AI used on 300 titles but human creativity remains essential
Sung Q Lee highlighted AI's role in production while warning that human judgment must guide the process.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Netflix has applied artificial intelligence to roughly 300 of its titles, senior director of production for Asia‑Pacific Sung Q Lee told attendees at the Busan International Film Festival’s Creative Asia event on Saturday, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
What happened
During a panel co‑hosted with the Motion Picture Association, Lee explained that AI tools are being used across the filmmaking workflow, including pre‑visualization, production design, set‑dressing concept work, editing and visual effects. He emphasized that the key question is not how much AI can be inserted, but how AI can enhance what a title can achieve.
What the reports add
The discussion also featured Korean filmmaker Kang Yun‑sung, who co‑directed "Run to the West," billed as Korea’s first fully AI‑assisted feature, and Wētā FX chief technology officer Kimball Thurston. Kang noted that his upcoming action film "The Gulf of Aden" relies heavily on generative AI from China’s Kling AI, estimating a 40 % reduction in production costs. He attributed savings to both visual‑effects efficiencies and lower on‑set expenses.
What was said
Lee said, "[AI] is being used in previsualization, production design, working out set‑dressing concepts ahead of time, in editing and of course in VFX," and added, "the question that matters to me isn’t, ‘How much AI can we put into this title?’ but, ‘What more can this title do with AI’s help?’" Kang explained that AI allowed scenes that would otherwise be impossible due to budget constraints, and claimed the cost cut‑back for "The Gulf of Aden" was "around 40 percent."
How it came about
The panel reflected broader regional differences: Hollywood creators remain wary of AI, while Asian filmmakers see it as a budget‑friendly opportunity. Netflix’s earlier Creative Asia masterclass, reported by Felo News on Oct. 10, highlighted strong audience interest in Korean content, with 67 % of surveyed members wanting to visit South Korea after the festival. Lee’s remarks build on that momentum, positioning AI as a tool to expand storytelling possibilities while preserving human creative judgment.
Key facts
- Netflix has used AI on about 300 titles. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- AI is employed in previsualization, production design, set‑dressing concepts, editing and VFX. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Kang Yun‑sung estimates AI cuts production costs by roughly 40 % on his film "The Gulf of Aden". (hollywoodreporter.com)
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com — originally reported as “Netflix Has Used AI on About 300 Titles, but “Human Touch Is Critical,” Exec Says in Busan”
