10 Dec DEG LAUNCHES DEG.AI TO GUIDE INDUSTRY THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRANSFORMATION
CONTACT: Marcy Magiera
Marcy@degonline.org
DEG LAUNCHES DEG.AI TO GUIDE INDUSTRY THROUGH
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRANSFORMATION
New alliance will leverage DEG’s 28-year track record as the essential forum
where the industry navigates technological inflection points
LOS ANGELES (DECEMBER 10, 2025) | DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group today announced the launch of DEG.AI, a new alliance dedicated to helping guide the media and entertainment industry through its artificial intelligence transformation, with a core mission to amplify human creativity.
The alliance will be chaired by Ian Fried, a media and technology executive who will also continue to serve as DEG’s general counsel. “Our vision is to build the essential community where creators, technologists, and media leaders can collaborate, research, and educate,” said Fried. “We want to have a positive impact as our industry navigates this transition, ensuring AI serves to support, not supplant, human ingenuity.”
DEG.AI will leverage DEG’s 28-year track record as the essential forum where the industry navigates technological inflection points. Under President & CEO Amy Jo Smith’s leadership, DEG has successfully guided the industry through the adoption of Blu-ray, 4K, digital distribution and the shift to streaming content consumption.
The new alliance will be open to DEG’s 80+ member companies, applying this trusted, collaborative process to AI’s transformation of content creation, distribution, and consumption pipelines. Given the rapid pace of development, coupled with uncertainty around rights and regulation, there is an urgent need for the trusted collaboration and shared learning that DEG.AI will provide.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
DEG.AI will offer multiple layers of member engagement, each designed to build the understanding and relationships that enable confident decision-making:
DEG.AI Steering Committee: A high-level steering committee composed of key industry leaders will be formed to guide DEG.AI’s strategic direction, set priorities for research, and oversee the creation of educational programs and working groups.
Dedicated Working Groups: Focused working groups will convene regularly to address high-priority topics, including AI in production workflows, standards development, localization, accessibility, distribution, and compliance. These committees will provide a trusted forum for members to share challenges, surface concerns, and collaboratively develop industry best practices.
Authoritative Industry Research: DEG.AI will commission objective studies on critical topics such as AI adoption patterns, economic impacts, and consumer attitudes. This proprietary, data-driven research will provide a foundation of shared facts to help member companies make confident decisions.
Executive Education and Demystification: A comprehensive educational program will be developed to demystify AI and its applications across the entertainment value chain. By addressing technical fundamentals, business implications, legal considerations, and practical strategies, these initiatives will build confidence among executives and creators, creating a common language for industry-wide collaboration.
Community and Event Integration: DEG.AI will integrate into DEG’s event portfolio (Membership Meetings, EnTech Fest, EnTech Fest Summer Symposium, Breakfast with the Board series) and recognition programs (EnTech Awards, Hedy Lamarr Awards). These gatherings strengthen relationships beyond formal committee work, building personal connections that enable frank conversation and mutual support. This integration will showcase innovations while celebrating responsible implementation.
Download the Full Press Release Here
ABOUT DEG
DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group is a not-for-profit trade organization of over 80 global companies spanning the digital entertainment ecosystem. Since 1997, DEG has served as the essential forum where companies collaborate on technological transformation through research, education, standards development, and community building. For more information, visit www.degonline.org.
DEG membership is comprised of: 360 Solutions, 3rd I, 3Play Media, A+E Global Media, A24, Amazon MGM Studios, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Web Services, AMC Networks, Angel Studios, Ateliere, bitMAX, Blu Digital Group, Cineverse, Circana, Deepdub, Deluxe Media, Disney+, Dolby Laboratories, Duplitech, ESPN+, Fabric, FPT Software, Frequency, Futuresource, GfK Entertainment, Giant Worldwide, GlobalLogic, Google, Gracenote, The Great Courses, Hallmark Media, HDMI, IDC-LA, Interpret, Iris TV, IYUNO, LG Electronics, Lionsgate Entertainment, Looper Insights, Markit.Place, Miller Kaplan, Movies Anywhere, NBTV, NexSpec, Omdia, Paramount Global, Paramount Home Entertainment, PBS Distribution, Peacock, Pixelogic, Play Anywhere, Plex, Premiere Digital, PRO-TEK Vaults, Protiviti, Radial Entertainment, Reelgood, Respeecher, Screen Engine/ASI, The Sherlock Company, Sonopress, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Spherex, Stingray, SymphonyAI, Synamedia, Tubi, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Versant, Vindicia, Vizio, VSYN+, Vubiquity, Warner Bros. Discovery, Whip Media, Xcinex, Xperi, Xumo and ZOO Digital.