OpenAI is exploring a partnership to revive its video model Sora, engaging in talks with a startup co-founded by Jeffrey Katzenberg. The deal could grant the startup substantial access to customize Sora for filmmaker tools.
TL;DR
- OpenAI is discussing a potential deal to resurrect its Sora video model with a startup co-founded by Jeffrey Katzenberg, Bill Peebles, and Sujay Jaswa.
- The startup aims to use Sora to develop AI video tools for filmmakers, with possible access to model weights for customization.
- This move comes as OpenAI scales back non-core projects to focus on enterprise applications ahead of a potential IPO.
What happened
OpenAI is reportedly in discussions with a new startup to revive its video model Sora, according to The Information. The startup, co-founded by Hollywood mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg, former Sora research lead Bill Peebles, and ex-Dropbox CFO Sujay Jaswa, seeks access to Sora to develop AI video tools for filmmakers. The startup's name remains unclear, but Katzenberg and Jaswa are listed as co-founders of the tech investment firm WndrCo on their LinkedIn profiles.
The deal could grant the startup substantial access to customize Sora, although it is unclear whether they will be given access to the model's weights. Typically, AI developers guard their model weights closely, but sharing weights with Peebles, who knows how the model works, could make sense given OpenAI's initial investment in Sora.
Why it matters
This partnership could breathe new life into OpenAI's Sora model, which was introduced in 2025 but saw its video AI efforts wound down earlier this year. OpenAI has been focusing on scaling down non-core projects to concentrate on enterprise applications ahead of a potential IPO.
For developers and startups, this deal highlights the potential for collaboration between AI giants and specialized startups to bring advanced models to niche markets. It also underscores the importance of model customization and the potential for sharing model weights in strategic partnerships.
Key facts
- OpenAI is in discussions with a startup co-founded by Jeffrey Katzenberg, Bill Peebles, and Sujay Jaswa to revive its Sora video model.
- The startup aims to use Sora to develop AI video tools for filmmakers.
- It is unclear whether the startup will be given access to Sora's model weights.
- OpenAI introduced Sora in 2025 but began winding down its video AI efforts earlier this year.
- The startup's name remains unclear, but Katzenberg and Jaswa are listed as co-founders of WndrCo on their LinkedIn profiles.
- OpenAI is focusing on enterprise applications ahead of a potential IPO.
Context
This development comes as OpenAI continues to streamline its operations, focusing on core business lines and preparing for a potential IPO. The partnership with the Katzenberg-backed startup could serve as a model for how AI companies can collaborate with specialized startups to bring advanced models to specific industries.
Meanwhile, other companies like Kaon AI are exploring different approaches to video AI, focusing on real-time content generation tailored to user interests. This highlights the diverse strategies within the AI video space and the potential for innovation in how content is created and delivered.
