In this season, we're focusing on Chicago founders who are building right here in the city. I'm your host, Cecilia Benitez, and together we'll hear the stories behind the startups, explore the real challenges of building in Chicago, and uncover what drives these founders to keep going.

On this week’s episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast, we sit down with Gavin Buckland, Founder of Voke Studio. Gavin shares how his passion for storytelling began with his grandfather’s camera, how years at a creative agency sharpened his skills but also tested his resilience, and how rediscovering his purpose helped him embrace film as a way to unite people.

Gavin also takes us inside the creation of ClipSense, an AI-powered tool designed to transform video editing. Born out of the challenge of sifting through hours of footage, Clip Sense uses computer vision to automatically identify the best moments—freeing editors to focus on storytelling. With early funding and strong beta feedback, the tool is already pointing to a future where AI supports creativity across post-production, from sound design to color grading.

We round out our conversation with reflections on the evolving relationship between creativity and technology in filmmaking, the importance of authenticity in an AI-driven world, and Chicago’s role as a hub for collaboration. 

Connect with Gavin: 

Gavin Linkedin: https://whttps://www.vokestudios.com/ 

Voke Studios website: https://www.vokestudios.com/ 

Clipsense website: https://www.clipsense.ai/ 

Voke Studios’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/voke-studios/ 

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies 

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87