With the widespread adoption of AI tools, those in the film industry—including directors, writers, and actors—are working to determine if these technologies will enhance their creative process or ultimately take their place. However, before delving into that debate, it’s important to recognize a fundamental issue: AI relies heavily on vast data centers and significant energy resources to function.
A new partnership called Utopai East has been established to tackle this challenge by building infrastructure tailored for AI-driven film and television production. The venture is equally owned by Stock Farm Road (SFR), an investment company, and Utopai Studios, which specializes in AI-powered media production.
SFR, which was co-founded by Brian Koo (grandson of LG Group’s founder Koo In-hwoi) and Amin Badr-El-Din, the founder and CEO of BADR Investments, is providing funding, creative insight, and industry relationships to the joint venture. Utopai is contributing its technological solutions, operational workflows, and infrastructure expertise.
The initiative also plans to co-produce film and TV projects and broaden the reach of Korean intellectual property to global viewers. Production will start using current facilities, and according to Utopai Studios’ co-founder and CEO Cecilia Shen, the first collaborative content is expected to debut next year.
In the near future, the main advantage of AI in this space will be reducing expenses and boosting productivity, Koo explained to TechCrunch.
“But looking further ahead, we’re thrilled about the new opportunities AI can unlock. As we collaborate with creators, we’re investigating what entirely new possibilities might emerge. At present, we’re focusing on creators in Korea,” Koo said. “Much like short-form content was once a novelty, we believe there’s room for innovative formats. We’re engaging not only with established filmmakers but also with emerging, creative talents who are not confined to traditional film.”
Cecilia Shen, co-founder and CEO of Utopai Studios
However, simply offering something new isn’t enough to ease the worries of entertainment professionals or audiences. While AI could eventually take over creative jobs such as acting, performing, and writing, it often falls short in delivering the complexity, subtlety, and emotional impact that human storytellers provide. This has led to a broader discussion about the significance of human creativity in an age where machines can imitate, but not truly match, the human element.
Shen and Koo emphasize that their approach to AI is focused solely on enhancing current workflows. “These considerations have guided everything we do at Utopai Studios,” Shen said. “From day one, our priority has never been automation. Our systems are built to support filmmakers, not to replace them. Writers, directors, and actors remain essential to the process,” Shen stated.
Shen also noted that every model and dataset they use is fully licensed and contractually cleared, ensuring that the technology honors the creators whose work underpins the film industry.
“We want creators to see that AI can broaden their creative horizons rather than compete with them. It can help realize their visions, allowing them to push their creativity further without the fear of being replaced by AI. For us, this is one of the most exciting prospects,” Koo said.
“Usually, content and intellectual property grow step by step—one IP after another—but with advanced technology like AI, there’s a chance for rapid, exponential expansion. This isn’t about AI taking over human roles; it’s about the tremendous value it can generate for viewers, creators, and engineers,” he continued.
This partnership comes after SFR’s recent deal with the Jeollanam-do Province government to construct a 3-gigawatt AI data center in South Korea.
“The data center is a key part of Stock Farm Road’s broader vision to create the foundation for the next wave of intelligence-driven industries. Beyond Utopai Studios and entertainment, we’re also targeting sectors like manufacturing, energy-to-information, AI, and quantum computing. All these areas are linked by the need for similar infrastructure,” Koo explained.
This data center will underpin all of Utopai East’s developments, providing a comprehensive AI infrastructure for entertainment, including data management, creative intelligence, production, and distribution.
Although the financial specifics of the joint venture remain confidential, the funding is sourced from various avenues, such as SFR’s investment funds, international sovereign and institutional investors, and partners from the film and entertainment industries, according to the company.
The joint venture will initially focus on Korean productions but plans to branch out to other Asian markets in the future. “Japan is always a promising market,” Shen remarked, noting that China and Thailand also present significant opportunities for expansion.
