Runway AI Inc. has unveiled Gen-4, its most advanced AI video generation model to date, promising to solve what many consider the biggest hurdle in AI filmmaking: maintaining consistent characters and environments across multiple scenes.
Released in early April 2025, Gen-4 introduces a “References” tool that allows users to generate the same character across different lighting conditions, locations, and camera angles using just a single reference image. This capability addresses a critical limitation that has prevented AI video from achieving true narrative storytelling.
“With Gen-4, you are now able to precisely generate consistent characters, locations and objects across scenes,” Runway stated in its announcement. “Simply set your look and feel and the model will maintain coherent world environments while preserving the distinctive style, mood and cinematographic elements of each frame.”
Key Features That Set Gen-4 Apart
The new model brings several notable improvements:
Character and Object Consistency: Users can maintain the same character’s appearance throughout a video by providing just one reference image. This works for objects as well, allowing them to appear consistently across different environments.
Better Physics Simulation: Gen-4 reportedly outperforms competing models in simulating real-world physics, creating more realistic movement, reflections, and interactions that follow natural laws.
Production-Ready Output: Runway claims Gen-4 delivers high-quality video that can blend seamlessly with live-action footage, animated content, and traditional visual effects.
Multi-angle Capabilities: The model lets filmmakers generate the same scene from multiple camera angles while maintaining visual consistency, similar to how traditional filmmakers get “coverage” of a scene.
Currently, Gen-4 can create 5 or 10-second clips at various resolutions, including up to 1584×672 resolution (21:9 widescreen) at 24fps, optimized for different aspect ratios including 16:9, 9:16, and 1:1.
Hollywood Partners and Industry Impact
Runway has partnered with Lionsgate, the studio behind “John Wick” and “The Hunger Games,” to develop a custom AI model for film and TV production. This collaboration aims to integrate AI into various stages of content creation, potentially reducing production costs.
The company has also established the Hundred Film Fund to support filmmakers producing movies using AI. Additionally, Runway partnered with the Tribeca Film Festiva to showcase AI-generated short films and music videos.
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These partnerships signal growing interest from traditional media companies in AI technology, despite concerns about its impact on jobs. A 2024 study referenced in the source material found that many film production companies using AI have reduced or eliminated jobs, with projections suggesting numerous U.S. entertainment jobs could be affected by generative AI in the coming years.
Tech Concerns and Legal Challenges
Like other AI developers, Runway faces questions about its training data. The company is currently defending itself in a lawsuit brought by artists who claim their copyrighted work was used without permission to train AI models. Runway has cited the fair use doctrine as its defense.
When asked about specific training data sources, Runway has declined to provide details, citing competitive concerns. This lack of transparency has become common among AI companies but remains controversial among creators.
Competitive Landscape
The release comes as competition in AI video generation intensifies. OpenAI recently released a new image generation feature that maintains character consistency, which created a viral sensation with its Studio Ghibli-style images. The feature became so popular it placed heavy demand on OpenAI’s systems, with CEO Sam Altman tweeting that “our GPUs are melting.”
Runway, founded in 2018 by art students from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, is taking a different approach by focusing on tools for creative professionals. While competitors like OpenAI are building general-purpose tools, Runway is positioning itself as support for existing creative workflows.
The company is reportedly seeking new funding that would value it at a significant amount, with aims to increase its revenue substantially this year.
Pricing and Availability
Gen-4 is being rolled out to paid subscribers and enterprise customers. Individual plans start at different price points, with discounts available for annual subscriptions. Enterprise accounts are also available at a higher price point.
As AI video tools continue to evolve, they’re reshaping how we think about filmmaking. While these advances offer exciting possibilities for independent creators who previously couldn’t afford complex visual effects, they also raise important questions about copyright, artistic originality, and the future of creative professions.
