Lionsgate has appointed Kathleen Grace as its first chief AI officer to lead the studio’s strategy to leverage new generative AI technologies in film production.
Grace comes to the Hollywood studio after serving as Chief Strategy Officer at Vermillio, an AI platform built to license and protect intellectual property and people’s likenesses and personas. In his role, Grace will report to Lionsgate CEO John Feltheimer and work closely with Lionsgate Vice Chairman Michael Burns and other senior executives to help the studio support filmmakers, create new efficiencies in production, marketing, distribution and management operations, and protect studio IP and talent partners.
“Kathleen understands the AI ecosystem from both the creator and IP holder perspectives, making her well-placed to lead our team forward in this exciting, complex and nuanced environment,” Feltheimer said in a statement. “Her AI expertise and digital media knowledge will help us grow alongside our talent partners as we create new opportunities, establish new safeguards and execute new strategies.”
In September 2024, Lionsgate announced a partnership with applied AI research company Runway to train its own AI models to provide to filmmakers. Grace’s addition to Lionsgate confirms that the advent and evolution of generative AI in Hollywood has major studios and streamers exploring strategies on how to work with the new technology.
“I’m very excited to be part of the Lionsgate team. Lionsgate has incredible creative partners, a rich and diverse IP portfolio, an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking culture, and a willingness to adapt and embrace new technologies,” Grace said in his statement. “I look forward to working with the company’s AI-focused leadership team to take its AI strategy to the next level in its ability to expand the creative palette for storytellers while supporting efforts already underway.”
At Vermillio, Grace oversaw content owners and talent being able to track, authenticate, and receive compensation for the use of their work with AI models. She previously led New Form, a digital studio backed by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Discovery Communications, where she developed more than 40 pilots and sold nearly 25 series to networks and platforms.
Grace also spearheaded YouTube’s global space initiative, establishing creator studios in Los Angeles, New York, London, and Tokyo. Her creator credits include: The Burghof Vugre Everything for notes and Facebook Watch 365 days of love With Sofia Vergara.
