Is AI video just a prequel? Runway's CEO thinks world models are next

Q: How long is this episode of Equity?

This episode is 31 minutes long.

Q: When was this Equity episode published?

This episode was published on April 29, 2026.

Q: Can I download this Equity episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.

from Equity · host TechCrunch, Rebecca Bellan, Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, Sean O'Kane, Theresa Loconsolo

AI-generated video has gone from novelty to creative tool in AI-generated video has gone from novelty to creative tool almost overnight, and Runway has a front-row seat to the shift. The New York-based company has raised close to $860 million at a $5.3 billion valuation, and its models are going toe-to-toe with the most well-funded labs in the world, including Google and OpenAI. And the technology goes way beyond making videos: it's now pushing into general world models with applications in gaming, robotics, and maybe something closer to general intelligence. On this episode of TechCrunch's Equity podcast, host Rebecca Bellan sits down with co-founder and CEO Cristobal Valenzuela to talk about where video generation goes from here, and why Runway's ambitions now reach well beyond Hollywood. Listen to the full episode to hear about: Why Valenzuela thinks the real constraint on filmmaking has never been technology, and what changes when it is How Runway thinks about world models differently than Google and other labs building in the space What "nonlinear media" means, and why real-time video generation opens up use cases way beyond content creation Why Valenzuela pushes back on the idea that AI companions are “inherently dystopian” Subscribe to Equity on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:56 Can AI really replace Hollywood? 04:18 Why "AI slop" fears miss the point 08:23 Research lab, software company, or creative studio? 13:42 From video generation to world models, explained 17:36 Omni models and multimodal training 17:50 The three pillars: linear media, non-linear media, physical AI 19:31 Real-time video and the "Characters" product 22:33 Are AI companions inherently dystopian? 25:59 Physical AI and robotics 28:35 Where growth is coming from: enterprise and prosumer 29:31 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 29, 2026

Embed this episode

Attribution link and audio player

NOW PLAYING

Is AI video just a prequel? Runway's CEO thinks world models are next

0:00 31:46

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

No similar episodes found.

Similar Podcasts

Blackstone Podcast Blackstone Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our asset management businesses, with $545 billion in assets under management, include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone. So Money with Farnoosh Torabi Farnoosh Torabi *** Named a Best Podcast By The New York Times, Time Magazine, Real Simple and MSNBC *** Host Farnoosh Torabi is an award-winning financial strategist, TV host and bestselling author. With over 40 million downloads and multiple Webby wins, So Money is dedicated to sharing inspiring money strategies and stories straight from today's financial leaders, bestselling authors and entrepreneurs. One day, hear an intimate money conversation with industry greats like Queen Latifah, Barbara Corcoran or Margaret Cho. Another day learn the basics of cryptocurrency and its impact on our wallets. On Fridays, tune in as Farnoosh answers our most pressing financial questions about saving, investing and building wealth. Advice and insights always delivered through a lens of equity, inclusivity and the changing world we live in. Want more? Join the So Money Members Club at SoMoneyMembers.com. Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='n Invest Like a Boss Sam Marks Johnny FD Derek Spartz Interviews with the world's best investors and find out what they are currently investing in whether it be the stocks, retirement accounts, Wealthfront, Betterment, Vanguard, mutual funds, real estate, Forex, REITs, or other types of Investing methods. Millionaire and Entrepreneur Sam Marks, Johnny FD & Derek Spartz invest alongside listeners as they share their personal portfolios as they save their hard earned money for travel, life and retirement. Invest Like a Boss covers all aspects of investing in the modern age in a fun, entertaining way. The show hosts interview the worlds best investors, financial Insiders, entrepreneurs and CEOs to find out what they are investing in and strategies to gain outsized returns. In this modern age of investing, new investment instruments are popping up each day, from P-2-P lending, to robo-advisors, equity crowd-funding to REITS. Investors today need to combine centuries of investment wisdom with an modern outlook and approach. Entrepreneurs Sa Vital Dawn Adam Crisafulli A quick synopsis of the morning financial news and how US equity markets could react to it. Published by Vital Knowledge and intended to compliment the company's website (www.VitalKnowledge.net).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Equity?