OpenAI Faces Turbulence as Video Pioneer Tim Brooks Joins Google DeepMind
1min read OpenAI continues to face significant personnel changes, as Tim Brooks, a co-lead for its video generator Sora, has announced his departure to join Google DeepMind. Brooks, who spearheaded Sora's development and model training, revealed on October 4th that he will be contributing to DeepMind’s efforts in video generation technology and the research of "world simulators."
Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, welcomed Brooks, emphasizing his role in realizing the ambitious goals of world simulation. This concept, though vaguely defined, has been applied by DeepMind in models like Genie, which creates interactive virtual worlds from various image sources.
The timing of Brooks’ departure coincides with technical challenges faced by Sora, which has yet to be released. Initial reports suggested that the system required over ten minutes to process one-minute video clips, but OpenAI is currently working on an improved, faster version.
In recent months, OpenAI has seemingly ceded valuable partnerships in the video generation space to competitors. For instance, Runway has signed an agreement with Lionsgate for a custom video model, and Stability AI has brought on noted director James Cameron to its board.
Google has also been advancing its own video generation initiatives with its Veo model, announced earlier this year, set to feature on YouTube Shorts, offering creators tools for generating short video content.
Brooks' departure is part of a broader trend of high-profile exits from OpenAI, following notable figures in the company such as John Schulman and Mira Murati. These shifts highlight a period of transition and challenge for OpenAI as it navigates the competitive landscape of AI-driven video technology.
