Multimedia company Rolling Out recently became the first Black-owned media company to incorporate artificial intelligence in a cover feature.
The company debuted the magazine cover feature last week as part of the new release of Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid” movie. Starring actor and singer Halle Bailey, the cover uses AI to depict the actress as the mermaid in a setting under the sea, with the movie’s logo also featured on the cover. Using AI to replicate Bailey’s likeness, the subject of Ariel on the digital front page is animated as she blinks and moves her head.
While the multimedia company plans to improve their AI features in future cover features that utilize the technology, Rolling Out highlighted its newest achievement for its influence on Black women in tech.
“Seeing Black women at the intersection of technology and creativity is a beautiful thing, and this cover was an opportunity for us to contribute to this growth,” said Rolling Out, per a report by The Black Wall Street Times. “Our AI covers will be another opportunity for us to showcase the advancement of technology while celebrating our culture.”
Previously, the multimedia company has collaborated with other groups to support Black women in tech. As part of their RIDE conferences, Rolling Out has helped promote upcoming digital leaders by helping them learn from innovators in business, media and tech.
The multimedia company has also launched initiatives supporting women in all career fields. With their ongoing Sister With Superpowers campaign, Rolling Out has highlighted the work of Black women who are leaders in fields such as tech, business, media, medicine, law, music and more.
“AI is the future, and as a platform representing the Black and Brown experience, it’s important for us to be instrumental in the transformation of today’s media landscape,” said founder and CEO Munson Steed per the company. “When we see Halle Bailey’s impact with this movie and the way it has inspired and delighted children of color, RollingOut had a responsibility to have an integral role in promoting this film.”
The newest release of The Little Mermaid has been making headlines recently for its instant success. The movie debuted to approximately $118 million over four days during the Memorial Day weekend. About $96 million of these profits made during its opening came during the span of three days. With its number, the movie ranks as the fifth highest in history amongst the list of movies opening on Memorial Day.
