David Ellison Calls AI the ‘Biggest Creative Unlock in Modern History’

Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison has described artificial intelligence as potentially “the biggest creative unlock in modern history,” comparing its emergence to the revolution brought about by computer-generated imagery (CGI). At the same time, he stressed that AI “will never be a replacement” for artists.

An Analogy to CGI

Ellison’s comparison to CGI places generative AI within a longer tradition of technology reshaping film and television production. Just as CGI expanded what filmmakers could depict on screen—without eliminating the need for directors, designers, and performers—AI, in his view, should be understood as a tool that amplifies human creativity rather than supplants it.

AI as an Amplifier, Not a Substitute

The Paramount Skydance chief’s remarks reflect a broader industry conversation now unfolding in 2026, as studios increasingly integrate AI into pre-production, visual effects, post-production, and marketing workflows. While concerns about job displacement and creative authorship remain central to the debate, Ellison’s framing positions AI as an enabler of new creative possibilities—one that expands the toolbox available to storytellers rather than replacing the people who use it.

The Road Ahead

As AI tools mature and their adoption accelerates across entertainment, the challenge for studios will be balancing innovation with the protection of creative labor. Ellison’s comments suggest that, at least from Paramount Skydance’s perspective, the goal is to harness AI’s potential while keeping artists at the center of the creative process.

via The Verge AI