Google is now making movies to spread pro Big Tech messages

India Today

06-05-2025

Google is seemingly taking a new route to influence public conversation around Big Tech — by funding films. The tech giant has reportedly launched a movie and television production initiative called 100 Zeros, aiming to co-produce or financially support select creative projects that align with its vision for the future. This seems to be a calculated move by Google to bring its message into popular media while the entertainment industry faces cost pressures and changing market dynamics.advertisementThe project is being carried out in partnership with Range Media Partners, a talent and production firm known for its involvement in films like A Complete Unknown and Longlegs. With 100 Zeros, the focus will be on projects that spotlight emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and spatial computing — areas where Google is actively developing new products.While Google hasn't issued a statement on the matter yet, details reported by Business Insider suggest this move is part of a broader strategy to build cultural relevance around the company's newer offerings, especially its AI-powered services. One example is Cuckoo, an indie horror film that received backing from the initiative in 2024. The film's marketing was reportedly supported through 100 Zeros, establishing it as an early project under the new banner.
Interestingly, despite Google owning YouTube — the world's largest video platform — the company is not looking at it as the main channel for distributing content created under 100 Zeros. Instead, the plan is to work with traditional film studios and major streaming services like Netflix. This represents a contrast to Google's earlier venture, YouTube Originals, which was phased out in 2022 as YouTube chose to return its focus to short-form content and creator-driven videos.advertisementHollywood's current environment may have also contributed to the timing of Google's entry into the space. The film and TV industry is still recovering from a tough year that included simultaneous strikes by actors and writers, along with fears about potential US tariffs on internationally produced content. These challenges have opened a window for deep-pocketed companies like Google to enter the space, especially when they can bring funding and technological appeal.The partnership with Range Media is already yielding results. Google recently announced that two films under the deal — titled Sweetwater and LUCID — are scheduled to release later this year. Both projects are expected to explore themes around artificial intelligence, tying directly into Google's ambitions to drive adoption of its own AI tools, such as Gemini.While the company may not be explicitly branding these films as tech promotions, the underlying goal seems to be to increase familiarity with and acceptance of technologies that are becoming central to Google's future. Through cinema, Google might be hoping to change not just consumer interest but also public understanding of what Big Tech envisions for the years ahead.