“The View” co-host Sunny Hostin has agreed to license her name and likeness to AI startup Fountain 0, allowing the company to create adaptations of her novels using her image in AI-generated films and television shows. The agreement gives Hostin control over how her image is used.
Hostin stated that she believes “top-quality AI productions cannot only enable writers and directors to have their imaginations unleashed and no longer be tethered to budgetary constraints” but also “pioneer a new art form which can open up new dimensions for how public personalities can engage with audiences.” She expressed excitement about bringing her novels to life on screen, incorporating her own image to connect with audiences beyond her role as an author. She believes this innovation will allow her to fully develop and immerse herself in her intellectual property.
Fountain 0 gained recognition with its AI-generated docudrama “Dreams of Violets,” which premiered at a major film festival. The company followed this with “Odysseus: The Fall,” starring CEO Ash Koosha as the Greek hero. Koosha described Hostin as a “talent pioneer willing to step out and take advantage of this new form of creative expression,” emphasizing that she will decide which of her works are adapted and how her image is used under the licensing agreement.
Hostin has previously attempted to adapt her books, including the 2022 series “Summer on the Bluffs,” through her production company Roots & Wings Productions. This decision to license her likeness reflects a broader trend of AI licensing extending beyond intellectual property to include personalities. Another AI startup, Higgsfield, has licensed the likenesses of streamer N3on and UFC fighters Israel Adesanya and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson for its film “Cully Hill Boys.” Hostin expressed a desire to bring stories to the screen that better represent diverse audiences, believing AI can help achieve this.
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