Creative AI: Filmmaking, Writing & Art in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

In this conversation, I talk with John Gauntt, creative director of the Seattle AI Film Festival. John is a deep thinker and a true builder – someone who’s been working at the crossroads of storytelling and emerging tech for decades. We talk about what it takes to launch a global AI film festival from scratch, how AI is transforming creative collaboration, and why storytelling might just be the key to building more human-centered AI. John shares the philosophy behind the festival – elevate the storyteller, inspire the audience, and humanize the technology – and offers a fascinating roadmap for where AI cinema might go next. You’re gonna get a lot out of this one. Takeaways * The Seattle AI Film Festival was created to explore the intersection of AI and storytelling. * John Gaunt's journey in media began with early experiences in cable television. * AI can enhance storytelling but requires a human touch to truly resonate. * Collaboration between creatives and technologists is essential for innovation. * The festival aims to elevate storytellers and inspire audiences through AI. * Engaging audiences is crucial for the success of any film festival. * Curation is an art that balances technology and storytelling. * AI films should showcase the technology's potential without overshadowing the narrative. * The future of AI in filmmaking is about humanizing technology and fostering creativity. * The festival's roadmap includes expanding its global footprint while maintaining local impact.   Chapters 00:00 The Birth of the Seattle AI Film Festival 05:06 John Gaunt's Journey in Media and Technology 09:50 The Role of AI in Storytelling 14:43 Creative Collaboration in the Age of AI 19:31 Principles Guiding the Festival 24:36 Curation and Audience Engagement 29:21 The Future of AI in Filmmaking 32:13 The Intersection of AI and Storytelling 34:36 The Role of AI in Creative Processes 39:13 AI's Reflective Nature and Its Implications 42:43 The Art of Craft in Filmmaking 48:16 The Future of Storytelling and AI 52:00 Building a Community of Storytellers 56:36 Vision for the Future of Film Festivals

In this conversation, I talk with Justin Marshall – founder of The Department – about the evolving role of AI in marketing, communication, and human connection. Justin is a sharp thinker with a deep understanding of how agentic AI is reshaping workflows, freeing up time, and personalizing outreach at scale. We talk about where inspiration comes from, how to keep the last mile human, and the moral complexity of building trust with tools that may eventually seek to persuade. This one goes deep, and I think you're going to find Justin's perspective as compelling as I did.   Takeaways AI's Role in Marketing: Justin Marshall emphasizes the transformative potential of AI and automation in creating personalized and efficient customer experiences, particularly in B2B marketing. Human Touch in Technology: Despite the rise of AI, Justin highlights the importance of maintaining a human element in technology to ensure authenticity and meaningful connections.   Agentic AI: The discussion explores the concept of agentic AI, which focuses on creating agents that can automate complex tasks, freeing up time for more strategic and creative work.   Future of Creativity: The conversation delves into the future of creativity in an AI-driven world, questioning where inspiration will come from and how unique voices can stand out amidst AI-generated content.   Balancing Efficiency and Authenticity: Justin shares insights on balancing the efficiency of AI with the need for genuine, human-driven content that resonates with audiences.

In this episode, I’m joined by Brett and Shannon Leonard – a father and son duo working at the bleeding edge of storytelling, technology, and human connection. You might know Brett as the visionary director behind The Lawnmower Man and Virtuosity – films that helped define how we imagined virtual reality and artificial intelligence decades before they became real. Shannon grew up immersed in that creative world, and now brings his own deep expertise in AI-native workflows and digital storytelling. Together, they’re building what they call “emergent narrative” – interactive storyworlds where audience and creator co-author the experience. We talk about creativity, AI ethics, virtual therapy, Hollywood’s future, and the radical idea that storytelling might be our greatest human technology. It’s a wide-ranging, inspiring, and deeply optimistic conversation – I think you’re going to love it. Takeaways Storytelling is evolving with technology and AI. Intergenerational collaboration enhances creativity. AI can unlock new forms of narrative engagement. The future of storytelling lies in positive narratives. Emergent storytelling allows for unique user experiences. Community plays a vital role in creative expression. The democratization of creativity is on the rise. Ethics in storytelling is crucial in the age of AI. Context engineering is essential for effective storytelling. Human connection remains central to storytelling. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Storytelling and Technology 02:54 Intergenerational Collaboration in Creativity 05:51 The Impact of AI on Storytelling 09:01 The Future of Narrative and AI 11:49 Ethics and Responsibility in Storytelling 15:00 Emerging Trends in Filmmaking and AI 18:04 The Role of Context in Storytelling 20:54 Emergent Narrative and Interactive Storytelling 24:01 The Democratization of Creativity 27:06 Building a New Era of Storytelling 30:04 The Future of Entertainment and AI 32:45 Navigating the Transition to New Media 36:00 The Role of Community in Storytelling 39:04 The Evolution of Human Creativity 41:58 The Balance of Agency and Narrative 45:05 The Future of Storytelling in a Digital Age 47:50 The Importance of Human Connection 50:55 The New Landscape of Storytelling 54:03 The Power of Story in Shaping Reality 56:57 Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Storytelling

Github Copilot, ComfyUI, Diffusion Models, Ollama, Raspberry Pi, APIs -- this week, my guest educates me on ALL of them. In an AI world utterly consumed with vibe coding, I needed to have a conversation with someone who could walk me through the world of coding. That person? Ryan Lane, who shares his extensive experience in tech, particularly in coding and design, and discusses the transformative role of AI in these fields. He explores how AI tools like Copilot assist developers, the importance of understanding APIs, and the implications of AI on creativity and learning. The discussion also examines the challenges AI faces in understanding context and the intersection of AI with art, particularly in photography. One highlight: we talk about Ryan's experiments with AI tools, emphasizing the importance of understanding and utilizing these technologies to foster creativity. The discussion also touches on the future of creativity in a world increasingly influenced by AI, highlighting the balance between innovation and the human touch in artistic endeavors. Ryan is my favorite sort of creator – always experimenting and iterating – and I think you’ll find his insights invaluable. ***** Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ryan Lane and His Background in Tech 03:01 The Role of AI in Coding and Development 06:01 Understanding APIs and Their Importance 09:07 The Impact of AI on Creativity and Learning 11:53 Exploring Copilot and Its Capabilities 15:08 The Challenges of AI in Understanding Context 17:58 The Intersection of AI and Art: Photography and Creativity 23:01 The Creative Potential of AI 26:03 Experiments with AI and Art 35:04 Understanding AI Tools and Their Applications 41:48 The Future of Creativity and Technology ***** Takeaways * Ryan Lane has 30 years of experience in tech, blending design and development. * AI tools are making coding more accessible and efficient. * Understanding the purpose of an app is crucial beyond just coding it. * APIs serve as a communication layer between machines. * It's important to engage with AI outputs critically to retain knowledge. * AI can assist in learning new technologies and techniques. * Copilot integrates with development tools to enhance coding efficiency. * AI struggles with context and can produce unexpected results. * Creativity in AI can mirror human creativity in novel ways. * Drawing on diverse experiences can enhance design and innovation. AI has the potential to mimic human creativity. * The future of AI may lead to beautifully creative outputs. * AI tools can enhance scientific and technological advancements. * Experiments with AI can lead to unexpected and fascinating results. * Understanding AI tools is crucial for effective use. * Creativity can be liberated through the use of AI technologies. * AI can be seen as a new tool for artists and creators. * The evolution of AI is rapid and chaotic, leading to bursts of innovation. * There is a desire to maintain the uniqueness of human creativity. * The future of creativity will involve collaboration between humans and AI. ***** Sound Bites "What does the app do? What problem is it solving?" "It's like a way for a machine to talk to a machine" "You can't all know everything" "You draw on whatever you have" "I still want to be special." "I hope it is beautifully creative." "It's fascinating how the tools can be used." "It's like a game of telephone with AI." "I want to see if I can continue to make cool art."  

Midjourney, SudoWrite, Sesame, Claude, ChatGPT, and the wonder of local LLMs: Westin Lee, a AAA game writer, marketing copywriter, and indie author I had the good fortune to work with on the Dying Light franchise and I touch on them all over the next hour. This conversation, which is deeply informed by an essay Westin published about AI and writing, explores the implications of AI on creativity, the quality of AI-generated content, and the evolving landscape of writing in the age of technology. Westin, who has the heart of an early-adopting techno-adventurer shares his experiences with AI tools, the challenges they present, and the importance of maintaining quality in creative work. The discussion also touches on the ethical considerations of AI in writing and the potential future of storytelling. We also get into the weeds on the writing process, the intricacies of character development, the limitations and potential of AI, how AI can serve as a tool for writers, the challenges it presents, and the importance of human interaction in AI experiences. The discussion also touches on the future of AI, its societal implications, and the potential for AI to assist filmmakers in their creative endeavors. Westin and I don’t agree on all things AI and the creative process, but we do have a lot of fun here talking about where we agree and where we diverge. ***** Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Weston Lee and His Work 02:00 The Impact of AI on Writing 10:04 Exploring AI Tools in Creative Processes 19:50 Quality Concerns in AI-Generated Content 30:10 The Future of AI in Creative Industries 36:04 The Complexity of Character Descriptions 38:58 Understanding AI Technology and Its Limitations 42:13 The Nature of AI Creativity 45:00 AI as a Writing Assistant 50:53 The Challenges of AI in Creative Writing 55:50 The Human Element in AI Interactions 59:57 The Future of AI and Its Societal Impact 01:02:49 Exploring AI for Filmmakers ***** Takeaways * Weston Lee is a professional writer with experience in video games and copywriting. * AI is reshaping the writing landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges. * Writers need to critically assess the marketing hype surrounding AI tools. * Quality concerns arise with AI-generated content, especially in creative fields. * The use of AI in writing can serve as a sounding board for ideas. * Indie authors face pressure to maintain quality amidst a flood of content. * AI tools can help visualize concepts but may not replace human creativity. * The ethical implications of AI scraping content are significant for writers. * Networking and luck play a crucial role in a writer's success. * The future of AI in creative industries remains uncertain, with both risks and opportunities. Character descriptions can be complex and misleading. * AI technology has remarkable capabilities but significant limitations. * AI is not a replacement for human creativity. * The use of AI in writing can be both helpful and frustrating. * Human interaction is crucial in AI experiences. * The future of AI may lead to more human-like interactions. * Local models of AI can provide privacy and customization. * AI's role in filmmaking is still evolving and controversial. * The societal impact of AI technology is a growing concern. * Creative collaboration with AI can lead to unexpected results. ***** (AI Summary Below) AI Tools & Concepts Mentioned Midjourney (image-generation) Westin used earlier versions of Midjourney (e.g. v2) to create concept-like images for characters or settings in his novels. While it could yield interesting starting points, he found the final images usually unfit for customer-facing use. ChatGPT / Claude (LLMs) Westin tested ChatGPT and Claude for story or scene “soundboard” tasks. He highlights the phenomenon of AI producing interesting first lines or paragraphs that fall apart on closer inspection. Westin found he’d spend more time fixing AI-generated stories than writing them from scratch. SudoWrite A writing-focused AI service that tries to mimic a more “literary” approach than ChatGPT’s default. Westin was initially impressed by certain lines, only to realize they lacked true depth or coherent follow-through. Local LLMs Westin mentions “Local Llama” and other local-run transformer models that he’s explored as a hobbyist. He finds it appealing because the data stays private (not scraped or stored in the cloud). Running LLMs locally helped him see how different the raw technology is versus the polished, hype-laden products offered by big AI vendors. Sesame A voice-based AI chat tool. Westin and Andy each tried it and found it disturbingly humanlike – more so than Siri or Alexa. Though it can impress at first, extended conversation often reveals it lacks deeper understanding or coherent memory. Other Digital / Tech Mentions VR (Virtual Reality) and the Metaverse Westin draws parallels between the hype cycles around VR/Metaverse and AI, noting both can fizzle out quickly. Compares how VR was marketed as “the next big thing,” yet mainstream adoption plateaued. Private Equity Examples (Toys R Us) Used as an analogy for how hype-driven business decisions can overshadow genuine creative or consumer-focused use of new technologies. Broader Topics & Themes Quality vs. Hype Westin repeatedly makes the point that there is real sophistication in AI language and image models, but the hype around them can oversell their current capabilities. Some “demo” outputs can look or sound amazing at first, but unravel under scrutiny – for instance, an “impressive” short snippet actually fails to pay off plot and character arcs. AI as a ‘Sounding Board’ In theory, LLMs can help spark ideas or produce rough prompts that let a writer think differently about a character or setting. In practice, Westin rarely finds the result genuinely helpful enough to reduce his workload. Originality & the ‘Paved Roads’ Problem LLMs excel at producing generic answers in well-trodden genres or topics. They tend to fall apart, though, when asked for truly off-the-wall or niche creative ideas because there’s little or no training data to guide them. Ethics & Data Scraping Westin discovered one of his novels ended up in an online torrent for LLM training datasets. Signals ongoing legal and moral debates around using authors’ works to train commercial models without consent or compensation. Community / Industry Reactions In writing, film festivals, and game dev circles, responses to AI are complicated. Some are intrigued, others fear job loss or an “invasion of slop.” Westin notes how “tech bros” hop from one hype wave to another (crypto, metaverse, NFTs, now AI) in search of the next major profit engine. A Possible “AI Winter” Given that current AI models can cost huge amounts to train and often lack a clear path to profitability, Westin sees parallels with previous “AI Winters,” where funding eventually dried up. Expects hobbyist communities to keep iterating if/when big-company hype fades. Westin’s Final Thoughts on AI It could be a great productivity tool if it ever genuinely saves time on tasks he’d otherwise do manually – but so far, it’s rarely delivering that time savings for his creative writing. Encourages people to experiment (e.g. with local-run models) to see the raw tech for what it is, apart from the hype-laden marketing. Where to Find Westin Lee’s Work Website westinlee.com – Includes Westin’s essays on AI (the 14,000-word 2-part explainer), info about his novels (Wicked City, Teller Moon, Paranormal School 13), and additional writing. Blue Sky Westin is active on Blue Sky, offering snark, insight, and real-time commentary on AI, writing, and more. LinkedIn Posts about writing, game development, marketing, and technology. Also home to the multi-part AI essay. In short, Westin’s perspective blends a writer’s craft background with lived professional experiences in publishing, games, and marketing. He sees real promise in the underlying technology – if you look past the hype. So far, though, he finds the biggest benefits are for small “utility” tasks or ephemeral concepting, rather than replacing the deeper human artistry essential to strong writing and storytelling.  

CAD, CGI, LoRA, Midjourney -- Dr. D has seen and used them all over his expansive career. And who is Dr. D? Artist and Professor Duane Loose -- a seasoned artist and educator in the field of interactive media and game development. We explore the evolution of art and design, the importance of knowledge and imagination, and the impact of technology on creativity. Dr. D shares his journey from traditional art to embracing digital tools like CAD and CGI, emphasizing the significance of foundational skills in art. The discussion also dives into the role of light and reflection in art and the aspiration to be a source of inspiration and creativity rather than merely reflecting existing ideas. We also discuss the intricate relationship between creativity, inspiration, and the role of AI in the artistic process, explore how trust in the creative process and collaboration can lead to innovative outcomes, while also addressing the challenges artists face, especially in light of personal setbacks. We also consider the ethical considerations of using AI in art, the evolving landscape of artistic expression, and the importance of preparing the next generation of artists to embrace these tools. Ultimately, we share our opinions about the need for artists to remain open to evolution and the potential of AI to enhance their creative journeys. Dr. D is a brilliant guy and someone I’m proud to call a friend, and I hope you enjoy our conversation. ***** A link to the project Dr. D and I worked on together: Afterworld ***** Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting with a Creative Mind 05:01 The Importance of Knowledge and Imagination 10:39 Embracing Technology in Art 20:35 The Evolution of Design Tools 30:16 Understanding Light and Reflection in Art 35:03 Becoming a Source of Light in Creativity 38:00 The Journey of Creativity and Innovation 39:24 Inspiration and the Role of the Muses 42:27 Trusting the Creative Process 47:17 AI's Role in Artistic Expression 49:14 Overcoming Challenges with AI Assistance 52:19 The Future of Art and AI Collaboration 01:00:14 Student Perspectives on AI in Art 01:08:32 Shaping the Future of Art Education ***** Takeaways * The pursuit of knowledge is essential for creativity. * Imagination is fed by a broad base of knowledge. * Embracing technology can enhance artistic expression. * The process of creation is as important as the final product. * Understanding light and reflection is crucial for artists. * Artists should strive to be sources of inspiration. * Foundational skills in art are necessary for using modern tools. * Creativity involves collaboration and learning from others. * The evolution of design tools has changed the landscape of art. * Being a 'sun' artist means generating original ideas rather than just reflecting others. Creativity is a journey that evolves over time. * Inspiration comes through preparation and openness. * Trust is essential in the creative process. * AI can assist artists in overcoming physical limitations. * The ethical implications of AI in art are complex. * Students have varied perspectives on AI's role in art. * Artistic skills can diminish, but AI can help maintain creativity. * Collaboration fosters a safe space for inspiration. * The future of art will involve deeper integration of AI. * Educators must guide students in ethical AI use. ***** Sound Bites "Knowledge feeds the imagination." "I learned that process was really important." "I refuse to let technology bend me to its will." "I want to learn how to see." "I want to be the sun, not the moon." "I want to be a source of light." "I want to inspire, change and grow." "How is he coming up with this?" "Trusting the universe for inspiration." "AI can help tell our stories." "AI is helping me as I get older." "What are the ethics of not embracing AI?" "We need to explore AI deeply and thoroughly."

Virtual cameras, Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, Houdini, Flux, ChatGPT -- Filmmaker and Professor John Brennan uses them all. John is a second member of the AI vanguard teaching at USC (after last week's guest, Scott Easley), who discusses his journey in interactive media and motion capture, and examines, often profoundly, the evolution of technology in the creative process. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the role of AI in enhancing creativity while also addressing the challenges artists face when using AI tools. The discussion also hits on the balance between individual creativity and collaboration, the impact of AI on artistic expression, and the harrowing – yes, harrowing! – experience of training AI models to reflect personal artistic styles. Over this hour, we discuss so many fascinating topics I can’t even list them all in a quick intro: the intricacies of machine learning and AI in the context of art and creativity, explore the technical aspects of diffusion models, the ethical implications of AI-generated art, and the evolving relationship between artists and technology, the balance between utilizing AI as a creative tool and maintaining artistic control, and the future of AI in the creative process. We even go on at length about Aristotle. ONE NOTE: the audio is really rough at the outset, but then gets better, but is never 100% – but I HAD to release this episode, because we go to such interesting places. Please bear with it and trust me, the concepts and conversation are worth it. ***** Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John Brennan and His Background 02:16 The Evolution of Motion Capture and Interactive Media 06:35 AI's Role in Creative Processes and Virtual Production 11:00 The Balance of Collaboration and Individual Creativity 17:54 Exploring AI Tools and Their Impact on Art 21:58 The Harrowing Process of Training AI Models 26:42 Exploring the Depths of Machine Learning 30:55 The Legal and Ethical Landscape of AI Art 33:59 The Creative Sandbox: Merging Concepts and Ideas 38:46 Navigating Aesthetics: The Quest for Imperfection 47:41 The Future of AI in Creative Processes ***** Takeaways * John Brennan is a pioneer in interactive media and motion capture. * The evolution of motion capture has opened new creative possibilities. * AI is becoming integral to creative processes in film and gaming. * Collaboration is essential in creative projects, even with advanced technology. * Artists face self-doubt when training AI on their own work. * The balance between individual creativity and collaboration is crucial. * AI tools can enhance artistic expression but also present challenges. * Training AI models can be a harrowing experience for artists. * The importance of iteration and serendipity in creative work. * Understanding AI tools requires nuanced engagement from artists. John expresses a deep interest in understanding the technical workings of AI tools. * The conversation touches on the legal implications of using AI-generated art. * AI models like stable diffusion raise questions about originality and artistic ownership. * The ability to remix and combine concepts is a key feature of AI art tools. * There is a tension between the perfection of AI-generated images and the desire for human imperfection. * The role of the artist is evolving in the age of AI, requiring new forms of collaboration. * John emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over the creative process. * The discussion reflects on the philosophical implications of AI in art creation. * AI tools can serve as a source of inspiration but should not replace the artist's intuition. * The future of AI in art will require a nuanced understanding of its capabilities and limitations. ***** Sound Bites "I'm interested when things are especially unsettled." "What do we need to do on a mocap stage?" "AI being the next step of that process." "Finding those places for iteration and serendipity." "Do we lose something in the access to serendipity?" "I started trying to make my footprint less and less." "This is a machine drawing and a machine rendering." "It's a meaning or a symbolic sandbox." "I'm swimming in a sea of beautiful mediocrity." "It's about when do I have control." "We will be using it as a form of outsourcing."  

Stable Diffusion, ChatGPT, DALL·E, Meshi.ai, Maya, Unity, Photoshop, even Eliza from back in the day -- what DIDN'T we talk about this episode? This is a good one – I’m talking with Scott Easley, senior lecturer at USC's Viterbi School of Engineering, and he’s playing around at the bleeding edge of video game visual development.  OH, AND HE WORKED ON ODDWORLD! We dive into the evolution of video games, the integration of AI in game development, and the centrality of humanity in creativity. We then turn to his work as a professor, where Scott emphasizes the role of students in shaping the future of game design and the iterative process of creation. He also walks us through some of his work and techniques; here's a link to the blog post with all of the images: https://www.creativeaipod.com/blog/scott-easley-podcast-images/ Scott is thoughtful, philosophically and technologically adept, AND he liked the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, so you’re gonna love this guy as much as I did. ***** Takeaways * Scott Easley has over 21 years of experience at USC. * He transitioned from the video game industry to academia. * The USC Games program combines engineering and cinema. * AI tools are evolving and impacting game development. * Students are becoming savvier with technology. * Art serves to guide the player's experience in games. * Creativity is essential in the integration of technology. * AI can inspire and assist in the creative process. * The iterative process is crucial in art and game design. * Scott encourages students to explore a wide range of artistic influences. ***** Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Scott Easley and His Journey 02:33 The Evolution of Game Development and Education 05:14 Embracing AI in Game Design 07:53 The Impact of Technology on Creativity 10:34 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education 13:05 The Future of AI and Game Development 15:40 Inspiration and the Role of AI in Creativity 22:58 Exploring the Creative Process in Video Game Development 25:22 The Intersection of Art and Technology 28:12 Utilizing AI in Character Design 31:54 The Iterative Nature of Art 38:19 Student Perspectives on AI in Art 41:58 The Future of Art and Technology Collaboration    

Flux, Kling, Minimax, Veo 2: Douglass McGinness III, founder of Animated Company, is using them all to brilliant effect. Trust me when I say his opinions are based on getting stuff made (isn't that the heart of being creative is all about?), so when he shares his thoughts, they come from a place of experimentation, iteration, and exploration. If you don't want to read any more text, I get it, but know this: Doug is brilliant, and if you want to make animated films, you should listen. Okay, more summary blather: In a really compelling conversation, Doug talks about the transformative impact of AI on the animation and VFX industries, then shares his journey from traditional animation to embracing AI tools, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with this shift. The discussion covers the evolving landscape of creative work, the hybrid model of combining traditional techniques with AI, and the future of AI in film and animation. Doug emphasizes the importance of adaptation and experimentation in leveraging AI for storytelling and creativity. ***** Takeaways * AI is the future of storytelling in animation. * The initial fear of AI can transform into empowerment. * Experimentation with AI tools can lead to new creative possibilities. * There is a divide in the creative community regarding AI adoption. * Clients often have misconceptions about AI's capabilities. * AI can enhance creativity rather than replace it. * The importance of a hybrid approach in using AI and traditional methods. * Personalization of content will become more prevalent with AI. * The amount of content available is overwhelming for consumers. * AI will lead to more interactive and personalized content experiences. ***** Sound Bites "AI is absolutely the future." "I believe it's a good thing." "The ground has suddenly shifted." "AI can do this now." "AI is a massive unlock." "It's a real divide." "AI gives us the opportunity to explore." "Everything is progress." "AI can create new things." "The amount of content is overwhelming." ***** Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Animation 02:48 The Journey from Fear to Embracing AI 06:02 The Divide in the Creative Community 08:58 Client Perspectives on AI in Creative Work 12:09 Experimentation and the Spirit of Play 14:59 Tools for AI-Driven Creativity 17:48 The Future of AI in Film and Animation      

Charisma.ai, Inworld AI, Ready Player Me, Eleven Labs, RunwayML, Kyber -- this week's guest Erin Reilly, the Founding Director of the Texas Immersive Institute, is exploring the outer edge of AI tools as both a creator and a professor. Listen in to hear her talk about her iterative experimentation! **** This week, Erin Reilly and I discuss her extensive experience with AI, particularly in the context of fandom engagement and character development. She shares insights on how AI can enhance personal connections and learning experiences through the creation of digital twins and virtual beings. The discussion also explores the future of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of creativity and the evolving role of technology in the classroom. We hit on a lot of different topics along the way: the integration of generative AI in education, the importance of accessibility and participation in creative tools, and the evolving role of AI as a catalyst for creativity. The conversation also touches on the future of AI in creation, addressing concerns about copyright and the need for a critical approach to using AI tools. Takeaways * Erin has over a decade of experience working with AI. * She identified eight core motivators for fan engagement. * AI can scrape social media data to analyze fandoms. * Creating characters that are fallible can enhance learning. * Digital twins can provide personalized educational experiences. * AI can serve as a personal assistant in educational settings. * The importance of social and emotional learning in AI interactions. * AI tools are rapidly evolving and impacting creative workflows. * Students are integrating AI into their creative processes from the start. * The future of education may involve AI teaching assistants. * The participation gap in access to creative tools is significant. * AI can enhance creativity rather than replace it. * Students need to experiment with AI to form informed opinions. * Accessibility to tools is crucial for equitable education. * Generative AI can be used for social impact and change. * AI tools should be critically analyzed, not just accepted at face value. * The future of creative work will involve a blend of human and AI collaboration. * Copyright issues surrounding AI-generated content need to be addressed. * Students should be encouraged to create and innovate using AI tools. Sound Bites "I created a character that knew it was fallible." "I think we can try getting it to be a human." "Every semester it gets better." "We call it the participation gap." "Use it for good, right?" "AI is a catalyst to conceptualize in new ways." "You can't think of it that it's replacing you." "At least try it. At least experiment." "The sandbox will still be there." "Create something magical. I love it." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Fandom Engagement 07:20 The Evolution of AI in Character Development 13:49 Creating Digital Twins and Virtual Beings 24:14 The Future of AI in Education and Creativity 28:17 Exploring Generative AI in Education 35:44 Accessibility and Participation in Creative Tools 44:09 The Role of AI as a Creative Catalyst 52:09 Navigating the Future of AI and Creation Keywords AI, fandom engagement, character development, digital twins, virtual beings, education, creativity, immersive technology, generative AI, personal assistants, Generative AI, education, accessibility, creative tools, social impact, future of AI, digital media, student engagement, creative expression, technology in art  

Spatial computing. Industrial design. Craftsmanship and creativity. In this conversation, I speaks with Inti Macdonald, a recent graduate in industrial design, about the evolving landscape of design tools, particularly the integration of AI in creative processes. Inti shares his journey from traditional craftsmanship to embracing digital tools, highlighting the importance of user empathy and foundational skills. They discuss the emotional impact of AI-generated content, the potential of spatial computing, and the responsibility of creators to navigate the balance between creation and destruction in a rapidly changing world. ***** Takeaways * Inti Macdonald is a recent graduate in industrial design. * User empathy is crucial in the design process. * AI tools are evolving and becoming integral to design. * Foundational skills in craftsmanship enhance the use of AI. * AI can evoke emotions and enhance storytelling. * Spatial computing offers new ways to interact with design. * The relationship with reality is being renegotiated through digital tools. * Creativity will be elevated, not replaced, by AI. * Emerging technologies can help preserve the physical world. * Creators have a responsibility to balance creation and destruction. ***** Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Inti McDonald and His Journey 03:07 The Evolution of Design Tools 06:04 AI in Creative Processes 11:45 Integrating AI with Traditional Craftsmanship 15:05 The Role of AI in Artistic Expression 19:55 Future of AI as Creative Collaborators 23:48 Emotional Impact of AI-Generated Content 29:52 Spatial Computing and Its Potential 35:50 The Responsibility of Creators in a Digital Age 50:11 Conclusion and Reflections on Creation and Destruction

Jasper, Scenario AI, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and DALL·E -- this week's guest, artist and animator Todd Tibbetts, uses all these tools and more, so listen in to get some insight into how these AI tools can be a part of your workflow. ***** In this conversation, I speak with Todd Tibbetts, a professional creative and founder of Happy Awesome Studios, shares his extensive experience with artificial intelligence in the creative industry. He discusses the evolution of AI tools, their impact on creative workflows, and the balance between efficiency and originality. Todd emphasizes the importance of intent in AI-generated art and the need for authenticity in a world increasingly dominated by AI creations. In this conversation, Todd Tibbetts and Andy Baker explore the evolving landscape of creativity in the age of AI. They discuss the rapid advancements in digital tools, the importance of control and consistency in creative processes, and the potential for AI to empower creators by reducing barriers to entry. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations of AI in creative work and the need for a balance between technology and human creativity. ***** Takeaways * Todd Tibbetts has been in the creative industry for over 35 years. * His first experience with AI dates back to 2008. * AI tools have evolved significantly, impacting creative workflows. * Efficiency and speed are major benefits of using AI in creative work. * Training AI models can enhance marketing and visual outputs. * The derivative nature of AI creations raises questions about originality. * Intent from the creator is crucial in AI-generated art. * Authenticity can be added back into AI art to combat perfection. * The creative industry is adapting to the rise of AI tools. * Traditional stock photography is being challenged by AI-generated images. * Control and consistency in AI-generated content are crucial for creators. * AI can enhance the creative process by providing instant feedback and iterations. * Access to technology is essential for democratizing creativity. * The influx of AI-generated content may lead to a mix of quality and mediocrity. * Creativity should focus on unique storytelling rather than just technical skills. * AI can help reduce the time from concept to execution in creative projects. * The ethical implications of AI in creativity must be considered. * The 'iron triangle' of time, quality, and cost is being challenged by AI advancements. * Embracing AI can lead to new opportunities for creative expression. ***** Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Todd Tibbets and Happy Awesome Studios 02:44 Early Experiences with Artificial Intelligence 05:18 The Evolution of AI Tools in Creative Work 10:41 AI in Creative Workflows: Efficiency and Speed 12:12 Training AI Models for Marketing and Visuals 17:30 The Impact of AI on Originality and Creativity 20:16 The Derivative Nature of AI Creations 25:12 The Role of Intent in AI-Generated Art 30:36 Navigating Perfection and Authenticity in AI Art 32:55 The Future of Creative Tools 39:10 The Impact of AI on Creativity 46:32 Overcoming Creative Barriers 52:45 Embracing AI in Creative Workflows 57:57 Navigating the Iron Triangle of Creativity

Perplexity, Gemini, NotebookLM, 11 Labs, LoRA, ChatGPT, Claude -- this week's guest plays with them all, so if you want to know how AI can be integrated into your writing workflow, listen to how veteran screenwriter Jesse Alexander is doing it. ***** In this conversation, Jesse Alexander, a seasoned TV writer and video game writer, shares his insights on the integration of AI in the creative process. He discusses his journey of experimenting with AI tools, the importance of conversational interactions with AI, and how these tools can empower writers. Jesse emphasizes the need for writers to adapt to the changing landscape of the industry, where traditional pathways are evolving, and the role of visionaries remains crucial. He encourages creators to embrace the tools available to them and to focus on making their own content. ***** Takeaways * Jesse Alexander has a diverse background in TV writing and video games. * AI tools can significantly enhance the creative process for writers. * Experimentation with AI has led to valuable insights and discoveries. * Conversational interactions with AI can yield better results. * Choosing the right AI tool depends on the specific needs of the project. * The landscape of writing is changing, and writers must adapt. * There is a growing need for visionaries in the creative industry. * Writers should focus on creating and not worry about external opinions. * AI can provide supportive feedback that is often lacking from human critiques. * The future of writing will involve a blend of traditional skills and new technologies. ***** Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jesse Alexander 04:43 Exploring AI in the Creative Process 12:01 Experimentation with AI Tools 17:48 Choosing the Right AI Tool for Writers 24:42 Conversational Interactions with AI 30:16 The Future of Writing and AI 38:04 The Role of Visionaries in the New Landscape 44:42 Empowerment Through Creation

DeepSeek, Midjourney, Runway, Sudowrite, Claude, ChatGPT, LifeScore -- this week's guest, Emmy-winning writer and producer Bernie Su, uses them all, so if you want to know how to integrate them into your workflow, give this one a listen.  In this conversation, Bernie and I discuss his innovative use of AI in storytelling, particularly through his work on the interactive series 'Artificial.' He shares insights on how AI tools are transforming the creative process, enhancing efficiency, and enabling writers to focus on their craft. Bernie also explores the implications of AI on the writing industry, the integration of various creative tools, and the importance of the artist's touch in finalizing projects. We also explore the evolving landscape of AI in creative industries and discuss the importance of streamlining workflows, the irreplaceable role of human creativity, and the empowerment that AI tools provide to independent artists. The conversation also touches on the disruption caused by AI, the democratization of creativity, and the necessity for artists to embrace change and adapt to new technologies. ***** Takeaways * Bernie Su is an Emmy-winning writer and producer. * 'Artificial' was the first original narrative series on Twitch. * AI tools can enhance storytelling by making audience participation integral. * AI writing tools like PseudoWrite can streamline the writing process. * The creative industry is being disrupted by AI technologies. * Efficiency in creative workflows can lead to more innovative projects. * AI can help artists focus on the creative aspects rather than administrative tasks. * The last 10% of a project is often the most challenging to complete. * Using AI tools can save time and resources in production. * Artists must adapt to new technologies to remain competitive.  AI tools can streamline creative workflows significantly. * Human creativity remains essential in the artistic process. * The landscape of content creation is rapidly evolving due to AI. * Disruption from AI is inevitable and can lead to efficiency. * Independent artists have unprecedented access to powerful tools. * AI democratizes creativity, allowing more voices to be heard. * Embracing AI tools can enhance artistic expression and efficiency. * The future of content creation will require adaptation to new technologies. * AI can assist in generating content but cannot replace human touch. * The creative industry must navigate the balance between efficiency and artistry. ***** Sound Bites "AI tools are powerful and growing more powerful." "You can speed run a novel end to end." "The tools get you a huge percentage of the way." "AI is going to accelerate the creative process." "The tools liberate our ability to create." "You can create your own IP with AI tools." "AI democratizes creativity for everyone." "Embrace the tools, they are here to stay." "You should just forget about it and embrace it." "You are more empowered now than ever before." "You are more empowered as an independent artist." ***** Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bernie Su and His Work 02:54 Innovative Storytelling with AI in 'Artificial' 05:57 The Role of AI in Creative Processes 09:13 Exploring PseudoWrite: A Writer's Tool 12:00 Integrating Multiple Tools in Creative Workflows 15:01 The Cost of AI Tools and Their Impact 17:46 Efficiency and Innovation in Creative Production 20:55 The Last Mile: Finalizing Creative Projects 24:13 Real-World Applications of AI in Commercial Directing 28:47 Streamlining AI Workflows 31:44 The Role of Human Creativity in AI 34:45 The Future of Content Creation 38:06 Navigating the Disruption of AI 42:39 Empowerment Through AI Tools 46:52 Democratizing Creativity 51:35 Embracing Change in the Creative Process  

ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Bard, LLaMA, Grok: In this premiere episode of Creative AI, we talk about them all. We begin with the brilliant and funny Rob Dalton sharing his multifaceted career as a writer, musician, and creative director, and discussing the profound impact of AI on creativity. He reflects on his initial skepticism about AI's ability to create art, recounting a pivotal moment when he realized AI could generate poetry and summaries effectively. The discussion delves into the evolving role of human creativity in an age dominated by algorithms, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection in art. Dalton expresses concerns about the future of creativity, where curation may replace creation, and the implications of trusting AI's decision-making processes, which often remain opaque. The conversation concludes with a cautionary note about the potential risks of ceding too much control to AI. ***** Takeaways * AI is reshaping the landscape of creativity and writing. * Emotional connection remains a vital aspect of human art. * AI can produce decent poetry, but it lacks true human insight. * The role of the creator is shifting towards curation. * AI's decision-making processes are often opaque and complex. * The future of creativity may involve more collaboration with AI. * Skepticism about AI's capabilities can evolve into acceptance. * The struggle of creation is an essential part of the artistic process. * AI is trained on a vast array of human experiences, both good and bad. * Trusting AI without understanding its processes can be risky. * Discussing AI and its implications is paramount. * Technology can diminish human agency, leading to a loss of personal initiative. * Education must adapt to prepare students for a tech-driven future. * Human connection is essential in navigating the challenges posed by AI. * Creativity can thrive even in the age of AI, but it requires conscious effort. * The relationship with technology should not replace our connection to nature and each other. * AI's rapid advancement presents both opportunities and risks for society. * Maintaining a sense of self is crucial in a world dominated by algorithms. * The future of humanity hinges on how we choose to use technology. * Hope exists in the potential for AI to enhance human creativity and connection. ***** Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rob Dalton's Multifaceted Career 03:04 The Impact of AI on Creativity 06:08 AI's Role in Writing and Poetry 09:01 The Future of Human Creativity in the Age of AI 11:53 Curation vs. Creation: The New Creative Process 14:51 Emotional Connection in Art and AI's Limitations 17:56 The Complexity of AI and Its Implications 21:01 Trusting the Black Box: AI's Decision-Making Process 23:09 The Urgency of Conversation 25:18 The Impact of Technology on Human Agency 28:10 The Role of Education in a Tech-Driven World 30:38 The Importance of Human Connection 33:00 Navigating the AI Wave 39:37 Creativity in the Age of AI 44:22 Hope Amidst Uncertainty