By StarBuzzDaily Staff
This past week, Netflix made waves across Hollywood with the release of its long-awaited Generative AI guidelines. The “use case matrix” — a chart dividing AI workflows into safe, caution, and off-limits categories — has sparked conversations from studio boardrooms to union halls.
But here’s the twist: Michigan based, Black female owned, Branch Out Productions was already doing it.
Over the past twelve months, Branch Out produced not one but two feature films — Holy Hustle and Son of a Preacher Man — using a human-first AI workflow that now looks remarkably similar to Netflix’s own rules.
Branch Out’s Head Start
Branch Out’s approach on these films emphasized:
- AI for ideation and planning: custom GPTs for script development, virtual director tools for shot lists, and budget optimizations.
- Human-first execution: all acting, voices, and key creative decisions remained 100% human.
- AI as support only: license-free set décor, AI-assisted exteriors, and original AI-assisted music registered with ASCAP and run through Content ID checks for copyright safety.
The outcome? 50–60% faster production timelines, 25%+ cost savings, and full creative control retained by human filmmakers — exactly the balance Netflix is now codifying.
In fact, Branch Out even presented a studio report on how AI can work with talent and unions safely, anticipating the very conversations dominating headlines today.
Why It Matters
While the industry is still processing what Netflix’s guidelines mean, Branch Out and its distribution partner BET+ are already proof of concept. With Holy Hustle premiering on September 4th, BET+ will showcase one of the first full-length features made under a workflow that mirrors Netflix’s now-official playbook.
Watch & Learn More
For more about Branch Out Productions, go to their website: Branchoutfilms.com
Bottom line: Netflix may be grabbing the headlines now, but Branch Out Productions — and by extension BET+ — were already pioneers, proving that AI can be used responsibly to empower human creativity long before the rules were written.