To address the challenges of integrating AI tools into film and television production processes, which in turn necessitates massive data centers and energy infrastructure, Stock Farm Road (SFR), an investment firm co-founded by Brian Koo, grandson of LG Group founder Koo In-hoi, earlier...AnnounceThey have formed a joint venture called "Utopai East" with AI film and television production company Utopai Studios.
This joint venture will focus on developing dedicated infrastructure for AI-powered film and television production, addressing the high costs and energy demands of AI computing.
Combining capital and technology, the first AI collaborative content will be launched next year.
In the joint venture structure where both parties hold a 50% stake, SFR, an investment firm co-founded by Koo Bon-woong and Amin Badr-El-Din, CEO of BADR Investments, will focus on contributing capital, creative expertise, and industry connections, while Utopai Studios will be responsible for providing its AI technology, workflow, and infrastructure expertise.
Ceilica Shen, co-founder and CEO of Utopai Studios, stated that the project will also involve co-producing film and television projects and expanding opportunities for Korean IP content to reach international audiences. The team will initially utilize existing infrastructure to begin production, with the first collaborative project expected to launch in 2026.
A 3GW dedicated AI data center will form the foundation of computing power.
The computing power foundation for this collaboration will rely on another key agreement recently reached by SFR. SFR has reached an agreement with the government of Jeollanam-do Province in South Korea to build an AI data center with a computing power of up to 3 GW (gigawatt) in the province.
Ju Benxiong pointed out that this data center is part of SFR's mission to build a "next-generation smart-driven industry backbone" and will become the "foundation" for the development of Utopai East, providing it with a complete AI infrastructure from data management, creative intelligence, production to distribution.
Emphasizing that AI "expands creativity" rather than "replaces humans"
Regarding widespread concerns about whether AI will replace human creators, Koo Bon-woong believes that in the short term, the main applications of AI are cost reduction and efficiency improvement. However, he emphasized, "We are excited about the new possibilities opened up by AI. We not only collaborate with renowned directors in the film industry, but also with young, innovative creators who are not limited by traditional filmmaking, to explore entirely new possibilities."
Shen Xiaoling also reiterated that Utopai's focus "was never on automation." She stated, "Our workflow is designed to work alongside filmmakers, not replace them. We still need screenwriters, directors, and actors."
Shen Xiaoling emphasized that all models and datasets used are "fully licensed and contractually approved," ensuring that the technology respects creators. Ju Benxiong further summarized, "This is not about AI replacing humans; it's about the immense value it can create for audiences, creators, and engineers."
Targeting the South Korean market, with future sights set on Japan and China.
Utopai East will initially focus on producing Korean content, but its ultimate goal is to expand to other parts of Asia. Shen Xiaoling further mentioned that "Japan would be a great market," and believes that China and Thailand also have huge potential.
