Disney has created a new business unit to explore the potential use of AI and other emerging technologies across its movie, television and theme park divisions.
Via a report in Deadline, Disney’s new Office of Technology Enablement was revealed in a memo sent to staff on 1 November by Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
It will be led by Jamie Voris, currently chief technology officer of Walt Disney Studios, who will report to Bergman. Voris will be succeeded as CTO at Walt Disney Studios by Eddie Drake.
Disney’s new Office of Technology Enablement
Bergman wrote in the memo: “Our ability to remain at the forefront of technological advances will only be more critical as we move forward – making it all the more important to understand and embrace new technological shifts in ways that enable our people, creativity, and business.
“With that in mind, Disney is forming a new Office of Technology Enablement (OTE), 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).”
Bergman said 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”.
The Office of Technology Enablement team will be accountable to Disney‘s business segments and “partner closely with leaders across the company”, Bergman said.
He added, “Jamie and the OTE will partner with leaders and teams around Disney to promote exploration and adoption of these technologies that aligns to our goals and values.”
Disney’s new technology group “will commence its work immediately”, Bergman said.
The news was first reported by Reuters.
Images courtesy of Disney
