OpenAI’s Sora Co-Lead Tim Brooks Joins Google DeepMind to Pioneer Next-Gen Video AI
Key Talent Shift in AI Video Generation Space
Tim Brooks, one of the co-leads behind OpenAI’s groundbreaking video generation model Sora, has announced his move to Google DeepMind. This strategic hire signals Google’s intensified focus on advancing AI-powered video creation technologies.
Brooks’ Transition Details
- Announced via X post on October 3, 2024
- Will focus on “video generation and world simulators” at Google DeepMind
- Previously spent two years developing Sora at OpenAI
“I had an amazing two years at OpenAI making Sora. Thank you to all the passionate and kind people I worked with. Excited for the next chapter!” — Tim Brooks
What Are ‘World Simulators’?
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis welcomed Brooks, emphasizing their shared vision to develop advanced “world simulators” - AI systems that can generate interactive, controllable virtual environments. While the concept remains somewhat abstract, DeepMind has demonstrated early capabilities with projects like:
- Genie: Creates playable virtual worlds from images/sketches
- Potential applications in gaming, film production, and AI training
Brooks’ Legacy at OpenAI
As an early Sora researcher (joined January 2023), Brooks played a pivotal role in:
- Setting the project’s research direction
- Overseeing large model training
- Developing OpenAI’s unreleased video generation technology
Industry Context: The Competitive AI Video Landscape
Brooks’ departure comes during a critical phase for OpenAI as:
- Technical challenges persist with Sora’s generation speed (reportedly 10+ minutes processing for 1-minute clips)
- Compe*****s like Runway and Luma gain traction
- Hollywood partnerships remain elusive despite early demonstrations
Meanwhile, Google is advancing its own video AI:
- Veo model showcased at Google I/O 2024
- Planned integration with YouTube Shorts for creator tools
Recent OpenAI Talent Exodus
Brooks joins a growing list of high-profile departures from OpenAI in 2024:
- CTO Mira Murati (September)
- Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew (September)
- Research VP Barret Zoph (September)
- Co-founder Ilya Sutskever (earlier in 2024)
- Co-founder John Schulman (August)
This talent shift underscores the intense competition for AI expertise among tech giants as video generation technology approaches mainstream adoption.
For more details on Brooks’ background, visit his LinkedIn profile.
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