Neon Acquires OpenAI Film 'Artificial' After Amazon Drops Project
Independent distributor Neon has picked up the nearly completed film about Sam Altman and OpenAI, aiming for an Oscar-season release.
The independent distributor Neon has acquired “Artificial,” a film centered on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and the artificial intelligence company, following its unexpected drop by Amazon MGM Studios. Neon announced Tuesday that it secured the movie after a bidding process.
Amazon had dropped the nearly completed $40 million film earlier this month, a move that came just months after the tech giant announced a $50 billion investment in OpenAI. At the time of the drop, Amazon stated that “Artificial” would “be better served if it were released by a different studio.”
Neon plans to release “Artificial” this year and intends to position it for the upcoming Oscar race. The film chronicles the events leading up to the 2023 dismissal and subsequent reinstatement of Altman as OpenAI's chief executive.
The cast includes Andrew Garfield as Altman, Monica Barbaro, Yura Borisov, and Academy Award winner Mark Rylance. Ike Barinholtz portrays Elon Musk.
In late February, Amazon finalized a broad, multiyear partnership with the artificial intelligence startup. The decision by Amazon MGM to sell the film came shortly after this agreement.
Neon has a notable history of success during awards season, with past releases including Oscar winners like “Parasite” and “Anora.” The studio has also supported the last seven Palme d'Or winners at the Cannes Film Festival. The financial terms of Neon's acquisition of the worldwide rights to “Artificial” were not disclosed.
“The acquisition underscores Neon’s commitment to partnering with visionary filmmakers, and bringing ambitious cinema to audiences around the world,” Neon said in a statement.