Runway, one of the first publicly available AI video-generation platforms, has released Gen-3 Alpha, its latest artificial-intelligence model. This model allows users to generate video clips from textual descriptions and still images, promising a notable improvement in speed and fidelity compared to its predecessor, Gen-2. Among its most outstanding features, Gen-3 Alpha offers precise control over the structure, style, and movement of the videos, being able to create expressive human characters with various actions, gestures, and emotions.
According to a blog post by Runway, the model has been designed to interpret a wide range of cinematic styles and terminology, facilitating “imaginative transitions and precise framing of elements in the scene”. However, the model currently has several limitations, such as the maximum duration of the generated videos, which is currently 10 seconds.
The co-founder of Runway, Anastasis Germanidis, pointed out in an interview with TechCrunch that this is only the first in a series of video-generating models that’ll be released in the future. Additionally, he explained that the generation times of Gen-3 are significantly faster than those of Gen-2: A 5-second clip is generated in 45 seconds, while a 10-second clip takes 90 seconds.
The model training has been carried out with a large number of videos and images, although Runway has not disclosed the exact source of this data. This secrecy is quite common nowadays among AI companies, mainly due to potential legal issues related to intellectual property infringement that they could face for using public data (including copyrighted material).
Runway claims to have partially addressed this issue by collaborating with artists to develop the model. In a previous interview with TechCrunch, Germanidis highlighted that they are “exploring various data partnerships to continue growing” and improve their models. Additionally, Gen-3 Alpha will feature a moderation system to block the generation of videos with copyrighted images and inappropriate content. A ‘provenance’ system compliant with C2PA standards will also be implemented to authenticate the origin of the videos.
Gen-3 Alpha will be available in a few days for Runway subscribers, including enterprise clients and participants in the company’s creative partners program.
