A newly-created Office of Technological Enablement will be headed by previous Walt Disney Studios CTO Jamie Voris, and will explore opportunities and risks associated with AI, mixed reality, and other current and emerging tech.
Disney has created the Office of Technological Enablement (OTE) to explore opportunities and risks associated with AI, mixed reality, and other current and emerging tech, according to a company memo posted last week. The Mouse House’s CTO Jamie Voris will head the team, and report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. The group is expected to grow to around 100 workers. Eddie Drake will take over as Walt Disney Studios CTO in Voris’ place.
In the memo, Bergman wrote the group is, “an organization designed to establish Disney as a progressive, innovative, and responsible leader in important and fast-moving areas of technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Mixed Reality (XR).”
“The pace and scope of advances in AI and XR are profound and will continue to impact consumer experiences, creative endeavors, and our business for years to come – making it critical that Disney explore the exciting opportunities and navigate the potential risks,” he continued. “The creation of this new group underscores our dedication to doing that and to being a positive force in shaping responsible use and best practices.”
With AI serving as a central issue in last year’s WGA and SAG strikes, as well as ongoing negotiations with other unions, the move could prove crucial for creating peace between employees and disruptive tech.
Source: The Walt Disney Company
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
