Los Angeles-based startup Moonvalley has introduced a new Ai video-generating model, Marey, which it claims is one of the few trained exclusively on openly licensed data rather than copyrighted material. The company emphasizes that its approach ensures legal compliance while providing users with high-quality AI-generated videos.
A Legally-Safe AI Video Model
Developed in collaboration with AI animation studio Asteria, Marey is designed to offer advanced customization features, including precise camera and motion controls. According to Moonvalley, its model enables intricate in-scene movements, such as directing the motion of an individual checkers piece or simulating the gentle breeze flowing through a person’s hair.
“With Marey, users can achieve nuanced control over animations, making it a powerful tool for creators seeking high levels of customization,” the company stated in a press release shared with TechCrunch.
Competing in a Crowded AI Video Market
The AI-driven video generation industry has witnessed rapid growth, with startups like Runway and Luma competing against tech giants such as OpenAI and Google. The market is becoming increasingly saturated, with many models offering similar features. However, Moonvalley is positioning Marey as a legally safer alternative by sourcing training data from owned or fully licensed content.
Unlike many competitors that rely on publicly available data, some of which may be copyrighted, Moonvalley’s strategy minimizes legal risks. While some AI companies argue that training on copyrighted data falls under fair use, this has not prevented lawsuits and cease-and-desist orders from content owners.
Ethical AI Training and Data Transparency
Moonvalley ensures that its training datasets are sourced through proper licensing agreements. The company collaborates with partners to curate legally approved datasets, similar to Adobe’s approach with its Adobe Stock platform. This transparency in data sourcing sets Moonvalley apart from other AI video models that face ethical and legal scrutiny.
Recognizing concerns within the creative industry, Moonvalley is also implementing safeguards to protect artists. The company allows creators to request the removal of their content from its training models and provides an option for customers to delete their data at any time. Additionally, it offers an indemnity policy to shield users from potential copyright disputes.
Addressing Industry Concerns
AI-generated videos are reshaping the film and television landscape, raising concerns among artists and creators. A 2024 study commissioned by the Animation Guild estimated that over 100,000 U.S. jobs in film, television, and animation could be affected by AI advancements by 2026.
To address these challenges, Moonvalley has implemented strict ethical guidelines for Marey. Unlike some AI models that allow for deepfake-style manipulation, Marey includes built-in guardrails to prevent misuse. The system blocks NSFW content and prohibits prompts that generate likenesses of specific individuals or celebrities, similar to OpenAI’s approach with its Sora model.
Setting a New Standard in AI Ethics
Moonvalley co-founder and CEO Naeem Talukdar emphasized the company’s commitment to ethical AI development, stating:
“We’re proving it’s possible to train AI models without brazenly stealing creative work from the creators
— the cinematographers, visual artists, creators, and creative producers — whose voices we aim to uplift
with our technology.”
With its transparent licensing approach, strong ethical guidelines, and advanced customization capabilities, Moonvalley’s Marey aims to provide a legal and innovative solution for AI-driven video generation. Whether this model will significantly impact the competitive landscape remains to be seen, but it marks an important step toward responsible AI development in the creative sector.
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