In a groundbreaking move, Disney is doubling down on its AI ambitions by launching the Office of Technology Enablement, a dedicated unit to lead the company’s AI initiatives across its entertainment empire. Spearheaded by former Disney Studios CTO Jamie Voris, this unit will report directly to Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, signaling a primary focus on film and television, while also exploring applications within Disney’s parks and experiences.

The Office of Technology Enablement aligns with Disney’s goal to integrate AI into every aspect of its operations. The company says this new initiative is a way to explore technology “responsibly” and will focus on both augmented reality in its parks and AI-enhanced post-production workflows in studios. With Voris leading the charge, Disney is making its intent clear: they are committed to using AI to streamline processes, enhance experiences, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

A Focus on Film and Television

With Voris’s background in Disney’s film studios, where he served as Chief Technology Officer for 14 years, this new focus on AI suggests a strong influence in post-production and visual effects. Voris’s successor, Eddie Drake, will continue the tech legacy at the studios, while Voris builds out this new unit to manage Disney’s AI strategies. While the parks may see new AI-driven attractions, the placement of this unit under Disney’s entertainment division hints that the larger goals could be in transforming how Disney makes and manages its media content.

This development comes amidst rising industry tensions around AI and its potential to disrupt traditional roles, especially in production and visual effects. With unions increasingly vocal about AI’s role in the entertainment industry, Disney’s next steps will be closely watched by both advocates and critics of AI’s potential to reshape the industry workforce.

“Responsible” Use of AI?

Disney is taking a bold step by promising a “responsible” use of AI, but the question remains: responsible to whom? While Disney cites a goal of creating a best practices framework for AI in the entertainment industry, this could also mean leveraging AI to increase efficiencies in a way that may sideline traditional roles. Disney’s new unit has reportedly created 100 jobs to kick off the initiative, but the long-term impact on the workforce, especially in areas like VFX and post-production, remains unclear.

Navigating the Future of AI and XR

Disney’s investment in AI and extended reality (XR) will push the boundaries of what’s possible in theme parks, television, and film, giving audiences new ways to experience beloved Disney content. The company’s new AI unit isn’t just about production efficiencies—it’s about future-proofing Disney’s creative and operational ecosystem in an industry where technology is transforming experiences at a lightning pace. This move positions Disney as a leader in the media-tech landscape, with a promise to embrace emerging technologies while also weighing potential risks.

As Disney sets out to define the future of AI in entertainment, industry professionals and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this decision shapes both Disney’s legacy and the broader film and entertainment landscape.