XTR acquires Late Night Labs to launch Asteria Film Co.
A new era in AI-driven film and animation
In a groundbreaking move, the Oscar-nominated film and television studio XTR has acquired Late Night Labs, an AI film and animation studio renowned for its artist-led approach. This acquisition marks the birth of Asteria Film Co., a new holding company that will focus on producing animation, fiction, and non-fiction films and television. Additionally, Asteria will house XTR’s streaming platform and Fast channel, Documentary+.
The vision behind Asteria Film Co.
Named after the Greek goddess of constellations, Asteria Film Co. was co-founded by filmmaker and entrepreneur Bryn Mooser. The studio is set to debut its first projects later this year, although the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
“Late Night Labs has been building the Pixar of AI. They are a best-in-class team of animators, engineers, and artists who have developed groundbreaking technology that enables artists and filmmakers to unlock creativity like never before,” Mooser said. “They empower rather than replace filmmakers by amplifying their vision and ultimately making more stories possible.”
A partnership of innovation
Late Night Labs co-founder Benjamin Michel expressed his excitement about the collaboration: “We are thrilled to join Bryn in launching and building Asteria. Bryn has been leading the industry in this work by innovating and creating new formats of entertainment — first in virtual and augmented reality with his last company RYOT and then with distribution and production with XTR.”
Late Night Labs, co-founded by Michel, Eric Day, and Nick Confalone, boasts proprietary AI technology that gives artists more control and agency over AI tools used to produce creative work. Using this technology, Asteria will produce a slate of narrative films and television with leading filmmakers. XTR will continue to make non-fiction films, series, podcasts, and shorts. Its channel, Documentary+, will continue to be offered on smart televisions, reaching over 120 million American homes.
The crossroads of entertainment and AI
Mooser added, “We sit at a crossroads in the entertainment industry, and AI represents the most significant leap forward in technology since the computer. It is in these moments of change that the future gets written. And we want to make sure we help shape this moment responsibly and in service of the artists, not the other way around.”
XTR’s impressive portfolio
XTR is best known for its feature documentary Daughters, which earned rave reviews when it premiered at Sundance and secured a deal with Netflix. It is considered a strong contender for the 2025 Oscars. The company has also worked on the Oscar-nominated feature documentary Ascension, the Oscar-nominated animated short Ninety Five Senses, the Emmy-winning and Peabody Award-winning documentary The Territory, the Emmy-nominated film Lakota Nation vs. the US, and the Emmy-nominated series They Call Me Magic.
Founded in 2019, XTR is backed by the venture-capital firm General Catalyst.
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, the integration of AI into filmmaking is a thrilling development. Imagine the possibilities: AI could streamline production processes, enhance visual effects, and even assist in scriptwriting. However, it’s crucial to remember that AI should serve as a tool to amplify human creativity, not replace it. The collaboration between XTR and Late Night Labs exemplifies this balance, promising a future where technology and artistry coexist harmoniously.
For those passionate about music, the evolution of AI in the entertainment industry could also impact how we experience soundtracks and scores. AI could analyze vast amounts of musical data to create compositions that resonate on a deeper emotional level, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
In-depth analysis
The acquisition of Late Night Labs by XTR and the launch of Asteria Film Co. signify a pivotal moment in the entertainment industry. This move not only highlights the growing importance of AI in creative fields but also underscores the need for responsible innovation. By prioritizing the empowerment of artists, Asteria Film Co. sets a precedent for how technology can be harnessed to enrich storytelling.
As we look forward to the debut of Asteria’s first projects, it’s worth considering the broader implications of this partnership. Will AI-driven films and animations become the new norm? How will traditional filmmaking techniques evolve in response to these advancements? These are questions that will shape the future of cinema and television, and Asteria Film Co. is poised to be at the forefront of this transformation.
the collaboration between XTR and Late Night Labs is more than just a business deal; it’s a testament to the power of innovation and the endless possibilities that arise when technology and creativity intersect. For cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts, this is an exciting time to witness the dawn of a new era in entertainment.