This Startup Is Betting on AI Microdramas to Get More Black Stories in Hollywood (www.wired.com)

Mansa, a media company co-founded by actors David Oyelowo and Nate Parker, has launched an AI-generated microdrama series titled *They Left Us to Die*, which explores a zombie virus outbreak in South Los Angeles. The show comprises 30 episodes, with the goal of engaging Black audiences and proving the demand for diverse narratives in Hollywood. This launch arrives amidst a significant backlash questioning the ethics of using AI to replace human actors, particularly as Mansa was initially conceived to uplift artists of color. Critics have voiced their concerns that such technologies may undermine the very representation they seek to promote. The significance of this venture lies in its innovative approach to content creation and audience engagement. By leveraging AI technology, Mansa intends to rapidly test audience interest and quantify engagement, which could potentially reshape the economics of storytelling in Hollywood. The microdrama format caters to the preferences of younger viewers, with a growing trend of short, vertical videos dominating their media consumption. As the entertainment landscape evolves, platforms like Mansa aim to carve out space for diverse voices while using data-driven strategies to influence traditional studios. However, the mixed reception highlights the industry’s struggle with the implications of AI on job security and authentic representation in storytelling.