Google launches “100 Zeros” film and TV production wing
Google has reportedly launched a new film and television production initiative, dubbed “100 Zeros,” to scout potential projects for funding or co-production, according to a Business Insider report. This move could strategically position Google to capitalize on a Hollywood industry currently facing rising production expenses and the potential impact of US tariffs on foreign-made films.
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The “100 Zeros” initiative is described as a multi-year partnership with Range Media Partners, a talent management and production company known for its involvement in films such as A Complete Unknown and Longlegs, the report stated on Monday.
Alphabet-owned Google aims to enhance the visibility and broader adoption of its newer technologies, particularly its artificial intelligence and spatial computing tools that blend the physical and virtual realms, through this initiative. Notably, “100 Zeros” reportedly backed the marketing efforts for the indie horror film Cuckoo in the previous year. Entertainment platform Letterboxd also lists “100 Zeros” among the producers for Cuckoo.
This reported foray into film and TV production comes at a time when Hollywood is grappling with increased costs stemming from the dual strikes by actors and writers in 2023, as well as the looming threat of US tariffs on films produced outside the country. Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the initiative.
It’s worth noting that Google already has an existing partnership with Range Media. Announced last month, the collaboration focuses on commissioning films specifically about artificial intelligence over the next 18 months. The first two films resulting from this venture, titled Sweetwater and Lucid, are anticipated for release later this year.
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Leveraging Hollywood’s significant cultural influence could also provide a strategic advantage to the tech giant in the ongoing AI race. By backing compelling content, Google may aim to drive greater adoption of its AI services, such as Gemini, which competes with OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT.
Interestingly, Business Insider reports that Google is not envisioning YouTube as the primary distribution channel for the projects generated by “100 Zeros.” Instead, the stated goal is to sell these projects to traditional film studios and streaming platforms like Netflix, indicating a focus on reaching a wider audience through established entertainment distribution networks.
This approach marks a potential shift from Google’s previous ventures into original programming. In 2016, YouTube launched YouTube Originals, an initiative that was ultimately shut down in 2022 as the platform redirected its focus back to its core user-generated video content and significantly expanded its short-form video offering, Shorts, in response to the rise of TikTok.
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