LG Scion and Utopai Launch AI-Driven Filmmaking Venture
LG founder’s grandson, Brian Koo, and Utopai Studios have launched Utopai East, a joint venture using AI to enhance filmmaking and TV production. The collaboration aims to lower production costs, improve efficiency, and expand Korean intellectual property to international audiences, with the first projects expected to release in 2026.
A New Era for AI in Entertainment
The entertainment industry is entering uncharted territory as AI technologies promise to transform filmmaking. While filmmakers and writers have debated whether AI complements or threatens human creativity, a new partnership is attempting to chart a middle path. Utopai East, a 50-50 joint venture between Stock Farm Road (SFR) and Utopai Studios, is being designed to harness AI without replacing human storytellers.
Brian Koo, grandson of LG Group founder Koo In-hwoi, co-founded SFR and emphasized the goal: “Beyond cost savings, we’re very excited about the new possibilities AI opens up. We’re exploring what entirely new things can become possible for creators in Korea.”
How the Joint Venture Works
The venture combines SFR’s capital, industry connections, and creative expertise with Utopai Studios’ AI technology, workflow, and production infrastructure. The partnership plans to co-produce films and television projects, beginning with Korean content, and eventually expand to markets like Japan, China, and Thailand.
Ceilica Shen, co-founder and CEO of Utopai Studios, explained, “Our workflow is designed to work alongside filmmakers, not in place of them. Writers, directors, and actors remain central — AI is there to expand their creative potential.”
The project will leverage a 3-gigawatt AI data center in South Korea recently agreed upon with the Jeollanam-do Province government, which will serve as the backbone for Utopai East’s production and distribution infrastructure.
AI as a Creative Tool, Not a Replacement
A central concern in AI-driven filmmaking is whether technology could replace human creativity. Shen and Koo stressed that AI is a collaborative tool, intended to enhance storytelling and streamline workflows rather than take over jobs.
Shen told TechCrunch, “Every model and every dataset used is fully licensed and contractually approved, ensuring the technology respects the creators whose work makes filmmaking possible.”
Koo added, “Typically, content and IP grow incrementally, but with the right technology, there’s potential for exponential growth. This isn’t about AI replacing people; it’s about creating massive value for audiences, creators, and engineers alike.”
Why This Matters for the Global Market
With the rapid rise of AI tools and digital platforms, entertainment companies are seeking ways to scale production efficiently. Utopai East is poised to set a precedent for international collaboration and technological innovation. By combining creative expertise with AI infrastructure, the venture could make Korean IP more accessible globally while maintaining the nuance and emotional resonance that human creators provide.
Analysts say that by integrating AI into production pipelines without displacing human talent, the venture may accelerate the adoption of AI in mainstream entertainment while minimizing resistance from creators and audiences alike.
Looking Ahead: First Projects in 2026
Production has already begun using existing infrastructure, with the first releases from Utopai East expected in 2026. The company is also exploring partnerships with both established and emerging creators in Korea, aiming to create fresh, innovative content.
Koo summarized the vision: “AI can help bring creators’ dreams to life, giving them the freedom to explore fully without worrying about technology replacing them. This will be one of the most exciting outcomes for us.”
Utopai East: Key Questions About AI Filmmaking and the Venture
What is Utopai East?
Utopai East is a joint venture between Stock Farm Road and Utopai Studios that uses AI to enhance filmmaking and TV production, focusing initially on Korean content.
Who is Brian Koo?
Brian Koo is the grandson of LG Group founder Koo In-hwoi and co-founder of Stock Farm Road, bringing capital, creative expertise, and industry connections to Utopai East.
How does AI fit into filmmaking?
AI is used to streamline production, improve efficiency, and assist creators without replacing writers, directors, or actors, allowing for innovative storytelling and broader international reach.
