UK AI Studio Cuts Film Costs: A UK startup named Wonder secured $3 million to build an AI filmmaking system. Their goal is to reduce production costs from $1 million per minute to $20,000 using generative AI tools. Investors include executives from Google DeepMind and OpenAI, signaling strong tech industry support.\n\nUK Balances AI Innovation and Rights: The UK government unveiled a “test and learn” strategy to fund small AI projects in public services, aiming to modernize operations. At the same time, lawmakers reassured creative industries that copyright rules won’t be weakened in trade talks with the US, despite pressure to ease AI regulations. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) also plans to clamp down on tech giants like Apple to prevent monopolies.\n\nHollywood Embraces Generative AI: Runway, a generative AI startup, raised $308 million to develop “world simulators” for storytelling. Their new model, Gen-4, helps create consistent characters across scenes. A partnership with Lionsgate will use AI to cut costs while expanding creative options, though screenwriters fear job losses.\n\nEU Copyright Fight Escalates: Creators in Europe rejected a draft AI Code of Practice, calling it too friendly to tech firms. The code removed a rule requiring AI companies to respect copyright “regardless of where training takes place,” sparking fears of exploitation. Performers’ unions warned of legal action if rights aren’t protected.\n\nSony and Museums Push Human-AI Collaboration: At SXSW 2025, Sony AI’s president argued that AI should assist—not replace—human artists. Meanwhile, Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum uses AI to restore historic paintings and create virtual exhibits, showing how museums are blending tech with tradition.\n\nInvestors Wary of AI Hype: CoreWeave, an AI cloud provider, raised only $1.5 billion in its IPO—far below its $4 billion target. The lukewarm response highlights concerns about customer reliance on firms like Microsoft and the long-term value of AI infrastructure.