Google is taking a page from Hollywood's playbook to combat growing public skepticism about Big Tech. The company has quietly established "100 Zeroes", an in-house film and television production unit designed to improve tech's reputation among younger audiences, according to exclusive reporting from Business Insider.

Why Google Is Becoming a Content Creator

The initiative represents a bold new strategy for the search giant:

Brand rehabilitation: Counteracting negative perceptions about data privacy, AI ethics, and tech monopolies
Subtle product placement: Following Apple's successful playbook of showcasing its devices in popular shows
Creative community engagement: Encouraging filmmakers to use Google's production tools and platforms

How 100 Zeroes Will Work

Unlike Apple's approach with Apple TV+, Google isn't building its own streaming service. Instead, the company plans to:

✔ Partner with established studios for content distribution
✔ Feature Google products naturally in storylines (think Android phones, Pixel tablets, Chrome browsers)
✔ Avoid YouTube exclusivity, despite owning the platform

The Bigger Picture: Tech's PR Problem

This move comes as:

58% of Gen Z views tech companies negatively (Pew Research 2024)
AI anxiety grows about job displacement and misinformation
Antitrust lawsuits plague major tech firms

Google's content will likely focus on:

Humanizing technology through character-driven stories
Showcasing positive use cases of AI and other innovations
Addressing ethical concerns through narrative storytelling

Industry Reactions

Media analysts suggest this could:
→ Create new revenue streams for Google
→ Spark similar moves from Amazon and Microsoft
→ Blur lines between tech and entertainment industries

TechCrunch has reached out to Google for official comment on the initiative.

Google Launches Film & TV Division to Reshape Tech's Public Image