Moonvalley Launches AI Video Generator Trained on Licensed Content

Moonvalley Launches AI Video Generator Trained on Licensed Data

A Los Angeles-based startup, Moonvalley, has recently unveiled its new AI video-generating model. This model distinguishes itself by being trained primarily on openly licensed data, rather than copyrighted material.

Introducing “Marey”

The model, named “Marey” in honor of pioneering filmmaker Étienne-Jules Marey, was developed in partnership with Asteria, an emerging AI animation studio. Moonvalley emphasizes that Marey’s training utilized data that was either “owned or fully licensed” by the company.

Precise Control and Customization

Marey offers users a high degree of control over the generated videos. It allows for fine-grained adjustments to camera angles and motion dynamics.

According to a press release provided to TechCrunch, the model facilitates “nuanced control over in-scene movements,” enabling precise animation of details like individual game pieces or subtle effects such as wind through hair.

A Crowded Market

The proliferation of video generation tools has resulted in a rapidly expanding number of companies in this sector. This growth presents a risk of market oversaturation.

Numerous startups, including Runway and Luma, alongside major technology companies like OpenAI and Google, are actively releasing new models. However, many of these models lack significant differentiation from one another.

Mitigating Legal Risks

Moonvalley positions Marey as a legally sounder alternative to competitors. The model generates “HD” clips with a maximum duration of 30 seconds.

A key concern in the generative video space is the use of copyrighted data for model training. While some companies rely on the fair-use doctrine, this has not prevented legal challenges and cease-and-desist orders from rights holders.

A Proactive Licensing Approach

Moonvalley is employing a proactive approach to licensing. They are collaborating with partners to establish licensing agreements and acquire datasets for training purposes.

This strategy mirrors that of Adobe, which also obtains video footage from creators through its Adobe Stock platform for use in AI training.

Impact on Creative Professionals

The emergence of video generators has raised concerns among artists and creators, who fear potential disruption to the film and television industries.

A 2024 study commissioned by the Animation Guild estimates that over 100,000 U.S. jobs in film, television, and animation could be affected by AI by 2026.

Creator Protections and Policies

Moonvalley is implementing measures to address these concerns. Creators will have the option to request the removal of their content from the models.

Furthermore, customers will be able to delete their data at any time, and the company is offering an indemnity policy to protect users against copyright claims.

Safety and Ethical Considerations

Unlike some models that allow for the unrestricted insertion of a person’s likeness, Moonvalley is prioritizing safety and ethical considerations.

Similar to OpenAI’s Sora, Moonvalley’s models will incorporate guardrails to block inappropriate content, such as NSFW material, and will prevent the generation of videos featuring specific individuals or celebrities.

A New Standard for Generative AI

“We’re proving it’s possible to train AI models without brazenly stealing creative work from the creators,” stated Naeem Talukdar, co-founder and CEO of Moonvalley. “At Moonvalley, we’re setting a new standard for generative AI to deliver industry-leading AI capabilities while ensuring that the voices and rights of creatives are not lost as this technology and industry evolve.”