https://www.futureoffilm.live/page/podcast Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:56:24 +0000 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:56:24 +0000 60 en All rights reserved feeds@soundcloud.com (SoundCloud Feeds) Film is changing. Business models, audience behaviour and technology are all rapidly evolving - transforming the way stories are told, sold and consumed. In focused and inspiring interviews, senior film executive, Alex Stolz talks to leaders making these changes happen - to bring you essential ideas, techniques and strategies from the cutting edge. Whether you are a storyteller, an established industry professional or simply interested in how film is changing, FUTURE OF FILM will give you the insights, inspiration and competitive edge to thrive in the new landscape. More on film's future can be found at www.futureoffilm.live Film is changing. Business models, audience behaviour and technology are all rapidly evolving - transforming the way stories are told, sold and consumed. In focused and inspiring interviews, senior film executive, Alex Stolz talks to leaders making these Future of Film Podcast feeds@soundcloud.com Alex Stolz no https://i1.sndcdn.com/avatars-UhQPXlzz4THvt9bB-E2YJSg-original.jpg https://www.futureoffilm.live/page/podcast film,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytellingFilm is changing. Business models, audience behaviour and technology are all rapidly evolving - transforming the way stories are told, sold and consumed. In focused and inspiring interviews, senior film executive, Alex Stolz talks to leaders making these changes happen - to bring you essential ideas, techniques and strategies from the cutting edge. Whether you are a storyteller, an established industry professional or simply interested in how film is changing, FUTURE OF FILM will give you the insights, inspiration and competitive edge to thrive in the new landscape. More on film's future can be found at www.futureoffilm.live tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2295366791 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:02:11 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/98-nuno-bernardo-how-to-build 00:56:24 Alex Stolz no How do you actually build IP as an independent creator? In this episode, Alex Stolz is joined by Nuno Bernardo, IP creator, producer and founder of beActive, whose work has explored how stories can move across platforms, formats and audiences long before it became widely discussed. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Nuno shares how his approach to IP developed, from early experiments in multi-platform storytelling to building projects that have travelled globally, been adapted across multiple territories, and sustained audiences over time. The conversation explores why IP isn’t defined by scale, but by audience connection, and why it’s ultimately the audience that determines whether something becomes IP. They also dive into practical ways creators can approach their work differently, from designing stories with expansion in mind, to testing ideas through smaller formats, building early traction, and using those signals to guide what comes next. Along the way, Nuno shares lessons from both successes and failures, including what happens when projects are over-planned without real audience engagement, and how independent creators can think more strategically about long-term value. A clear and practical conversation for anyone looking to move beyond one-off projects and build work that can grow, connect and endure. About Nuno Bernardo Nuno Bernardo is an Emmy-nominated transmedia architect and the founding of beActive Entertainment, a globally recognized IP studio. A true multidisciplinary creator, Nuno has spent over two decades pioneering the transition from digital-first content to international television formats, most notably with Sofia’s Diary - a groundbreaking cross-media phenomenon that grew from a Portuguese blog into a global property distributed by Sony Pictures Television across 30 countries, reaching over 500 million viewers, and sustaining a diverse revenue ecosystem of books, radio, and licensed products for over 20 years. Nuno’s expertise lies in the strategic construction of worlds that bridge the gap between Film, Television, Video Games, and Publishing. His track record includes the sci-fi franchise Collider, which integrated digital comics and mobile gaming into a feature film and TV series, and the Kids Emmy-nominated Beat Girl, which scaled from a Pinterest visual concept to a global series on Hulu. As a creator who successfully pivoted from project-based production to a sustainable IP ownership model, Nuno provides the blueprint for modern professionals to maintain creative control and build long-term asset value in a crowded global market. STORY FOUNDERS We’ve opened applications for a new programme from Future of Film. Story Founders is an 8-week accelerator designed to help storytellers build projects - and creative practices - that can endure. Applications are now open: 👉 https://futureoffilm.live/storyfounders/ If you’re working on a screen project - or know someone who is - we’d encourage you to take a look. How do you actually build IP as an independent cr… How do you actually build IP as an independent creator? In this episode, Alex Stolz is joined by Nuno Bernardo, IP creator, producer and founder of beActive, whose work has explored how stories can move across platforms, formats and audiences long before it became widely discussed. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Nuno shares how his approach to IP developed, from early experiments in multi-platform storytelling to building projects that have travelled globally, been adapted across multiple territories, and sustained audiences over time. The conversation explores why IP isn’t defined by scale, but by audience connection, and why it’s ultimately the audience that determines whether something becomes IP. They also dive into practical ways creators can approach their work differently, from designing stories with expansion in mind, to testing ideas through smaller formats, building early traction, and using those signals to guide what comes next. Along the way, Nuno shares lessons from both successes and failures, including what happens when projects are over-planned without real audience engagement, and how independent creators can think more strategically about long-term value. A clear and practical conversation for anyone looking to move beyond one-off projects and build work that can grow, connect and endure. About Nuno Bernardo Nuno Bernardo is an Emmy-nominated transmedia architect and the founding of beActive Entertainment, a globally recognized IP studio. A true multidisciplinary creator, Nuno has spent over two decades pioneering the transition from digital-first content to international television formats, most notably with Sofia’s Diary - a groundbreaking cross-media phenomenon that grew from a Portuguese blog into a global property distributed by Sony Pictures Television across 30 countries, reaching over 500 million viewers, and sustaining a diverse revenue ecosystem of books, radio, and licensed products for over 20 years. Nuno’s expertise lies in the strategic construction of worlds that bridge the gap between Film, Television, Video Games, and Publishing. His track record includes the sci-fi franchise Collider, which integrated digital comics and mobile gaming into a feature film and TV series, and the Kids Emmy-nominated Beat Girl, which scaled from a Pinterest visual concept to a global series on Hulu. As a creator who successfully pivoted from project-based production to a sustainable IP ownership model, Nuno provides the blueprint for modern professionals to maintain creative control and build long-term asset value in a crowded global market. STORY FOUNDERS We’ve opened applications for a new programme from Future of Film. Story Founders is an 8-week accelerator designed to help storytellers build projects - and creative practices - that can endure. Applications are now open: 👉 https://futureoffilm.live/storyfounders/ If you’re working on a screen project - or know someone who is - we’d encourage you to take a look. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2281855955 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:36:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/fof-carol-edited 00:46:47 Alex Stolz no Community has become one of the most talked-about ideas in the creative industries. But what does it actually mean in practice for storytellers and filmmakers? In this episode, Alex Stolz is joined by community strategist Carol Trang, whose work spans platforms and brands shaping modern creator culture including Unity, TikTok and LEGO. Together they explore how communities form, why creators should think beyond traditional audience engagement, and what storytellers can learn from gaming, fandom and platform culture. Carol shares insights from her work across global creative ecosystems — from the power of rituals and remix culture to the role of authenticity, niche audiences and creator identity in building lasting communities. The conversation also looks at how filmmakers can practically begin building communities around their work today — starting with existing spaces like Reddit, Twitch and live events. For creators navigating an increasingly fragmented media landscape, this episode offers a powerful reframing: Stories don’t just attract audiences anymore, they create worlds people want to live in. About Carol Trang Carol Trang is a community strategist working at the intersection of games, entertainment, and digital platforms. She’s spent her career building creator-first communities at Unity Technologies, TikTok, and The LEGO Group, exploring how fandom, creators, and players shape culture together. We’ve just opened applications for a new programme from Future of Film. Story Founders is an 8-week accelerator designed to help storytellers build projects - and creative practices - that can endure. Applications are now open: 👉 https://futureoffilm.live/storyfounders/ If you’re working on a screen project - or know someone who is - we’d encourage you to take a look. Community has become one of the most talked-about… Community has become one of the most talked-about ideas in the creative industries. But what does it actually mean in practice for storytellers and filmmakers? In this episode, Alex Stolz is joined by community strategist Carol Trang, whose work spans platforms and brands shaping modern creator culture including Unity, TikTok and LEGO. Together they explore how communities form, why creators should think beyond traditional audience engagement, and what storytellers can learn from gaming, fandom and platform culture. Carol shares insights from her work across global creative ecosystems — from the power of rituals and remix culture to the role of authenticity, niche audiences and creator identity in building lasting communities. The conversation also looks at how filmmakers can practically begin building communities around their work today — starting with existing spaces like Reddit, Twitch and live events. For creators navigating an increasingly fragmented media landscape, this episode offers a powerful reframing: Stories don’t just attract audiences anymore, they create worlds people want to live in. About Carol Trang Carol Trang is a community strategist working at the intersection of games, entertainment, and digital platforms. She’s spent her career building creator-first communities at Unity Technologies, TikTok, and The LEGO Group, exploring how fandom, creators, and players shape culture together. We’ve just opened applications for a new programme from Future of Film. Story Founders is an 8-week accelerator designed to help storytellers build projects - and creative practices - that can endure. Applications are now open: 👉 https://futureoffilm.live/storyfounders/ If you’re working on a screen project - or know someone who is - we’d encourage you to take a look. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2248644797 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:00:08 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/fof-evan-shapiro-edited 00:50:12 Alex Stolz no In this episode, Alex is joined by Emmy and Peabody Award–winning producer, and analyst, Evan Shapiro. Known widely as the Media Cartographer, Evan has spent years mapping how power, attention, and money move across media. But now he’s gone beyond analysis and into practice with SKIT, a $65,000 feature film shot in eight days and released globally via Tubi and Filmhub. Evan calls SKIT a case study in the “Affinity Economy”: a new model for independent filmmaking that is creator-led, audience-aligned, and designed for sustainability rather than old industry models of gatekeepers and 'lottery-ticket' thinking. Evan and Alex explore why the traditional indie film system no longer works, how festivals and streamers have narrowed opportunity, and why creators must now think in terms of communities, engagement, and ownership. They dive into the making of SKIT, the economics of free ad-supported streaming, the collapse of monoculture media, and what it really takes to build a sustainable creative career in 2026 and beyond. This episode is essential listening for filmmakers, creators, and anyone navigating the future of screen storytelling. About Evan Shapiro Since he created his Media Universe Map, Evan Shapiro has become known as the Media Cartographer. Using his very specific voice and point of view, Shapiro charts Media's future through his essays on the Media War & Peace Newsletter – which is now one of the most read entertainment business publications on Substack. He also co-hosts The Media Odyssey podcast, which has become an industry touchstone. Shapiro has been a featured speaker at the world’s most important media events. His maps, infographics, and ruminations are now widely quoted and used by businesses, executives, analysts, and colleges around the world. Shapiro is also an Emmy and Peabody Award winning producer of TV, films and podcasts, including Portlandia, This Film Is Not Yet Rated, Please Like Me, Comedy Bang Bang, Brick City, and Harmonquest. He also served 18 years as a professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business. Find our more about Evan at https://eshap.substack.com/ More abut Future of Film: www.futureoffilm.live In this episode, Alex is joined by Emmy and Peabo… In this episode, Alex is joined by Emmy and Peabody Award–winning producer, and analyst, Evan Shapiro. Known widely as the Media Cartographer, Evan has spent years mapping how power, attention, and money move across media. But now he’s gone beyond analysis and into practice with SKIT, a $65,000 feature film shot in eight days and released globally via Tubi and Filmhub. Evan calls SKIT a case study in the “Affinity Economy”: a new model for independent filmmaking that is creator-led, audience-aligned, and designed for sustainability rather than old industry models of gatekeepers and 'lottery-ticket' thinking. Evan and Alex explore why the traditional indie film system no longer works, how festivals and streamers have narrowed opportunity, and why creators must now think in terms of communities, engagement, and ownership. They dive into the making of SKIT, the economics of free ad-supported streaming, the collapse of monoculture media, and what it really takes to build a sustainable creative career in 2026 and beyond. This episode is essential listening for filmmakers, creators, and anyone navigating the future of screen storytelling. About Evan Shapiro Since he created his Media Universe Map, Evan Shapiro has become known as the Media Cartographer. Using his very specific voice and point of view, Shapiro charts Media's future through his essays on the Media War & Peace Newsletter – which is now one of the most read entertainment business publications on Substack. He also co-hosts The Media Odyssey podcast, which has become an industry touchstone. Shapiro has been a featured speaker at the world’s most important media events. His maps, infographics, and ruminations are now widely quoted and used by businesses, executives, analysts, and colleges around the world. Shapiro is also an Emmy and Peabody Award winning producer of TV, films and podcasts, including Portlandia, This Film Is Not Yet Rated, Please Like Me, Comedy Bang Bang, Brick City, and Harmonquest. He also served 18 years as a professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business. Find our more about Evan at https://eshap.substack.com/ More abut Future of Film: www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2234155901 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:42:19 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/95-kevin-goetz-and-bob-levin-building-better-greenlights-audience-insight-testing-and-creative-confidence 00:49:05 Alex Stolz no This episode is about decision-making; and how filmmakers, producers, and executives can make more effective, more impactful creative choices under uncertainty. Kevin Goetz and Bob Levin argue that most films don’t fail because they lack quality or ambition, but because key decisions around budget, positioning, and audience fit are made without enough clarity. Drawing on decades of experience in audience insight and testing, they unpack how better greenlight decisions come from understanding what a film is, who it is for, and the scale at which it can genuinely succeed. Rather than treating testing as a verdict on creativity, the conversation reframes it as a decision-support capability: a way to reduce blind spots, align stakeholders, and give filmmakers the confidence to make braver, more grounded creative choices. Used well, insight doesn’t dilute vision, it strengthens it. As Kevin puts it: “Every movie, if made and marketed for the right price, should make money.” For anyone involved in development, financing, or creative leadership, this episode explores how better decisions earlier in the process can dramatically change outcomes later on. About Kevin Goetz Kevin Goetz is the founder and CEO of Screen Engine, a global leader in entertainment research and strategy serving all the major film studios, television networks, and streaming services. Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of Hollywood, having personally tested over 5,000 film titles, where his work significantly impacts how movies are made, marketed, and released. In 2024, Kevin received American Cinematheque's prestigious Power of Cinema Award for his contributions to the film industry. He is the author of two books: the bestselling Audience•ology: How Moviegoers Shape the Films We Love (Simon & Schuster, 2021), offering an inside look at the power of audience pre-release movie test screenings, and How to Score in Hollywood (Simon & Schuster, November 2025), exploring the secrets to success in the movie business. Kevin brings his expertise to life as the host of the popular podcast, Don’t Kill the Messenger (Apple Top 100), and continues educating the filmmaking community through keynote speeches and global presentations. He has produced twelve TV movies, including the Emmy-winning Wild Iris, and the 2026 documentary Children in the Fire. A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Television Academy, and the Producers Guild of America, Kevin also serves on the boards of six nonprofit organizations. He currently resides in Beverly Hills with his husband, Neil, a producer and former creative advertising executive, and their labradoodle, Kasha. About Bob Levin Bob Levin is a legendary movie marketing executive, having for over two decades holding the position of president, worldwide marketing at first Disney, then Sony and MGM. As well as being a key member of each studio’s greenlight committee, he led the advertising, publicity, promotion, and research programs that helped launch hundreds of films, breaking numerous box office records throughout his career. Bob came out of semi-retirement when Kevin Goetz invited him to join Screen Engine/ASI as president and chief operating officer, where he has played a pivotal role in the company’s continued success. His first book, How to Score in Hollywood, cowritten with Kevin, reveals the secrets to a movie’s success and profitability, exploring how smart, data-driven decisions—from development to release—help filmmakers minimize risks and maximize returns. Bob lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Hilda Wynn. This episode is about decision-making; and how fi… This episode is about decision-making; and how filmmakers, producers, and executives can make more effective, more impactful creative choices under uncertainty. Kevin Goetz and Bob Levin argue that most films don’t fail because they lack quality or ambition, but because key decisions around budget, positioning, and audience fit are made without enough clarity. Drawing on decades of experience in audience insight and testing, they unpack how better greenlight decisions come from understanding what a film is, who it is for, and the scale at which it can genuinely succeed. Rather than treating testing as a verdict on creativity, the conversation reframes it as a decision-support capability: a way to reduce blind spots, align stakeholders, and give filmmakers the confidence to make braver, more grounded creative choices. Used well, insight doesn’t dilute vision, it strengthens it. As Kevin puts it: “Every movie, if made and marketed for the right price, should make money.” For anyone involved in development, financing, or creative leadership, this episode explores how better decisions earlier in the process can dramatically change outcomes later on. About Kevin Goetz Kevin Goetz is the founder and CEO of Screen Engine, a global leader in entertainment research and strategy serving all the major film studios, television networks, and streaming services. Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of Hollywood, having personally tested over 5,000 film titles, where his work significantly impacts how movies are made, marketed, and released. In 2024, Kevin received American Cinematheque's prestigious Power of Cinema Award for his contributions to the film industry. He is the author of two books: the bestselling Audience•ology: How Moviegoers Shape the Films We Love (Simon & Schuster, 2021), offering an inside look at the power of audience pre-release movie test screenings, and How to Score in Hollywood (Simon & Schuster, November 2025), exploring the secrets to success in the movie business. Kevin brings his expertise to life as the host of the popular podcast, Don’t Kill the Messenger (Apple Top 100), and continues educating the filmmaking community through keynote speeches and global presentations. He has produced twelve TV movies, including the Emmy-winning Wild Iris, and the 2026 documentary Children in the Fire. A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Television Academy, and the Producers Guild of America, Kevin also serves on the boards of six nonprofit organizations. He currently resides in Beverly Hills with his husband, Neil, a producer and former creative advertising executive, and their labradoodle, Kasha. About Bob Levin Bob Levin is a legendary movie marketing executive, having for over two decades holding the position of president, worldwide marketing at first Disney, then Sony and MGM. As well as being a key member of each studio’s greenlight committee, he led the advertising, publicity, promotion, and research programs that helped launch hundreds of films, breaking numerous box office records throughout his career. Bob came out of semi-retirement when Kevin Goetz invited him to join Screen Engine/ASI as president and chief operating officer, where he has played a pivotal role in the company’s continued success. His first book, How to Score in Hollywood, cowritten with Kevin, reveals the secrets to a movie’s success and profitability, exploring how smart, data-driven decisions—from development to release—help filmmakers minimize risks and maximize returns. Bob lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Hilda Wynn. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2216625254 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:44:18 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/94-ben-lock-visual-intelligence-ai-workflows-and-the-future-of-vfx 00:50:09 Alex Stolz no What happens when a BAFTA winning VFX veteran walks away from the studio system to help reinvent the film pipeline with AI? In this episode, Alex is joined by Ben Lock, a producer with over 20 years in animation, VFX and virtual production, with credits including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rogue One and Ready Player One. After decades at Aardman, Lucasfilm and ILM, Ben is now Director of Production Strategy at Asteria Film and Moon Valley, where he is working on a new generation of ethical, AI driven workflows for film and animation. Ben shares why he believes the future of filmmaking lies in visual intelligence rather than prompt driven tools, and how rapid visualisation can transform pre production, VFX and animation. He explains how AI can reduce friction, keep artists closer to performance and story, and even help make high quality animated features in under a year. The conversation explores: - How AI is reshaping the production pipeline without replacing artists - Why Moon Valley is built around visual intelligence, not just language models - What a faster, more iterative animation and VFX workflow looks like in practice - How generative tools can support virtual production and independent visions - What the VFX industry needs to do now to adapt and thrive Sharing insights from across his career working on tentpole studio projects as well as independent filmmaking, Ben conveys his vision for how AI might just help the film industry become more creative, more sustainable and more responsive to new stories and audiences. About Ben Lock Ben Lock - A BAFTA-winning producer with over 20 years of experience in animation, VFX, and virtual production. He has produced award-winning content for studios in Europe, Asia and the US including Aardman, Lucasfilm, and ILM, with credits on global franchises such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rogue One, and Ready Player One. As Director of Production Strategy at Asteria Film, he helps develop scalable, ethical AI workflows for film and animation. Ben is the Chair of the VES Education Committee, member of BAFTA, PGA, ATAS and a UK National Film and Television School alumni. What happens when a BAFTA winning VFX veteran wal… What happens when a BAFTA winning VFX veteran walks away from the studio system to help reinvent the film pipeline with AI? In this episode, Alex is joined by Ben Lock, a producer with over 20 years in animation, VFX and virtual production, with credits including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rogue One and Ready Player One. After decades at Aardman, Lucasfilm and ILM, Ben is now Director of Production Strategy at Asteria Film and Moon Valley, where he is working on a new generation of ethical, AI driven workflows for film and animation. Ben shares why he believes the future of filmmaking lies in visual intelligence rather than prompt driven tools, and how rapid visualisation can transform pre production, VFX and animation. He explains how AI can reduce friction, keep artists closer to performance and story, and even help make high quality animated features in under a year. The conversation explores: - How AI is reshaping the production pipeline without replacing artists - Why Moon Valley is built around visual intelligence, not just language models - What a faster, more iterative animation and VFX workflow looks like in practice - How generative tools can support virtual production and independent visions - What the VFX industry needs to do now to adapt and thrive Sharing insights from across his career working on tentpole studio projects as well as independent filmmaking, Ben conveys his vision for how AI might just help the film industry become more creative, more sustainable and more responsive to new stories and audiences. About Ben Lock Ben Lock - A BAFTA-winning producer with over 20 years of experience in animation, VFX, and virtual production. He has produced award-winning content for studios in Europe, Asia and the US including Aardman, Lucasfilm, and ILM, with credits on global franchises such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rogue One, and Ready Player One. As Director of Production Strategy at Asteria Film, he helps develop scalable, ethical AI workflows for film and animation. Ben is the Chair of the VES Education Committee, member of BAFTA, PGA, ATAS and a UK National Film and Television School alumni. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2217988538 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/93-mehret-mandefro-empowering-storytellers-and-building-creative-infrastructure 00:46:06 Alex Stolz no How do you build an entire creative ecosystem? And what does it take to empower storytellers at scale? In this episode, Alex speaks with Emmy-nominated producer, writer, doctor and serial entrepreneur Mehret Mandefro, a visionary voice at the intersection of storytelling, healing and creative innovation. As co-founder and MD of Realness Institute, Mehret has spent years strengthening Africa’s media landscape through training, mentorship and systemic infrastructure-building. She shares her remarkable journey from medicine to media, the origins of her “audiovisual medicine” artistic practice, and the powerful lessons learned from pioneering television in Ethiopia and developing talent across the continent. In a wide ranging conversation, Mehret also dives into: • Why creative infrastructure is the missing piece in global storytelling • How Realness Institute nurtures and de-risks new creative voices • The urgent need for producers to think like entrepreneurs • The role of technology and AI in elevating human stories • Why Africa is central to the future of film This is a conversation about creativity, systems change and the responsibility we all share in shaping the future of screen storytelling. About Mehret Mandefro Mehret Mandefro is an Emmy-nominated producer, writer, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of culture, commerce, and social impact. A former physician turned storyteller, she has dedicated her career to transforming how stories are made—and who gets to tell them. Born in Ethiopia and raised in America, Mehret is a transnational force in global media who has built several groundbreaking enterprises, including Truth Aid Media in New York, Kana TV in Addis Ababa, and the Realness Institute in Cape Town, a nonprofit dedicated to training and mentoring writers, producers, and directors across Africa and the diaspora. Her award-winning film and television work bridges documentary and fiction, revealing hidden truths across the human experience. Her credits include How It Feels to Be Free (American Masters), Sweetness in the Belly (Amazon), Difret (Netflix), The Cost of Inheritance (PBS), Little White Lie (PBS), and Ethiopia’s first teen drama, Yegna. Recognized on Variety’s list of the most impactful women in global entertainment, Mehret is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and is currently building the African Film and Media Arts Collective with artist Julie Mehretu with the support of BMW. Mehret has a BA in Anthropology from Harvard University, an MD from Harvard Medical School, a MSc in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as a Fulbright Scholar, and a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from Temple University. www.futureoffilm.live How do you build an entire creative ecosystem? An… How do you build an entire creative ecosystem? And what does it take to empower storytellers at scale? In this episode, Alex speaks with Emmy-nominated producer, writer, doctor and serial entrepreneur Mehret Mandefro, a visionary voice at the intersection of storytelling, healing and creative innovation. As co-founder and MD of Realness Institute, Mehret has spent years strengthening Africa’s media landscape through training, mentorship and systemic infrastructure-building. She shares her remarkable journey from medicine to media, the origins of her “audiovisual medicine” artistic practice, and the powerful lessons learned from pioneering television in Ethiopia and developing talent across the continent. In a wide ranging conversation, Mehret also dives into: • Why creative infrastructure is the missing piece in global storytelling • How Realness Institute nurtures and de-risks new creative voices • The urgent need for producers to think like entrepreneurs • The role of technology and AI in elevating human stories • Why Africa is central to the future of film This is a conversation about creativity, systems change and the responsibility we all share in shaping the future of screen storytelling. About Mehret Mandefro Mehret Mandefro is an Emmy-nominated producer, writer, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of culture, commerce, and social impact. A former physician turned storyteller, she has dedicated her career to transforming how stories are made—and who gets to tell them. Born in Ethiopia and raised in America, Mehret is a transnational force in global media who has built several groundbreaking enterprises, including Truth Aid Media in New York, Kana TV in Addis Ababa, and the Realness Institute in Cape Town, a nonprofit dedicated to training and mentoring writers, producers, and directors across Africa and the diaspora. Her award-winning film and television work bridges documentary and fiction, revealing hidden truths across the human experience. Her credits include How It Feels to Be Free (American Masters), Sweetness in the Belly (Amazon), Difret (Netflix), The Cost of Inheritance (PBS), Little White Lie (PBS), and Ethiopia’s first teen drama, Yegna. Recognized on Variety’s list of the most impactful women in global entertainment, Mehret is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and is currently building the African Film and Media Arts Collective with artist Julie Mehretu with the support of BMW. Mehret has a BA in Anthropology from Harvard University, an MD from Harvard Medical School, a MSc in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as a Fulbright Scholar, and a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from Temple University. www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2197808031 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:00:09 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/92-meagan-keane-empowering-storytellers-the-future-of-creativity 00:45:39 Alex Stolz no What happens when a documentary storyteller steps into the heart of creative tech? In this episode, Alex talks with Meagan Keane, Director of Product Marketing at Adobe Pro Video, about the tools, trends, and tectonic shifts shaping the future of screen storytelling. From AI and generative workflows to the rise of mobile editing and creative AI agents, Meagan shares Adobe’s vision for empowering a new generation of creators, while protecting the values of authenticity and artistry. In a conversation that explores the intersection of storytelling and technology in the fast changing media landscape, Meagan shares how her journey in film shapes her work today and shares powerful advice for anyone creating today. About Meagan Keane Meagan Keane is Director of Product Marketing for Adobe Professional Film & Video. She joined the Adobe Premiere Pro Management team in 2012 and has led business strategy across the Adobe video portfolio since 2019. While Meagan’s leadership has guided Adobe video strategies for over a decade, her beginnings were in documentary film. She was a producer across numerous documentary features including High School 911 (2016), Defining Beauty (2011), We Live in Public (Sundance Grand Jury Winner, 2009) and Join Us (2007). Meagan is a thought leader in the film and video industry, recently speaking on behalf of Adobe at the IBC in Amsterdam, the ITVS independent filmmakers summit in San Francisco, “AI on the Lot” conference in Los Angeles, hosting numerous panels at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Keane has also recently been quoted in Variety, Hollywood Reporter and Forbes Magazine regarding the future of filmmaking, as well as the growing impact of AI in Hollywood. Meagan sits on the Board of Governors of the Advanced Imaging Society and was named one of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing in 2023. She loves remaining connected to the film industry, while influencing future innovation in her field. Meagan lives with her family in Marin County, CA and has an MFA in film production from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. What happens when a documentary storyteller steps… What happens when a documentary storyteller steps into the heart of creative tech? In this episode, Alex talks with Meagan Keane, Director of Product Marketing at Adobe Pro Video, about the tools, trends, and tectonic shifts shaping the future of screen storytelling. From AI and generative workflows to the rise of mobile editing and creative AI agents, Meagan shares Adobe’s vision for empowering a new generation of creators, while protecting the values of authenticity and artistry. In a conversation that explores the intersection of storytelling and technology in the fast changing media landscape, Meagan shares how her journey in film shapes her work today and shares powerful advice for anyone creating today. About Meagan Keane Meagan Keane is Director of Product Marketing for Adobe Professional Film & Video. She joined the Adobe Premiere Pro Management team in 2012 and has led business strategy across the Adobe video portfolio since 2019. While Meagan’s leadership has guided Adobe video strategies for over a decade, her beginnings were in documentary film. She was a producer across numerous documentary features including High School 911 (2016), Defining Beauty (2011), We Live in Public (Sundance Grand Jury Winner, 2009) and Join Us (2007). Meagan is a thought leader in the film and video industry, recently speaking on behalf of Adobe at the IBC in Amsterdam, the ITVS independent filmmakers summit in San Francisco, “AI on the Lot” conference in Los Angeles, hosting numerous panels at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Keane has also recently been quoted in Variety, Hollywood Reporter and Forbes Magazine regarding the future of filmmaking, as well as the growing impact of AI in Hollywood. Meagan sits on the Board of Governors of the Advanced Imaging Society and was named one of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing in 2023. She loves remaining connected to the film industry, while influencing future innovation in her field. Meagan lives with her family in Marin County, CA and has an MFA in film production from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2177115735 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:00:12 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/91-david-neumann-creativity-ownership-and-global-opportunity-in-animation 00:48:49 Alex Stolz no In this episode of Future of Film, Alex talks with David Neumann, CEO of Newmation, a talent management and production company working with some of the world’s leading writers, directors and TV creators in both animation and live action. David shares his journey from ICM and CAA to founding Newmation, and why he bet early on global and independent animation. He discusses how to balance creativity with business, what makes a project stand out, and why IP ownership matters more than ever. The conversation explores: - How international co-productions and new funding models are reshaping animation - Why African and global voices are essential for the next generation of stories - The impact of technology — from Flow’s Blender breakthrough to AI disruption - How creators can pitch, package and protect their dream projects It’s an inspiring, candid look at where the animation industry is heading — and how new storytellers can succeed within it. About David Neumann David Neumann is a Producer, Talent Manager and CEO of NEWMATION. Newmation represents Academy award winning animation writers, directors and TV creators, spanning 5 continents and produces animated and live action films & series. He previously was an agent at Hollywood mega-agency, CAA, growing global animation in New York. Between his agent career at CAA and ICM, he's represented Oscar winning filmmakers such as David Yates (Harry Potter), Tom Hooper (Les Miserables, The King's Speech), Sir Stephen Frears (The Queen, Philomena) Arlene Klasky (Rugrats), Todd Komarnicki (Sully), and Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody) to name a few. In 2020, Neumann launched his own company and was honored on Observer's Entertainment Power 50 List, alongside Dwayne Johnson, Will Smith, JJ Abrams, Margot Robbie, and more. In this episode of Future of Film, Alex talks wit… In this episode of Future of Film, Alex talks with David Neumann, CEO of Newmation, a talent management and production company working with some of the world’s leading writers, directors and TV creators in both animation and live action. David shares his journey from ICM and CAA to founding Newmation, and why he bet early on global and independent animation. He discusses how to balance creativity with business, what makes a project stand out, and why IP ownership matters more than ever. The conversation explores: - How international co-productions and new funding models are reshaping animation - Why African and global voices are essential for the next generation of stories - The impact of technology — from Flow’s Blender breakthrough to AI disruption - How creators can pitch, package and protect their dream projects It’s an inspiring, candid look at where the animation industry is heading — and how new storytellers can succeed within it. About David Neumann David Neumann is a Producer, Talent Manager and CEO of NEWMATION. Newmation represents Academy award winning animation writers, directors and TV creators, spanning 5 continents and produces animated and live action films & series. He previously was an agent at Hollywood mega-agency, CAA, growing global animation in New York. Between his agent career at CAA and ICM, he's represented Oscar winning filmmakers such as David Yates (Harry Potter), Tom Hooper (Les Miserables, The King's Speech), Sir Stephen Frears (The Queen, Philomena) Arlene Klasky (Rugrats), Todd Komarnicki (Sully), and Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody) to name a few. In 2020, Neumann launched his own company and was honored on Observer's Entertainment Power 50 List, alongside Dwayne Johnson, Will Smith, JJ Abrams, Margot Robbie, and more. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2148779970 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 10:00:06 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/kurtmcclung 01:05:42 Alex Stolz no In this episode of Future of Film, Alex Stolz speaks with worldbuilding pioneer Kurt McClung, a narrative designer whose “world-first” methodology has helped build over 100 fictional universes across AAA games, film, TV, animation, and transmedia. From major gmaing franchises such as Ghost Recon and Beyond Good & Evil 2 to original IPs in development for the screen, Kurt has worked at the intersection of storytelling, design, and audience engagement for over two decades. Kurt shares why the traditional focus on characters and plot is no longer enough and how starting with a flawed world, defined by a central metaphor or societal question, can unlock new creative possibilities and commercial longevity. But more than that, Kurt explores how powerful worlds don’t just contain stories they create space for audience participation, debate, and community-building. With real world and practical examples, Kurt explains how worldbuilding is not just a storytelling tool, it’s a strategic engine that can align creative teams, connect with real-world conversations and give audiences something they want to explore, contribute to, and advocate for. Whether you're developing a game, a TV series, or an immersive transmedia experience, this conversation offers essential insights into designing IP that’s both creatively bold and culturally resonant. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why starting with a flawed world — not a character — leads to stronger stories - How to frame your world as a metaphor for a meaningful societal question - The three essential elements of a compelling narrative bible - How world-first storytelling creates alignment across large creative teams - Why audiences gather around problems, not plots and how to build a community around your story -Practical strategies for involving marketing and distribution early through theme-based outreach - How to design IP with built-in potential for audience expansion and participation About Kurt McClung Kurt McClung is a transmedia storyteller with a passion for epic inspirational experiences. He started his career writing graphic novels and interactive children’s books, and then blossomed into videogames and recently television and cinema. He has worked on over on one hundred fictional worlds for more than forty studios as a Creator, Writer, Lead Writer, Script Doctor, Content Director, Narrative Designer and World Designer. A specialist of IP creation, narrative structure and world logic with an industrial engineering education, he builds fictional journeys like one would plan the construction of a work of architecture. He has developed his own set of creative vision tools, and has shared his passion teaching transmedia strategy, interactive script writing, world design and 360 narrative design in several universities and for master class circuits. He serves as narrative Content Director on several boards of game studios he helped found. Kurt is an excellent team builder and creative alignment lead, whether on small scale projects or those of AAA scale. He strives to give audiences a novel point of view, an “extra life”. In this episode of Future of Film, Alex Stolz spe… In this episode of Future of Film, Alex Stolz speaks with worldbuilding pioneer Kurt McClung, a narrative designer whose “world-first” methodology has helped build over 100 fictional universes across AAA games, film, TV, animation, and transmedia. From major gmaing franchises such as Ghost Recon and Beyond Good & Evil 2 to original IPs in development for the screen, Kurt has worked at the intersection of storytelling, design, and audience engagement for over two decades. Kurt shares why the traditional focus on characters and plot is no longer enough and how starting with a flawed world, defined by a central metaphor or societal question, can unlock new creative possibilities and commercial longevity. But more than that, Kurt explores how powerful worlds don’t just contain stories they create space for audience participation, debate, and community-building. With real world and practical examples, Kurt explains how worldbuilding is not just a storytelling tool, it’s a strategic engine that can align creative teams, connect with real-world conversations and give audiences something they want to explore, contribute to, and advocate for. Whether you're developing a game, a TV series, or an immersive transmedia experience, this conversation offers essential insights into designing IP that’s both creatively bold and culturally resonant. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why starting with a flawed world — not a character — leads to stronger stories - How to frame your world as a metaphor for a meaningful societal question - The three essential elements of a compelling narrative bible - How world-first storytelling creates alignment across large creative teams - Why audiences gather around problems, not plots and how to build a community around your story -Practical strategies for involving marketing and distribution early through theme-based outreach - How to design IP with built-in potential for audience expansion and participation About Kurt McClung Kurt McClung is a transmedia storyteller with a passion for epic inspirational experiences. He started his career writing graphic novels and interactive children’s books, and then blossomed into videogames and recently television and cinema. He has worked on over on one hundred fictional worlds for more than forty studios as a Creator, Writer, Lead Writer, Script Doctor, Content Director, Narrative Designer and World Designer. A specialist of IP creation, narrative structure and world logic with an industrial engineering education, he builds fictional journeys like one would plan the construction of a work of architecture. He has developed his own set of creative vision tools, and has shared his passion teaching transmedia strategy, interactive script writing, world design and 360 narrative design in several universities and for master class circuits. He serves as narrative Content Director on several boards of game studios he helped found. Kurt is an excellent team builder and creative alignment lead, whether on small scale projects or those of AAA scale. He strives to give audiences a novel point of view, an “extra life”. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2133721785 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:05:55 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/89-doug-shapiro-ai-infinite-content-the-next-great-disruption 01:03:08 Alex Stolz no In this episode, Alex Stolz talks with Doug Shapiro, media strategist, former Turner executive and author of The Mediator, about the disruptive force of generative AI and what it truly means for filmmakers and creators. Doug draws a striking parallel: just as the internet drove the cost of moving bits (distribution) toward zero and reshaped the media landscape, generative AI is now driving the cost of making bits (content creation) toward zero. But what does that mean for the value of original storytelling? For jobs, budgets, and creativity? And how can creators and studios adapt to a world of “infinite content,” where audiences’ definitions of quality are shifting, and discovery becomes the real battle? Across the conversation, Doug explores the opportunities (democratization, bold creative choices, lower barriers for new voices) and the challenges (market saturation, changing consumer standards, legal and ethical uncertainty) that AI brings. Drawing on his experience of seeing streaming disrupt TV from the inside, he shares lessons for both incumbents and emerging studios and why, despite the disruption, he believes AI can empower a new generation of creators rather than replace them. About Doug Shapiro Doug has spent nearly 30 years in and around the media industry, as an analyst, strategist, advisor and operator. He is currently an independent advisor and consultant, speaker, and senior advisor for Boston Consulting Group. He also writes The Mediator, which is widely read and circulated in the industry. Doug is frequently asked to present his views about the evolution of the media business at corporate offsites, institutional investor conferences, industry events, and academic institutions. He is also writing Infinite Content: AI, the Next Great Disruption of Media, and How to Navigate What’s Coming, due to be published by The MIT Press in 2026. Prior to his current role, Doug was the Chief Financial Officer and a Managing Member of Pugilist Capital LLC, an investment firm formed with the purpose of acquiring media and media-adjacent technology businesses. Before that, he was EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Turner, a division of WarnerMedia, and member of the Executive Committee, where he headed the Corporate and Data Strategy functions. Prior to that position, Shapiro was the SVP of International and Corporate Strategy at Time Warner Inc. He previously headed the Time Warner Investor Relations group, overseeing the development and execution of the company’s investor relations initiatives, formulating investor messaging and serving as the primary contact for Time Warner with the investment community. Before joining Time Warner, Shapiro was a senior equity analyst at Banc of America Securities and Deutsche Banc Securities, where he covered the Cable and Satellite TV and Media Conglomerate sectors. He was ranked as one of the top Cable and Satellite analysts by Institutional Investor magazine each year from 1997 to 2006. In this episode, Alex Stolz talks with Doug Shapi… In this episode, Alex Stolz talks with Doug Shapiro, media strategist, former Turner executive and author of The Mediator, about the disruptive force of generative AI and what it truly means for filmmakers and creators. Doug draws a striking parallel: just as the internet drove the cost of moving bits (distribution) toward zero and reshaped the media landscape, generative AI is now driving the cost of making bits (content creation) toward zero. But what does that mean for the value of original storytelling? For jobs, budgets, and creativity? And how can creators and studios adapt to a world of “infinite content,” where audiences’ definitions of quality are shifting, and discovery becomes the real battle? Across the conversation, Doug explores the opportunities (democratization, bold creative choices, lower barriers for new voices) and the challenges (market saturation, changing consumer standards, legal and ethical uncertainty) that AI brings. Drawing on his experience of seeing streaming disrupt TV from the inside, he shares lessons for both incumbents and emerging studios and why, despite the disruption, he believes AI can empower a new generation of creators rather than replace them. About Doug Shapiro Doug has spent nearly 30 years in and around the media industry, as an analyst, strategist, advisor and operator. He is currently an independent advisor and consultant, speaker, and senior advisor for Boston Consulting Group. He also writes The Mediator, which is widely read and circulated in the industry. Doug is frequently asked to present his views about the evolution of the media business at corporate offsites, institutional investor conferences, industry events, and academic institutions. He is also writing Infinite Content: AI, the Next Great Disruption of Media, and How to Navigate What’s Coming, due to be published by The MIT Press in 2026. Prior to his current role, Doug was the Chief Financial Officer and a Managing Member of Pugilist Capital LLC, an investment firm formed with the purpose of acquiring media and media-adjacent technology businesses. Before that, he was EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Turner, a division of WarnerMedia, and member of the Executive Committee, where he headed the Corporate and Data Strategy functions. Prior to that position, Shapiro was the SVP of International and Corporate Strategy at Time Warner Inc. He previously headed the Time Warner Investor Relations group, overseeing the development and execution of the company’s investor relations initiatives, formulating investor messaging and serving as the primary contact for Time Warner with the investment community. Before joining Time Warner, Shapiro was a senior equity analyst at Banc of America Securities and Deutsche Banc Securities, where he covered the Cable and Satellite TV and Media Conglomerate sectors. He was ranked as one of the top Cable and Satellite analysts by Institutional Investor magazine each year from 1997 to 2006. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2127171558 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 08:59:43 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/88-guy-gadney-ai-microdramas-the-next-screen-revolution 00:46:35 Alex Stolz no In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Guy Gadney, CEO and founder of Charismatic.ai, about how generative AI is being used not just to assist, but to co-create stories in bold new ways. Charismatic — a spin-out from a major UK R&D consortium with Channel 4 and Aardman — has developed a platform that enables creators to develop structured, consistent narratives from the seed of an idea, with real-time iteration and animated playthroughs. The result? A system that’s making storytelling more accessible, scalable, and personalized than ever before. We explore how this technology could unlock new opportunities for storytellers globally, from neurodiverse creators to grassroots communities, and what the rise of microdramas — short, serialized, mobile-native stories — means for audience engagement, monetization, and the next wave of creator-owned IP. Guy also shares his candid views on AI, authenticity, and why creators must act now to ensure the future of content is not just automated — but equitable. About Guy Gadney Guy is CEO and Founder of Charismatic.ai which is at the forefront of Creative AI. He has run three start-ups as well as working for international media and telco organisations. With Charismatic.ai, Guy is transforming the use of AI in film, television and video games, focusing on the power of good storytelling and bridging the gap between the creative and technology industries. He has produced Emmy and BAFTA-nominated digital productions, and interactive narratives for Warner Bros, Dreamworks, Sky and the BBC, as well as the award-winning AI game adaptation of John Wyndham’s The Kraken Wakes. Guy is on Innovate UK’s BridgeAI Advisory Board, a Trustee of Sheffield Doc Fest, on the Board of Oxford’s Story Museum, and a co-founder of The Collaborative AI Consortium in 2019, researching the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Creative Industries.​ You can find out more about Charasmatic AI at www.charasmatic.ai. www.futureoffilm.live 2025 In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Guy Gadne… In this episode, Alex Stolz speaks with Guy Gadney, CEO and founder of Charismatic.ai, about how generative AI is being used not just to assist, but to co-create stories in bold new ways. Charismatic — a spin-out from a major UK R&D consortium with Channel 4 and Aardman — has developed a platform that enables creators to develop structured, consistent narratives from the seed of an idea, with real-time iteration and animated playthroughs. The result? A system that’s making storytelling more accessible, scalable, and personalized than ever before. We explore how this technology could unlock new opportunities for storytellers globally, from neurodiverse creators to grassroots communities, and what the rise of microdramas — short, serialized, mobile-native stories — means for audience engagement, monetization, and the next wave of creator-owned IP. Guy also shares his candid views on AI, authenticity, and why creators must act now to ensure the future of content is not just automated — but equitable. About Guy Gadney Guy is CEO and Founder of Charismatic.ai which is at the forefront of Creative AI. He has run three start-ups as well as working for international media and telco organisations. With Charismatic.ai, Guy is transforming the use of AI in film, television and video games, focusing on the power of good storytelling and bridging the gap between the creative and technology industries. He has produced Emmy and BAFTA-nominated digital productions, and interactive narratives for Warner Bros, Dreamworks, Sky and the BBC, as well as the award-winning AI game adaptation of John Wyndham’s The Kraken Wakes. Guy is on Innovate UK’s BridgeAI Advisory Board, a Trustee of Sheffield Doc Fest, on the Board of Oxford’s Story Museum, and a co-founder of The Collaborative AI Consortium in 2019, researching the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Creative Industries.​ You can find out more about Charasmatic AI at www.charasmatic.ai. www.futureoffilm.live 2025 Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2064866272 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/87-tobias-queisser-taking-bigger-creative-risks-with-ai 00:45:46 Alex Stolz no "Data and AI can increase risk taking" Tobias Queisser In this episode, Tobias Queisser, co-founder and CEO of Cinelytic, discusses how AI and machine learning can not only de-risk decision making in the greenlight and the overall filmmaking process - but also empower greater apparent risk taking too. Tobias addresses common misconceptions about AI, arguing that it can encourage greater creative risk-taking in filmmaking. With host Alex Stolz, they explore the origins of Cinelytic, the challenges in film production, and the role of data in enhancing film success. They also examine the evolving landscape of film distribution, the impact of streaming services, and the importance of understanding audience behavior through data analytics. Additionally, they discuss the potential of AI to boost creativity and economic viability in the industry, and anticipate future innovations in film technology. This episode was originally published on the Marketing and Distribution Podcast. Key Takeaways: - **AI Encourages Creative Risk-Taking:** Tobias explains how AI can reduce uncertainty, enabling filmmakers to pursue more innovative projects. - **Data-Driven Decision Making:** Utilizing data analytics can enhance understanding of audience preferences, leading to more successful films. - **Evolution of Film Distribution:** The rise of streaming services has transformed distribution strategies, emphasizing the need for data-informed approaches. AI as a Creative Tool:** Rather than replacing creativity, AI can support filmmakers by providing insights that inform and enhance the creative process. About Tobias Queisser Tobias Queisser is the co-founder and CEO of Cinelytic, bringing a background in finance, entertainment, and technology ventures. Prior to Cinelytic, he spent a decade in investment banking and co-founded a global investment fund in London. In 2013, Tobias established Arctic Pictures Limited, an international film production company. He holds an MSc in Accounting & Finance from CASS. For more episodes and information, visit Future of Film Podcast (https://futureoffilm.live/podcast/). "Data and AI can increase risk taking" Tobias Que… "Data and AI can increase risk taking" Tobias Queisser In this episode, Tobias Queisser, co-founder and CEO of Cinelytic, discusses how AI and machine learning can not only de-risk decision making in the greenlight and the overall filmmaking process - but also empower greater apparent risk taking too. Tobias addresses common misconceptions about AI, arguing that it can encourage greater creative risk-taking in filmmaking. With host Alex Stolz, they explore the origins of Cinelytic, the challenges in film production, and the role of data in enhancing film success. They also examine the evolving landscape of film distribution, the impact of streaming services, and the importance of understanding audience behavior through data analytics. Additionally, they discuss the potential of AI to boost creativity and economic viability in the industry, and anticipate future innovations in film technology. This episode was originally published on the Marketing and Distribution Podcast. Key Takeaways: - **AI Encourages Creative Risk-Taking:** Tobias explains how AI can reduce uncertainty, enabling filmmakers to pursue more innovative projects. - **Data-Driven Decision Making:** Utilizing data analytics can enhance understanding of audience preferences, leading to more successful films. - **Evolution of Film Distribution:** The rise of streaming services has transformed distribution strategies, emphasizing the need for data-informed approaches. AI as a Creative Tool:** Rather than replacing creativity, AI can support filmmakers by providing insights that inform and enhance the creative process. About Tobias Queisser Tobias Queisser is the co-founder and CEO of Cinelytic, bringing a background in finance, entertainment, and technology ventures. Prior to Cinelytic, he spent a decade in investment banking and co-founded a global investment fund in London. In 2013, Tobias established Arctic Pictures Limited, an international film production company. He holds an MSc in Accounting & Finance from CASS. For more episodes and information, visit Future of Film Podcast (https://futureoffilm.live/podcast/). Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2059725768 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/86-fiona-gilles-and-mahesh-ramachandra-pitching-ai-and-getting-to-greenlight-with-smash 00:41:34 Alex Stolz no In this episode of Future of Film Podcast, we’re joined by Fiona Gillies and Mahesh Ramachandra, co-founders of SMASH — the innovative platform that’s transforming how creators connect with industry decision-makers. SMASH is rethinking the pitching process from the ground up—offering creators a structured, accessible space to build and share their projects, while helping commissioners and buyers discover the stories they’re truly looking for. In this conversation, Fiona and Mahesh share the origin story of Smash, explore how AI and smart data are shaping the future of development, and offer practical advice for filmmakers looking to sharpen their pitches and navigate the industry with confidence. We also discuss the art (and pain) of writing a great logline, how to stand out in a crowded marketplace, and why the future of pitching is all about transparency, connection, and creator empowerment. This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Africa 2024 in partnership with Sèmè City of the Republic of Benin. About Fiona Gillies - Indie Producer & SMASH co-founder Fiona has produced award winning features and shorts.  The Beat Beneath my Feet was in competition in the Berlinale, and her debut feature City Slacker was nominated for a BIFA. She began her career with director Roger Michell at the RSC and has worked extensively both in front and behind the camera.  She co-founded SMASH, the Rights and IP Marketplace, with fellow producer Christine Hartland and digital pioneer Mahesh Ramachandra to encourage new, diverse talent to engage with decision makers. About Mahesh Ramachandra – Co-founder / CPO Mahesh is a digital product expert with 25 years of experience building and operating B2B SaaS and B2C entertainment services around the world. He focuses on early-stage products and companies, specialising in product conceptualisation, building teams, lean development, finding product-market fit, and scaling to success. Mahesh recently led the pre-school mobile app studio at eOne (Hasbro) and was previously Chief Product Officer at KidsKnowBest, Azoomee and Hopster, the award-winning SVOD service for kids. Prior to that, he developed and operated live interactive television programmes globally for almost 10 years, following stints in edtech and running his own interactive media studio. Mahesh is a regular speaker at industry conferences such as Kidscreen and the Edinburgh Television Festival and has been a judge for the Interactive Emmy Awards. He is a mentor with the BYP (Black Young Professionals) Network and is a team advisor with Antler Incubator. Mahesh has an MA in Design for Interactive Media from Middlesex University. My SMASH Media won a Gold Award for Tech Innovation at Cannes NEXT, the Innovation section of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Check out SMASH at www.mysmash.media In this episode of Future of Film Podcast, we’re … In this episode of Future of Film Podcast, we’re joined by Fiona Gillies and Mahesh Ramachandra, co-founders of SMASH — the innovative platform that’s transforming how creators connect with industry decision-makers. SMASH is rethinking the pitching process from the ground up—offering creators a structured, accessible space to build and share their projects, while helping commissioners and buyers discover the stories they’re truly looking for. In this conversation, Fiona and Mahesh share the origin story of Smash, explore how AI and smart data are shaping the future of development, and offer practical advice for filmmakers looking to sharpen their pitches and navigate the industry with confidence. We also discuss the art (and pain) of writing a great logline, how to stand out in a crowded marketplace, and why the future of pitching is all about transparency, connection, and creator empowerment. This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Africa 2024 in partnership with Sèmè City of the Republic of Benin. About Fiona Gillies - Indie Producer & SMASH co-founder Fiona has produced award winning features and shorts.  The Beat Beneath my Feet was in competition in the Berlinale, and her debut feature City Slacker was nominated for a BIFA. She began her career with director Roger Michell at the RSC and has worked extensively both in front and behind the camera.  She co-founded SMASH, the Rights and IP Marketplace, with fellow producer Christine Hartland and digital pioneer Mahesh Ramachandra to encourage new, diverse talent to engage with decision makers. About Mahesh Ramachandra – Co-founder / CPO Mahesh is a digital product expert with 25 years of experience building and operating B2B SaaS and B2C entertainment services around the world. He focuses on early-stage products and companies, specialising in product conceptualisation, building teams, lean development, finding product-market fit, and scaling to success. Mahesh recently led the pre-school mobile app studio at eOne (Hasbro) and was previously Chief Product Officer at KidsKnowBest, Azoomee and Hopster, the award-winning SVOD service for kids. Prior to that, he developed and operated live interactive television programmes globally for almost 10 years, following stints in edtech and running his own interactive media studio. Mahesh is a regular speaker at industry conferences such as Kidscreen and the Edinburgh Television Festival and has been a judge for the Interactive Emmy Awards. He is a mentor with the BYP (Black Young Professionals) Network and is a team advisor with Antler Incubator. Mahesh has an MA in Design for Interactive Media from Middlesex University. My SMASH Media won a Gold Award for Tech Innovation at Cannes NEXT, the Innovation section of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Check out SMASH at www.mysmash.media Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2042668808 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/85-sarudzayi-marufu 01:02:14 Alex Stolz no In this episode of the Future of Film podcast, host Alex Stolz speaks with Sarudzayi Marufu, founder of Uras Films, about the challenges and opportunities facing filmmakers today, particularly in the African market. They discuss the importance of understanding audience engagement, innovative approaches to crowdfunding, and the intersection of creativity and business. Sarudzayi emphasises the need for infrastructure and support for African filmmakers, highlighting the potential of the continent's creative resources. The conversation also touches on the importance of building a brand and cultivating a loyal audience. In this conversation, Sarudzayi shares insights on the filmmaking process, emphasizing the importance of leveraging personal privilege, understanding financial realities, and learning from experiences. She discusses the significance of marketing and distribution strategies, particularly in the context of independent films and African cinema - encouraging filmmakers to be audacious, share their ideas, and navigate the challenges of distribution while maintaining ownership and integrity. She highlights the need for an entrepreneurial mindset in filmmaking, advocating for a balance between creativity and business acumen. About Sarudzayi Marufu Sarudzayi Marufu is founder and executive producer of the production company Euras Films with a mission to tell bold, unafraid & innovative storytelling & authentic representation. She founded Euras with the mission of increasing representation for underprivileged communities and providing them with the resources to take bold creative risks. Since its inception in 2019, the studio has produced a range of short and feature-length films, the latest of which, All the Wives in Attics, has been selected for several awards at leading film festivals. Prior to Euras Films, Sarue was executive producer at Beyond the Canon, an organisation that aims to diversify the curricula at globally leading drama schools and theaters. Beyond the Canon taps into forgotten masterpieces by culturally diverse playwrights and brings them to national audiences. Previously, she founded Exodus Healthcare, a firm that supports patients living independently in their own homes. She applies her business expertise from scaling Exodus to her work in the film industry, helping underprivileged filmmakers navigate the business of producing films. In this episode of the Future of Film podcast, ho… In this episode of the Future of Film podcast, host Alex Stolz speaks with Sarudzayi Marufu, founder of Uras Films, about the challenges and opportunities facing filmmakers today, particularly in the African market. They discuss the importance of understanding audience engagement, innovative approaches to crowdfunding, and the intersection of creativity and business. Sarudzayi emphasises the need for infrastructure and support for African filmmakers, highlighting the potential of the continent's creative resources. The conversation also touches on the importance of building a brand and cultivating a loyal audience. In this conversation, Sarudzayi shares insights on the filmmaking process, emphasizing the importance of leveraging personal privilege, understanding financial realities, and learning from experiences. She discusses the significance of marketing and distribution strategies, particularly in the context of independent films and African cinema - encouraging filmmakers to be audacious, share their ideas, and navigate the challenges of distribution while maintaining ownership and integrity. She highlights the need for an entrepreneurial mindset in filmmaking, advocating for a balance between creativity and business acumen. About Sarudzayi Marufu Sarudzayi Marufu is founder and executive producer of the production company Euras Films with a mission to tell bold, unafraid & innovative storytelling & authentic representation. She founded Euras with the mission of increasing representation for underprivileged communities and providing them with the resources to take bold creative risks. Since its inception in 2019, the studio has produced a range of short and feature-length films, the latest of which, All the Wives in Attics, has been selected for several awards at leading film festivals. Prior to Euras Films, Sarue was executive producer at Beyond the Canon, an organisation that aims to diversify the curricula at globally leading drama schools and theaters. Beyond the Canon taps into forgotten masterpieces by culturally diverse playwrights and brings them to national audiences. Previously, she founded Exodus Healthcare, a firm that supports patients living independently in their own homes. She applies her business expertise from scaling Exodus to her work in the film industry, helping underprivileged filmmakers navigate the business of producing films. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1988825007 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/84-cj-fiery-obasi-the-path-of-a-storyteller 00:55:55 Alex Stolz no In this episode, CJ "Fiery" Obasi, the visionary filmmaker behind MAMI WATA, discusses his creative journey, the cultural narratives that shape his work and the commercial and creative path of a storyteller. CJ reflects on his early influences, including a passion for Hammer Horror films and Stephen King novels, and how these elements have informed his unique storytelling approach. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of bringing MAMI WATA to life, a film that intertwines African folklore with contemporary themes, and shares insights into the significance of genre filmmaking within the African cinema landscape. The conversation also explores the business of being a storyteller and entrepreneur, the future of African screen storytelling, and the evolving role of technology and AI in filmmaking. About C.J. Obasi C.J. Obasi also known as “Fiery” or “The Fiery One” wrote and directed the feature films OJUJU & O-TOWN, both of which has screened in many festivals, including the Gothenburg Film Festival and Fantasia Film Festival, garnering acclaim from the likes of Screen Anarchy, IndieWire, & The Hollywood Reporter. He has won the African Movie Academy Awards (African Oscars), and the Trailblazer Award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards AMVCA). OJUJU is listed in IndieWire’s Best Zombie Films Of All Time. His short film “Hello, Rain” premiered in the International Competition of Oberhausen, and in over 30 festivals like Fantasia Film Festival, where it won the Special Mention of the Jury prize, and the BFI London Film Festival where it was nominated for the Short Film Award. In 2016, he formed Surreal16 Collective with filmmakers Abba T. Makama and Michael to challenge the status quo of Nollywood filmmaking and Nigerian Film expectations. Their anthology film, Juju Stories won the Boccalino D’Oro Award for Best Film at Locarno Film Festival, and was aquired globally by Amazon Prime Video. Obasi’s latest work, MAMI WATA premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2023, where it won the Jury Award for Cinematography, as well as in FESPACO, where it won the Best Image, Best Décor and the African Critics Prize. MAMI WATA was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and for an NAACP Image Award. It was Nigeria's Official entry for the Academy Awards. MAMI WATA was acquired by Mubi, and has since been distributed theatrically, SVOD and Blu-Ray, DVDs in more than 25 territories, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, France, Brazil and Australia. Obasi was recently invited by the Rockefeller Foundation to participate as a cohort of the Bellagio Residency at Lake Como, Italy with his feature film project, LA PYRAMIDE: A CELEBRATION OF DARK BODIES. He is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (Oscars). In this episode, CJ "Fiery" Obasi, the visionary … In this episode, CJ "Fiery" Obasi, the visionary filmmaker behind MAMI WATA, discusses his creative journey, the cultural narratives that shape his work and the commercial and creative path of a storyteller. CJ reflects on his early influences, including a passion for Hammer Horror films and Stephen King novels, and how these elements have informed his unique storytelling approach. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of bringing MAMI WATA to life, a film that intertwines African folklore with contemporary themes, and shares insights into the significance of genre filmmaking within the African cinema landscape. The conversation also explores the business of being a storyteller and entrepreneur, the future of African screen storytelling, and the evolving role of technology and AI in filmmaking. About C.J. Obasi C.J. Obasi also known as “Fiery” or “The Fiery One” wrote and directed the feature films OJUJU & O-TOWN, both of which has screened in many festivals, including the Gothenburg Film Festival and Fantasia Film Festival, garnering acclaim from the likes of Screen Anarchy, IndieWire, & The Hollywood Reporter. He has won the African Movie Academy Awards (African Oscars), and the Trailblazer Award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards AMVCA). OJUJU is listed in IndieWire’s Best Zombie Films Of All Time. His short film “Hello, Rain” premiered in the International Competition of Oberhausen, and in over 30 festivals like Fantasia Film Festival, where it won the Special Mention of the Jury prize, and the BFI London Film Festival where it was nominated for the Short Film Award. In 2016, he formed Surreal16 Collective with filmmakers Abba T. Makama and Michael to challenge the status quo of Nollywood filmmaking and Nigerian Film expectations. Their anthology film, Juju Stories won the Boccalino D’Oro Award for Best Film at Locarno Film Festival, and was aquired globally by Amazon Prime Video. Obasi’s latest work, MAMI WATA premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2023, where it won the Jury Award for Cinematography, as well as in FESPACO, where it won the Best Image, Best Décor and the African Critics Prize. MAMI WATA was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and for an NAACP Image Award. It was Nigeria's Official entry for the Academy Awards. MAMI WATA was acquired by Mubi, and has since been distributed theatrically, SVOD and Blu-Ray, DVDs in more than 25 territories, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, France, Brazil and Australia. Obasi was recently invited by the Rockefeller Foundation to participate as a cohort of the Bellagio Residency at Lake Como, Italy with his feature film project, LA PYRAMIDE: A CELEBRATION OF DARK BODIES. He is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (Oscars). Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1975221431 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/83-ingrid-kopp-the-evolution-of-immersive-storytelling 00:51:18 Alex Stolz no In this episode, Ingrid Kopp, co-founder of Electric South, returns to the show to explore the dynamic evolution of immersive storytelling. With a particular focus on Africa, Ingrid reveals the shifting landscape of virtual reality (VR) and immersive narratives, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities within the XR space. In a discussion that shines a light on Electric South's pioneering work in bringing African stories into the space, Ingrid also examines the influence of AI on storytelling and the importance of process in artistic creation. The conversation also touches on defining immersive storytelling and its future trajectory, the role of artists in shaping forthcoming narratives, monetisation strategies for XR projects (still!), trends in VR and AR, and avenues for aspiring filmmakers in Africa. IN a conversation that was presnted as part of Future of Film Africa 2024, the dialogue highlights the necessity for innovation and investment in Africa's creative industries while addressing the challenges artists face in accessing technology and funding. More about Ingrid Kopp Ingrid Kopp is a co-founder and co-director of Electric South in South Africa, a non-profit organisation working with interdisciplinary artists across Africa to develop, produce and distribute immersive work. She also co-founded Immerse, a monthly publication on emerging nonfiction storytelling which ran from 2016 until 2023 in partnership with MIT Open Doc Lab and Dot Connector Studio. She is currently co-chair of the World Economic Forum Global Council on the Future of Metaverse. Previously, Ingrid curated the Tribeca Storyscapes programme for interactive and immersive work at the Tribeca Film Festival and was director of the Interactive Department at the Tribeca Film Institute in NYC. She started her career at Channel 4 Television in the UK. In this episode, Ingrid Kopp, co-founder of Elect… In this episode, Ingrid Kopp, co-founder of Electric South, returns to the show to explore the dynamic evolution of immersive storytelling. With a particular focus on Africa, Ingrid reveals the shifting landscape of virtual reality (VR) and immersive narratives, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities within the XR space. In a discussion that shines a light on Electric South's pioneering work in bringing African stories into the space, Ingrid also examines the influence of AI on storytelling and the importance of process in artistic creation. The conversation also touches on defining immersive storytelling and its future trajectory, the role of artists in shaping forthcoming narratives, monetisation strategies for XR projects (still!), trends in VR and AR, and avenues for aspiring filmmakers in Africa. IN a conversation that was presnted as part of Future of Film Africa 2024, the dialogue highlights the necessity for innovation and investment in Africa's creative industries while addressing the challenges artists face in accessing technology and funding. More about Ingrid Kopp Ingrid Kopp is a co-founder and co-director of Electric South in South Africa, a non-profit organisation working with interdisciplinary artists across Africa to develop, produce and distribute immersive work. She also co-founded Immerse, a monthly publication on emerging nonfiction storytelling which ran from 2016 until 2023 in partnership with MIT Open Doc Lab and Dot Connector Studio. She is currently co-chair of the World Economic Forum Global Council on the Future of Metaverse. Previously, Ingrid curated the Tribeca Storyscapes programme for interactive and immersive work at the Tribeca Film Festival and was director of the Interactive Department at the Tribeca Film Institute in NYC. She started her career at Channel 4 Television in the UK. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1957305567 Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/82-bringing-african-animation-to-disney-with-hamid-ibrahim 00:45:25 Alex Stolz no "Africa and African stories could be the future of storytelling." Hamid Ibrahim This episode is a deep dive into entrepreneurship, creativity and storytelling with Hamid Ibrahim, the Co-Founder and CEO of Kugali Media. Kugali hit the headlines last year when they became the first company to collaborate with Walt Disney Animation on an African story. IWAJU, the futuristic animated series, was the result of that partnership premiered to acclaim in 2024 on Disney+. In the conversation, Hamid describes his inspirational career path that took him from working in visual effects on some of Hollywood's biggest titles to beginning his own enterprise, initially with innovative graphic novels and highly effective crowdfunding campaigns. We also explore the scope of African storytelling, the challenges associated with building a business, AR and why AI presents an unprecedented opportunity for original creative entrepreneurs and storytellers. This episode is presented in part of Future of Film Africa 2024, presented in partnership with Sèmè City, the Republic of Benin. More about Hamid Ibrahim Hamid Ibrahim is a multi award winning Artist who focuses on creative leadership and innovation. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kugali Media, a visual entertainment company that focuses on authentic African visual storytelling. Hamid has worked in the highest levels of visual entertainment in Hollywood blockbusters like Lion King (2019), Dumbo (2019), The Predator (2018), The Darkest Minds (2018), Dolittle (2020) and most recently a first of its kind collaboration with Disney Animation Studios, an African created series called Iwaju. Iwaju marks the first time in Walt Disney’s 100 year history to collaborate with an outside studio (Kugali) to create an original animation. Hamid was able to win the Alumnus of the year Award from University of Hertfordshire in 2021 and made it to the list of the MIPAD 100 most influential persons of African Descent list in 2024. www.futureoffilm.live "Africa and African stories could be the future o… "Africa and African stories could be the future of storytelling." Hamid Ibrahim This episode is a deep dive into entrepreneurship, creativity and storytelling with Hamid Ibrahim, the Co-Founder and CEO of Kugali Media. Kugali hit the headlines last year when they became the first company to collaborate with Walt Disney Animation on an African story. IWAJU, the futuristic animated series, was the result of that partnership premiered to acclaim in 2024 on Disney+. In the conversation, Hamid describes his inspirational career path that took him from working in visual effects on some of Hollywood's biggest titles to beginning his own enterprise, initially with innovative graphic novels and highly effective crowdfunding campaigns. We also explore the scope of African storytelling, the challenges associated with building a business, AR and why AI presents an unprecedented opportunity for original creative entrepreneurs and storytellers. This episode is presented in part of Future of Film Africa 2024, presented in partnership with Sèmè City, the Republic of Benin. More about Hamid Ibrahim Hamid Ibrahim is a multi award winning Artist who focuses on creative leadership and innovation. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kugali Media, a visual entertainment company that focuses on authentic African visual storytelling. Hamid has worked in the highest levels of visual entertainment in Hollywood blockbusters like Lion King (2019), Dumbo (2019), The Predator (2018), The Darkest Minds (2018), Dolittle (2020) and most recently a first of its kind collaboration with Disney Animation Studios, an African created series called Iwaju. Iwaju marks the first time in Walt Disney’s 100 year history to collaborate with an outside studio (Kugali) to create an original animation. Hamid was able to win the Alumnus of the year Award from University of Hertfordshire in 2021 and made it to the list of the MIPAD 100 most influential persons of African Descent list in 2024. www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1945364147 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:18:21 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/fof-stephen-follows-edited 00:53:50 Alex Stolz no In this episode we welcome world leading film researcher Stephen Follows to the show for a deep dive into the data behind the horror genre. With insights fresh from Stephen's new exhaustive exploration of the space, The Horror Movie Report 2.0, we explore the significant increase in horror film production and the numbers behind its profitability. In a conversation that covers the importance of theatrical releases for horror films (and why they are so important for cinemas!) and the demographics of horror audiences, we also look at global trends in horror film production, including in Indonesia and Malaysia. Stephen shares how horror reflects cultural fears and societal narratives and why it's specific economic and stylistic characteristics make it such a vital genre for the industry. The conversation explores the multifaceted world of the genre, discussing cultural insights, marketing strategies, and the economics behind horror filmmaking including a focus on Blumhouse and the emergence of so-called 'elevated horror', as well as the future of horror in gaming and VR. In a slight detour, we also catch up on the role of AI in film production and storytelling. Having been an early adopter of generative AI in the space, Stephen highlights both its potential and current limitations and reveals why there aren't, yet at least, too many AI-themed horrors. More About Stephen Follows Stephen Follows is a world-leading film industry analyst whose research has been featured in almost every major newspaper and magazine, including The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Times. He is a consultant for Guinness World Records and the chairman of the Central Film School. Stephen’s expertise is sought by major Hollywood studios, and he has taught producers, filmmakers, and students around the world. In this episode we welcome world leading film res… In this episode we welcome world leading film researcher Stephen Follows to the show for a deep dive into the data behind the horror genre. With insights fresh from Stephen's new exhaustive exploration of the space, The Horror Movie Report 2.0, we explore the significant increase in horror film production and the numbers behind its profitability. In a conversation that covers the importance of theatrical releases for horror films (and why they are so important for cinemas!) and the demographics of horror audiences, we also look at global trends in horror film production, including in Indonesia and Malaysia. Stephen shares how horror reflects cultural fears and societal narratives and why it's specific economic and stylistic characteristics make it such a vital genre for the industry. The conversation explores the multifaceted world of the genre, discussing cultural insights, marketing strategies, and the economics behind horror filmmaking including a focus on Blumhouse and the emergence of so-called 'elevated horror', as well as the future of horror in gaming and VR. In a slight detour, we also catch up on the role of AI in film production and storytelling. Having been an early adopter of generative AI in the space, Stephen highlights both its potential and current limitations and reveals why there aren't, yet at least, too many AI-themed horrors. More About Stephen Follows Stephen Follows is a world-leading film industry analyst whose research has been featured in almost every major newspaper and magazine, including The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Times. He is a consultant for Guinness World Records and the chairman of the Central Film School. Stephen’s expertise is sought by major Hollywood studios, and he has taught producers, filmmakers, and students around the world. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1933235423 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/keasey 00:46:52 Alex Stolz no This episode explores the intersection of human creativity and AI technology. Filmmakers Jonathan Keasey and Justin MacGregor who are partnering with Phil Egger of J4 on a slate of films assisted by cutting edge AI technology. Entitled Hum.AI.ne Entertainment, their new initiative is focused on the ethical use of AI in the creative process and reflects Jonathan's journey from 'intentional Luddite' to a champion of the technology and its potential to support human powered creativity. In this conversation, Jonathan and Justin describe their journey and their vision for using the new tools. Describing what the tools can - and importantly cannot yet - do , they outline how they will be working with it on a slate of commercial animated feature films, starting with the legend of GELART. Meanwhile, Phil Egger describes more about the technology and how the process works in practice. More About Jonathan, Justin and Phillip Jonathan Keasey is the founder of Mindriot Entertainment and an acclaimed screenwriter, producer, story hunter and proud member of the Writers Guild of America. He has been hired to write films for studios and streamers from Hollywood to Canada, France to China, Central America to Africa, and now beneath the Oceans. As a descendant of Anne Hutchinson, credited by The Smithsonian as North America’s first Feminist and banished for heresy, to the descendant of a Presidential Speechwriter and whistleblower, to the proud grandson of a woman who set speed-records as a typist for a grocery chain, Jonathan does his best to follow in their footsteps and relay heartfelt stories that will have a positive impact. But most important of all, he just wants to make his family and friends proud before he becomes nutrients for an apple orchard. Dr. Justin MacGregor is Founder and Head of Transatlantic Content for Mindriot as well as the Head of Film at Trinity College, Dublin. His first feature film, “The Vigil (for Kurt Cobain)” screened at film festivals from Vancouver to Mumbai and was released by Vanguard Int’l and played on television sets worldwide after its theatrical run. His latest documentary, “Is There Anybody Out There? Young Voices from Inside a Pandemic” struck another sonic chord at a pivotal time, and premiered at the Virgin Media Dublin Int’l Film Festival in 2021. In between, MacGregor’s award-winning theatre work includes the anti-war trilogy “The Play That Killed Me,” “God Wept and the Devil Laughed,” and “The Lonely Clouds of Guernica.” With a catalogue of work that’s supported from Trinity to UNESCO. Phillip Egger is an attorney with over a decade of experience in AI acquisitions and development. He has three decades experience advising closely held businesses and owners of taxable estates. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and his Masters degree in U.S. federal tax law from the University of Florida. Mr Egger has been a visiting Professor at the University of Florida School of Law and has been a guest speaker at the University of Washington School of Law Tax Institute. This episode explores the intersection of human c… This episode explores the intersection of human creativity and AI technology. Filmmakers Jonathan Keasey and Justin MacGregor who are partnering with Phil Egger of J4 on a slate of films assisted by cutting edge AI technology. Entitled Hum.AI.ne Entertainment, their new initiative is focused on the ethical use of AI in the creative process and reflects Jonathan's journey from 'intentional Luddite' to a champion of the technology and its potential to support human powered creativity. In this conversation, Jonathan and Justin describe their journey and their vision for using the new tools. Describing what the tools can - and importantly cannot yet - do , they outline how they will be working with it on a slate of commercial animated feature films, starting with the legend of GELART. Meanwhile, Phil Egger describes more about the technology and how the process works in practice. More About Jonathan, Justin and Phillip Jonathan Keasey is the founder of Mindriot Entertainment and an acclaimed screenwriter, producer, story hunter and proud member of the Writers Guild of America. He has been hired to write films for studios and streamers from Hollywood to Canada, France to China, Central America to Africa, and now beneath the Oceans. As a descendant of Anne Hutchinson, credited by The Smithsonian as North America’s first Feminist and banished for heresy, to the descendant of a Presidential Speechwriter and whistleblower, to the proud grandson of a woman who set speed-records as a typist for a grocery chain, Jonathan does his best to follow in their footsteps and relay heartfelt stories that will have a positive impact. But most important of all, he just wants to make his family and friends proud before he becomes nutrients for an apple orchard. Dr. Justin MacGregor is Founder and Head of Transatlantic Content for Mindriot as well as the Head of Film at Trinity College, Dublin. His first feature film, “The Vigil (for Kurt Cobain)” screened at film festivals from Vancouver to Mumbai and was released by Vanguard Int’l and played on television sets worldwide after its theatrical run. His latest documentary, “Is There Anybody Out There? Young Voices from Inside a Pandemic” struck another sonic chord at a pivotal time, and premiered at the Virgin Media Dublin Int’l Film Festival in 2021. In between, MacGregor’s award-winning theatre work includes the anti-war trilogy “The Play That Killed Me,” “God Wept and the Devil Laughed,” and “The Lonely Clouds of Guernica.” With a catalogue of work that’s supported from Trinity to UNESCO. Phillip Egger is an attorney with over a decade of experience in AI acquisitions and development. He has three decades experience advising closely held businesses and owners of taxable estates. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and his Masters degree in U.S. federal tax law from the University of Florida. Mr Egger has been a visiting Professor at the University of Florida School of Law and has been a guest speaker at the University of Washington School of Law Tax Institute. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1719794004 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/76-ane-crabtree-designing-futuristic-worlds-through-fashion 01:04:25 Alex Stolz no In this episode we are joined by the acclaimed visual artist and costume designer, Ane Crabtree. Ane’s substantial body of work includes her iconic, unmistakable designs for THE HANDMAID'S TALE (seasons one and two) as well as WESTWORLD (season one), and Apple TV’s THE CHANGELING. As such, Ane has built a formidable reputation as a designer of the future and was described as one of Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2018, deemed so "for designing the apocalypse". Ane is a long standing collaborator with (previous guest of this show) Liam Young, including their most recent project PLANETARY REDESIGN which premiered at Venice Biennale in 2023. Ane also recently collaborated with Darren Aronofsky for POSTCARDS FROM EARTH which was made for The Sphere in Las Vegas. Her work reflects the rural roots of Kentucky and the rich influence of her Okinawan heritage as the backbone of her visual storytelling. In this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the theme of worldbuilding tand storytelling through costume design, includiing her work for THE HANDMAID'S TALE. We also explore Ane's creative and collaborative process, her journey from rural Kentucky to the peak of screen storytelling, the influence of her Okinawan heritage in her work and how she came to collaborate with Darren Aronofsky - and much more! About Ane Crabtree Ane Crabtree is a visual artist, painter, costume designer, and documentarian whose images conjure the hidden emotions behind the stories of memory, skewed reality, sense of place, and human nature. Her work in movies and television explores the use of deconstruction and dystopia, most notably in her original iconic designs for The Handmaid's Tale, seasons one and two. She is also responsible for The Sopranos pilot, Westworld season one, and Masters of Sex, seasons one and two. Inspired by the landscapes of reality, alchemy, nature, and direct documentation, Crabtree's approach to her designs explores the transcendence of the real, utilizing emotions as a conduit or emotional decoder for the audience. In 2018, Crabtree spoke at the United Nations, in support of the METoo movement, at the commemoration of The International Day to End Violence Against Women/Orange the World. She has been nominated for three Emmy Awards (2017, 2018, 2019)for her work on The Handmaid's Tale and Westworld (2016). She has been nominated for four Costume Guild Awards for PanAm (2012), Masters of Sex (2015), Westworld (2016), and winning for The Handmaid's Tale (2018). Her first solo exhibition was "Designs for Dystopia" at SCAD Museum of Fashion and Film, featuring her sketches, designs, and wall of inspiration from The Handmaid's Tale (2018). Her work for The Handmaid's Tale has been shown at pop up exhibitions for Vogue Magazine/The Public Hotel (2017), The Paley Center for Media (2017), and is a part of the permanent collection at The National Museum of American History at The Smithsonian Museum (2018). This work was also a part of the group exhibition, Designs for Different Futures at The Philadelphia Museum of Art (2019-2020), The Walker Museum of Art (2020-2021), and The Art Institute of Chicago (2021). Crabtree's work will soon be featured in a group exhibition, "Mother!" at The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark (2021). Her most recent collaboration, with filmmaker Liam Young, for the National Gallery of Victoria Museum's Triennial (2020-2021), at MAAT in Lisbon (March 2021), and at the Shanghai Biennale (April 2021) features costumes in the short film "Planet City", directed and produced by Liam Young. Planet City is the first "design for utopia" for Crabtree. She served as costume designer, producer, and costume director for seven international artists, including herself. Her costumes for The Handmaid's Tale are now in the permanent collection of The Smithsonian Museum of American History. In this episode we are joined by the acclaimed vi… In this episode we are joined by the acclaimed visual artist and costume designer, Ane Crabtree. Ane’s substantial body of work includes her iconic, unmistakable designs for THE HANDMAID'S TALE (seasons one and two) as well as WESTWORLD (season one), and Apple TV’s THE CHANGELING. As such, Ane has built a formidable reputation as a designer of the future and was described as one of Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2018, deemed so "for designing the apocalypse". Ane is a long standing collaborator with (previous guest of this show) Liam Young, including their most recent project PLANETARY REDESIGN which premiered at Venice Biennale in 2023. Ane also recently collaborated with Darren Aronofsky for POSTCARDS FROM EARTH which was made for The Sphere in Las Vegas. Her work reflects the rural roots of Kentucky and the rich influence of her Okinawan heritage as the backbone of her visual storytelling. In this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the theme of worldbuilding tand storytelling through costume design, includiing her work for THE HANDMAID'S TALE. We also explore Ane's creative and collaborative process, her journey from rural Kentucky to the peak of screen storytelling, the influence of her Okinawan heritage in her work and how she came to collaborate with Darren Aronofsky - and much more! About Ane Crabtree Ane Crabtree is a visual artist, painter, costume designer, and documentarian whose images conjure the hidden emotions behind the stories of memory, skewed reality, sense of place, and human nature. Her work in movies and television explores the use of deconstruction and dystopia, most notably in her original iconic designs for The Handmaid's Tale, seasons one and two. She is also responsible for The Sopranos pilot, Westworld season one, and Masters of Sex, seasons one and two. Inspired by the landscapes of reality, alchemy, nature, and direct documentation, Crabtree's approach to her designs explores the transcendence of the real, utilizing emotions as a conduit or emotional decoder for the audience. In 2018, Crabtree spoke at the United Nations, in support of the METoo movement, at the commemoration of The International Day to End Violence Against Women/Orange the World. She has been nominated for three Emmy Awards (2017, 2018, 2019)for her work on The Handmaid's Tale and Westworld (2016). She has been nominated for four Costume Guild Awards for PanAm (2012), Masters of Sex (2015), Westworld (2016), and winning for The Handmaid's Tale (2018). Her first solo exhibition was "Designs for Dystopia" at SCAD Museum of Fashion and Film, featuring her sketches, designs, and wall of inspiration from The Handmaid's Tale (2018). Her work for The Handmaid's Tale has been shown at pop up exhibitions for Vogue Magazine/The Public Hotel (2017), The Paley Center for Media (2017), and is a part of the permanent collection at The National Museum of American History at The Smithsonian Museum (2018). This work was also a part of the group exhibition, Designs for Different Futures at The Philadelphia Museum of Art (2019-2020), The Walker Museum of Art (2020-2021), and The Art Institute of Chicago (2021). Crabtree's work will soon be featured in a group exhibition, "Mother!" at The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark (2021). Her most recent collaboration, with filmmaker Liam Young, for the National Gallery of Victoria Museum's Triennial (2020-2021), at MAAT in Lisbon (March 2021), and at the Shanghai Biennale (April 2021) features costumes in the short film "Planet City", directed and produced by Liam Young. Planet City is the first "design for utopia" for Crabtree. She served as costume designer, producer, and costume director for seven international artists, including herself. Her costumes for The Handmaid's Tale are now in the permanent collection of The Smithsonian Museum of American History. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1691126376 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/76-reimagining-the-greenlight-process-with-ted-hope-irina-albita-and-anjali-midha 00:56:02 Alex Stolz no This special episode features a conversation with three leaders in this space exploring the future of the greenlight process in film: Anjali Midha is the Former Head of Entertainment at Twitter and the Founder and CEO of the entertainment analytics platform Diesel Labs. Irina Albita, co-founder and co-CEO of FilmChain, the blockchain based platform revolutionising the collection of revenues in film and TV. Ted Hope is the producer of over 70 feature films, the former Head of Production at Amazon Studios and author of the book Hope for Film and blog of the same name. In an increasingly competitive and congested distribution marketplace, better and more informed decision making upstream is increasingly essential. Is there a better way? How can we support intuitive creativity with robust data analytics, audience insights and distribution intelligence? What are the tools, resources and information that can underpin more effective commissioning or investment decisions? Where are the information blindspots and how can filmmakers formulate a more robust investment opportunity? How can we create more inclusiveness in the greenlight process? More about our speakers Ted Hope has been a producer on over 70 films, studio executive on over 60, CEO of a start-up streamer, co-head of 3 production companies, executive director of a film society & festival, a Professor Of Practice at 2 universities, and founder of a post-production facility, 2 websites, 2 think tanks, & an app. Ted launched Amazon’s foray into feature film production, leading them to 19 Oscar nominations and 5 wins. As a producer, his films have received 25 Oscar nominations, with 6 wins. Ted’s memoir and newsletter Hope For Film, are both must reads. Ted helped launch the feature film careers of Ang Lee, Nicole Holofcener, Hal Hartley, Michel Gondry and many others. His most recent films include the first narrative from Oscar-winning documentary director, Roger Ross Williams, Cassandro, as well as the documentary Invisible Nation on Taiwan, directed and produced by Vanessa Hope. Anjali Midha, an entrepreneur with a passion for driving innovation in media and marketing analytics. She is the co-founder & CEO of Diesel Labs, a content analytics company that addresses the toughest questions facing media companies today. Before starting Diesel Labs, she was the Global Director of Media Research at Twitter where she developed the ‘playbook’ for television - illuminating the synergies and opportunities across traditional and new media. She joined Twitter via their acquisition of Bluefin Labs (the pioneer of Social TV Analytics), prior to which she was the VP of Strategy & Analytics at Digitas. Anjali holds a BA in Economics from Tufts University and an MBA from MIT Sloan Irina Albita is a technologist with over 12 years experience in the London/NYC tech scene, with a mathematics-economics background. Her passion is exploring how emerging tech radically transforms creative industries, and she is a prominent figure at film & tech events worldwide. She co-founded FilmChain alongside Maria Tanjala. The platform is transforming how producers, financiers, and sales agents get paid. With a digital collection account management (CAM) for indie films and a royalties management solution for content distributors, FilmChain brings transparency to payments and modernises royalties. Former EFM Startups 2018, they have won awards such as ‘Startup of the Year’ London Business Awards 2020, Startup Challenge at San Sebastian Film Festival 2020, Makers and Shakers 2020, and Unchain Fintech Festival 2022, to name a few. This episode is presented in partnership with Screenovators, the online community dedicated to innovation in the screen industries. For more information and to join: www.screenoavtors.com This special episode features a conversation with… This special episode features a conversation with three leaders in this space exploring the future of the greenlight process in film: Anjali Midha is the Former Head of Entertainment at Twitter and the Founder and CEO of the entertainment analytics platform Diesel Labs. Irina Albita, co-founder and co-CEO of FilmChain, the blockchain based platform revolutionising the collection of revenues in film and TV. Ted Hope is the producer of over 70 feature films, the former Head of Production at Amazon Studios and author of the book Hope for Film and blog of the same name. In an increasingly competitive and congested distribution marketplace, better and more informed decision making upstream is increasingly essential. Is there a better way? How can we support intuitive creativity with robust data analytics, audience insights and distribution intelligence? What are the tools, resources and information that can underpin more effective commissioning or investment decisions? Where are the information blindspots and how can filmmakers formulate a more robust investment opportunity? How can we create more inclusiveness in the greenlight process? More about our speakers Ted Hope has been a producer on over 70 films, studio executive on over 60, CEO of a start-up streamer, co-head of 3 production companies, executive director of a film society & festival, a Professor Of Practice at 2 universities, and founder of a post-production facility, 2 websites, 2 think tanks, & an app. Ted launched Amazon’s foray into feature film production, leading them to 19 Oscar nominations and 5 wins. As a producer, his films have received 25 Oscar nominations, with 6 wins. Ted’s memoir and newsletter Hope For Film, are both must reads. Ted helped launch the feature film careers of Ang Lee, Nicole Holofcener, Hal Hartley, Michel Gondry and many others. His most recent films include the first narrative from Oscar-winning documentary director, Roger Ross Williams, Cassandro, as well as the documentary Invisible Nation on Taiwan, directed and produced by Vanessa Hope. Anjali Midha, an entrepreneur with a passion for driving innovation in media and marketing analytics. She is the co-founder & CEO of Diesel Labs, a content analytics company that addresses the toughest questions facing media companies today. Before starting Diesel Labs, she was the Global Director of Media Research at Twitter where she developed the ‘playbook’ for television - illuminating the synergies and opportunities across traditional and new media. She joined Twitter via their acquisition of Bluefin Labs (the pioneer of Social TV Analytics), prior to which she was the VP of Strategy & Analytics at Digitas. Anjali holds a BA in Economics from Tufts University and an MBA from MIT Sloan Irina Albita is a technologist with over 12 years experience in the London/NYC tech scene, with a mathematics-economics background. Her passion is exploring how emerging tech radically transforms creative industries, and she is a prominent figure at film & tech events worldwide. She co-founded FilmChain alongside Maria Tanjala. The platform is transforming how producers, financiers, and sales agents get paid. With a digital collection account management (CAM) for indie films and a royalties management solution for content distributors, FilmChain brings transparency to payments and modernises royalties. Former EFM Startups 2018, they have won awards such as ‘Startup of the Year’ London Business Awards 2020, Startup Challenge at San Sebastian Film Festival 2020, Makers and Shakers 2020, and Unchain Fintech Festival 2022, to name a few. This episode is presented in partnership with Screenovators, the online community dedicated to innovation in the screen industries. For more information and to join: www.screenoavtors.com Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1663753830 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/75-mark-forstater-and-nathan-neuman-on-building-a-new-studio-system 00:38:17 Alex Stolz no Mark Forstater and Nathan Neuman are co-Founders of Dreambird the new Web3 powered filmmaking and streaming platform. In this episode, they discuss the pitfalls and structural problems associated with the current film financing model and outline their vision for Dreambird as a marketplace designed to foster creators' collaboration, decision-making, and project participation. In a wide ranging conversation - that draws on Mark's rich experience as a producer (including Monty Python and the Holy Grail no less!) - we also explore generative AI, NFTs, interactive storytelling and the history - and future - of the industry. About Mark Forstater Mark Forstater is a highly experienced producer with over 40 years in the film and television industry and a pioneer of independent British films. He has extensive credits including cult classics like "Monty Python & The Holy Grail" and "XTRO,". His recent films, "Swipe Fever" and "The Lullaby Killer," highlight his continued commitment to pushing boundaries and film production. About Nathan Neuman Entrepreneur and filmmaker with a background in music and post-production, Nathan has managed production companies and talent agencies in the UK and US, while also working as a producer for global corporations in music, advertising, fashion, and technology. Nathan directed the feature film "Swipe Fever" and designed the game "Viral Survival." Mark Forstater and Nathan Neuman are co-Founders … Mark Forstater and Nathan Neuman are co-Founders of Dreambird the new Web3 powered filmmaking and streaming platform. In this episode, they discuss the pitfalls and structural problems associated with the current film financing model and outline their vision for Dreambird as a marketplace designed to foster creators' collaboration, decision-making, and project participation. In a wide ranging conversation - that draws on Mark's rich experience as a producer (including Monty Python and the Holy Grail no less!) - we also explore generative AI, NFTs, interactive storytelling and the history - and future - of the industry. About Mark Forstater Mark Forstater is a highly experienced producer with over 40 years in the film and television industry and a pioneer of independent British films. He has extensive credits including cult classics like "Monty Python & The Holy Grail" and "XTRO,". His recent films, "Swipe Fever" and "The Lullaby Killer," highlight his continued commitment to pushing boundaries and film production. About Nathan Neuman Entrepreneur and filmmaker with a background in music and post-production, Nathan has managed production companies and talent agencies in the UK and US, while also working as a producer for global corporations in music, advertising, fashion, and technology. Nathan directed the feature film "Swipe Fever" and designed the game "Viral Survival." Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1606729626 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/73-emma-needell-on-technology-creative-practice-and-finding-your-storys-heart 00:50:28 Alex Stolz no Emma Needell is a filmmaker and worldbuilder who champions original storytelling. Her script THE WATER MAN, directed by David Oyelowo and produced by Oprah Winfrey, premiered at TIFF and is now on Netflix. In 2021, she won an Epic Megagrant to use Unreal Engine on a short film that explores the power of technology to bring people together. The film premiered at Tribeca and is now on the festival circuit. She is also the worldbuilder and Head of Story for the web3 content company Tally Labs. Emma joined Future of Film Incubator 2023 to share insights from her journey as a storyteller, her creative process and how she incorporates technology into her practice. Highlights include: - The story behind Emma's first script being made with David Oyelowo and Oprah Winfrey - Emma's adoption of Unreal Engine in her creative process - Emma's use of AI and her position on its adoption in filmmaking - How Emma is leaning into the Web3 world with the worldbuilding of the Azurbala project "I ended up using Unreal Engine to rewrite the script because I could play around with 3D motion, with camera movement, I could put a score to it, I could mess around with lighting and with basic blocking." - Emma Needell Emma Needell is a filmmaker and worldbuilder who … Emma Needell is a filmmaker and worldbuilder who champions original storytelling. Her script THE WATER MAN, directed by David Oyelowo and produced by Oprah Winfrey, premiered at TIFF and is now on Netflix. In 2021, she won an Epic Megagrant to use Unreal Engine on a short film that explores the power of technology to bring people together. The film premiered at Tribeca and is now on the festival circuit. She is also the worldbuilder and Head of Story for the web3 content company Tally Labs. Emma joined Future of Film Incubator 2023 to share insights from her journey as a storyteller, her creative process and how she incorporates technology into her practice. Highlights include: - The story behind Emma's first script being made with David Oyelowo and Oprah Winfrey - Emma's adoption of Unreal Engine in her creative process - Emma's use of AI and her position on its adoption in filmmaking - How Emma is leaning into the Web3 world with the worldbuilding of the Azurbala project "I ended up using Unreal Engine to rewrite the script because I could play around with 3D motion, with camera movement, I could put a score to it, I could mess around with lighting and with basic blocking." - Emma Needell Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1511192365 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/69-dan-erickson-on-showrunning-worldbuilding-and-the-story-of-severance 00:50:51 Alex Stolz no Dan Erickson is the creator and showrunner of Apple TV's Emmy© Award-winning series, SEVERANCE. After attending NYU's Tisch School, where he received a Masters in Dramatic Writing. Upon moving to Los Angeles, he delivered food and worked in a string of office jobs, all while conceiving and writing the original pilot for Severance. The script became the first TV pilot ever selected for the annual Bloodlist, which ultimately led to a creative partnership with Ben Stiller’s Red Hour Productions, Endeavor Content, and Apple. Atypically, this also led to Dan becoming Showrunner, retaining huge levels of creative control and driving the production - and the show became an instant cult and critical hit largely due to its powerful and original storyworld. In this episode, Dan talks to fellow storyteller and CEO and co-founder of Kinetic Energy Entertainment, Diana Williams about his career and building the show's mind-bending world. Dan and Diana discuss the intricate process of story world design, exploring how Dan's original play - and real life office experience - inspired the show. Dan relates the journey of the show from concept to screen (and as unknown writer to showrunner) including early pitches and his experiences working with Ben Stiller and Chris Black. We also learn what it means to be a showrunner on your first series and the demanding balancing act of creative and organisational priorities it entails. This includes in particular the focus on tone and how establishing the right tone - and maintaining this - is one of the most important and challenging aspects of the role. Dan Erickson is the creator and showrunner of App… Dan Erickson is the creator and showrunner of Apple TV's Emmy© Award-winning series, SEVERANCE. After attending NYU's Tisch School, where he received a Masters in Dramatic Writing. Upon moving to Los Angeles, he delivered food and worked in a string of office jobs, all while conceiving and writing the original pilot for Severance. The script became the first TV pilot ever selected for the annual Bloodlist, which ultimately led to a creative partnership with Ben Stiller’s Red Hour Productions, Endeavor Content, and Apple. Atypically, this also led to Dan becoming Showrunner, retaining huge levels of creative control and driving the production - and the show became an instant cult and critical hit largely due to its powerful and original storyworld. In this episode, Dan talks to fellow storyteller and CEO and co-founder of Kinetic Energy Entertainment, Diana Williams about his career and building the show's mind-bending world. Dan and Diana discuss the intricate process of story world design, exploring how Dan's original play - and real life office experience - inspired the show. Dan relates the journey of the show from concept to screen (and as unknown writer to showrunner) including early pitches and his experiences working with Ben Stiller and Chris Black. We also learn what it means to be a showrunner on your first series and the demanding balancing act of creative and organisational priorities it entails. This includes in particular the focus on tone and how establishing the right tone - and maintaining this - is one of the most important and challenging aspects of the role. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1926304088 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 09:29:07 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/fof-davide-bianca-edited 00:55:18 Alex Stolz no "We're on the verge of a paradigm shift, in terms of the stories that need to be told ... and how they need to be implemented." Davide Bianca Emmy award-winning executive creative director, strategist and technologist, Davide Bianca joins Future of Film Podcast to discuss Generative AI, the future of the industry and his latest project, Shifting Tides; the next-generation creator-led studio and publisher pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and development using advanced technologies. Drawing from his experience working on some of entertainment's biggest properties, Davide reveals his new model for creator-led publishing and why the industry is on the brink of a major reset. Davide also shares his love of the latest AI tools and explains why they present an unprecedented opportunity for storytellers. This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Africa 2024 in partnership with Sèmè City, Republic of Benin. More about Davide Bianca Emmy award winning executive creative director, strategist, and technologist, currently serving as Chief Creative Officer at BCN Visuals, and founder of Shifting Tides. For nearly two decades Davide Bianca has been at the forefront of innovation, telling stories across multiple mediums while helping Hollywood studios, tv networks, streaming platforms and gaming companies bring their properties to international audiences and shape pop culture. Responsible for directing complex and extensive Hollywood theatrical and TV launches across film, experiential, digital and XR, Davide's body of work includes screen writing for television, ideating and executing original and ambitious large scale stunts, experiential activations and anamorphic 3D OOH campaigns for cult TV properties and franchises such as “Stranger Things”, "Game of Thrones", and theatrical smash hit franchises such as "Avatar - The Way of Water", "Jurassic World", and “John Wick”, delivering to clients such as Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Amazon, Netflix, Disney, and Sony Pictures consistent performance across the board. Davide has directed shows, experiences, virtual events, commercials, animated shorts, and digital OOH campaigns with online view counts in the hundreds of millions, and generating billions of online earned media impressions. Davide has been actively involved in the gaming industry, helping studios like Riot, 2K, Activision, XBOX and Playstation create original content and consolidate existing IPs, bringing to the table expertise ranging from scripting to original character design, world building, all the way to directing cinematic launch trailers, working on successful properties such as "Marvel's Midnight Suns", "Marvel's Spider-Man2", “Call of Duty”, “Gears Of War”, and “Final Fantasy”. With over 35 theatrical and TV launches under his belt, two original screen plays, and a plethora of awards that include twentytwo Cannes Lions, twenty nine Clios, five Webbys, one Emmy and two Emmy nominations, and with a background in Computer Science Engineering & AI, Davide believes in the emergence of a new form of immersive entertainment that delivers meaningful shared experiences, one that transcends cultural constraints or geographical boundaries, effectively blurring the line between storytelling and interaction, physical and digital. Davide is the founder of Shifting Tides, a next-generation creative studio and publisher pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. With a focus on experimentation and exploration, Shifting Tides partners with top-tier writers and artists to reimagine how their unique voices and stories can break free from traditional storytelling. Constantly exploring new ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of publishing, Shifting Tides embraces emerging technologies and tools to transform ideas into stories that are accessible in physical and digital, comics and books. "We're on the verge of a paradigm shift, in terms… "We're on the verge of a paradigm shift, in terms of the stories that need to be told ... and how they need to be implemented." Davide Bianca Emmy award-winning executive creative director, strategist and technologist, Davide Bianca joins Future of Film Podcast to discuss Generative AI, the future of the industry and his latest project, Shifting Tides; the next-generation creator-led studio and publisher pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and development using advanced technologies. Drawing from his experience working on some of entertainment's biggest properties, Davide reveals his new model for creator-led publishing and why the industry is on the brink of a major reset. Davide also shares his love of the latest AI tools and explains why they present an unprecedented opportunity for storytellers. This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Africa 2024 in partnership with Sèmè City, Republic of Benin. More about Davide Bianca Emmy award winning executive creative director, strategist, and technologist, currently serving as Chief Creative Officer at BCN Visuals, and founder of Shifting Tides. For nearly two decades Davide Bianca has been at the forefront of innovation, telling stories across multiple mediums while helping Hollywood studios, tv networks, streaming platforms and gaming companies bring their properties to international audiences and shape pop culture. Responsible for directing complex and extensive Hollywood theatrical and TV launches across film, experiential, digital and XR, Davide's body of work includes screen writing for television, ideating and executing original and ambitious large scale stunts, experiential activations and anamorphic 3D OOH campaigns for cult TV properties and franchises such as “Stranger Things”, "Game of Thrones", and theatrical smash hit franchises such as "Avatar - The Way of Water", "Jurassic World", and “John Wick”, delivering to clients such as Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Amazon, Netflix, Disney, and Sony Pictures consistent performance across the board. Davide has directed shows, experiences, virtual events, commercials, animated shorts, and digital OOH campaigns with online view counts in the hundreds of millions, and generating billions of online earned media impressions. Davide has been actively involved in the gaming industry, helping studios like Riot, 2K, Activision, XBOX and Playstation create original content and consolidate existing IPs, bringing to the table expertise ranging from scripting to original character design, world building, all the way to directing cinematic launch trailers, working on successful properties such as "Marvel's Midnight Suns", "Marvel's Spider-Man2", “Call of Duty”, “Gears Of War”, and “Final Fantasy”. With over 35 theatrical and TV launches under his belt, two original screen plays, and a plethora of awards that include twentytwo Cannes Lions, twenty nine Clios, five Webbys, one Emmy and two Emmy nominations, and with a background in Computer Science Engineering & AI, Davide believes in the emergence of a new form of immersive entertainment that delivers meaningful shared experiences, one that transcends cultural constraints or geographical boundaries, effectively blurring the line between storytelling and interaction, physical and digital. Davide is the founder of Shifting Tides, a next-generation creative studio and publisher pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. With a focus on experimentation and exploration, Shifting Tides partners with top-tier writers and artists to reimagine how their unique voices and stories can break free from traditional storytelling. Constantly exploring new ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of publishing, Shifting Tides embraces emerging technologies and tools to transform ideas into stories that are accessible in physical and digital, comics and books. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1916007116 Fri, 20 Sep 2024 08:28:43 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/78-jeff-gomez-billy-price-new-narratives-of-reconciliation 00:56:26 Alex Stolz no This episode is a conversation about peace, reconciliation and innovative storytelling featuring pioneering producer Jeff Gomez and Billy Price who is Creative Director of Unrival, the non profit organisation dedicated to empowering peacebuilders and the process of peacebuilding across the world. During Future of Film Africa 2024, Jeff and Billy discuss their unique collaboration and how they are applying a new modality of storytelling that champions reconciliation and understanding. In particular, we learn about process of peacebuilding and the concept of 'Just Peace' - and how Jeff's work in developing 'Collective Journey' narratives intersects with and supports this activity.. In a discussion that also encompasses the craft of transmedia and worldbuilding, we hear how producers and creators can apply and benefit from these strategies in their own work and also learn how Jeff is using them in projects such as ULTRAMAN RISING to great critical and commercial success. This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Africa 2024 in partnership with Sèmè City of the Republic of Benin. More About Jeff Gomez and Billy Price Jeff Gomez is President and CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment, a leading producer of highly successful fictional "Worlds," which maximize the value of intellectual properties by preparing them for licensing, merchandising and extension across multiple media platforms. Starlight Runner then utilizes a variety of technologies as well as a proprietary cross-media rollout technique designed to produce these "Worlds," directly extending them onto the Internet and mobile phone platforms, as well as into animated and live-action feature films, branded and sponsored digital content, video games, books and graphic novels, toys and merchandise. These in concert are also uniquely designed by Starlight Runner to validate and celebrate audience participation. The company's clients include The Walt Disney Company, Comcast, Mattel, Hasbro, and Scholastic. Jeff is also known for developing the rich interactive worlds of Hot Wheels for Mattel, Magic: The Gathering for Hasbro, The Black Belt Club for Scholastic, Turok Dinosaur Hunter for Acclaim Entertainment, and Team GoRizer for The Walt Disney Company. Jeff co-wrote and produced Hot Wheels World Race, a computer-animated feature and series for Cartoon Network. He is currently developing a slate of original "World" properties with Starlight Runner and various partners to be produced in the coming year. Billy Price is a multidisciplinary creative whose longing for a more just and peaceful world led him beyond the typical bounds of a professional creative when he began advocacy and relief work for refugees and asylum seekers. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of an innovative aid program in Juarez, MX— providing food, sustainable energy, and education to vulnerable migrant families. Other professional endeavors have involved collaborations with Grammy-winning bands, non-profits, startups, and healthcare companies, as well as his personal projects as a screenwriter, actor, and director (credited in film as William Price, III). Friendship has provided a fertile ground for creative endeavors throughout Billy’s career. Many of his proudest professional accomplishments, from building an iPhone app to producing and directing film work, have been collaborative efforts with cherished friends he would just as readily spend a celebratory Sunday afternoon with. Billy’s commitment to creativity in the context of bondedness bears itself out in his approach to the Film Lab, a collaboration with Justice Film Festival where participants celebrate the power of transformative, nonviolent storytelling together. His vision for the film lab is to cultivate a community of filmmakers dedicated to justice and peace and innervate an uprising of films from diverse and mutually empowering voices. This episode is a conversation about peace, recon… This episode is a conversation about peace, reconciliation and innovative storytelling featuring pioneering producer Jeff Gomez and Billy Price who is Creative Director of Unrival, the non profit organisation dedicated to empowering peacebuilders and the process of peacebuilding across the world. During Future of Film Africa 2024, Jeff and Billy discuss their unique collaboration and how they are applying a new modality of storytelling that champions reconciliation and understanding. In particular, we learn about process of peacebuilding and the concept of 'Just Peace' - and how Jeff's work in developing 'Collective Journey' narratives intersects with and supports this activity.. In a discussion that also encompasses the craft of transmedia and worldbuilding, we hear how producers and creators can apply and benefit from these strategies in their own work and also learn how Jeff is using them in projects such as ULTRAMAN RISING to great critical and commercial success. This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Africa 2024 in partnership with Sèmè City of the Republic of Benin. More About Jeff Gomez and Billy Price Jeff Gomez is President and CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment, a leading producer of highly successful fictional "Worlds," which maximize the value of intellectual properties by preparing them for licensing, merchandising and extension across multiple media platforms. Starlight Runner then utilizes a variety of technologies as well as a proprietary cross-media rollout technique designed to produce these "Worlds," directly extending them onto the Internet and mobile phone platforms, as well as into animated and live-action feature films, branded and sponsored digital content, video games, books and graphic novels, toys and merchandise. These in concert are also uniquely designed by Starlight Runner to validate and celebrate audience participation. The company's clients include The Walt Disney Company, Comcast, Mattel, Hasbro, and Scholastic. Jeff is also known for developing the rich interactive worlds of Hot Wheels for Mattel, Magic: The Gathering for Hasbro, The Black Belt Club for Scholastic, Turok Dinosaur Hunter for Acclaim Entertainment, and Team GoRizer for The Walt Disney Company. Jeff co-wrote and produced Hot Wheels World Race, a computer-animated feature and series for Cartoon Network. He is currently developing a slate of original "World" properties with Starlight Runner and various partners to be produced in the coming year. Billy Price is a multidisciplinary creative whose longing for a more just and peaceful world led him beyond the typical bounds of a professional creative when he began advocacy and relief work for refugees and asylum seekers. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of an innovative aid program in Juarez, MX— providing food, sustainable energy, and education to vulnerable migrant families. Other professional endeavors have involved collaborations with Grammy-winning bands, non-profits, startups, and healthcare companies, as well as his personal projects as a screenwriter, actor, and director (credited in film as William Price, III). Friendship has provided a fertile ground for creative endeavors throughout Billy’s career. Many of his proudest professional accomplishments, from building an iPhone app to producing and directing film work, have been collaborative efforts with cherished friends he would just as readily spend a celebratory Sunday afternoon with. Billy’s commitment to creativity in the context of bondedness bears itself out in his approach to the Film Lab, a collaboration with Justice Film Festival where participants celebrate the power of transformative, nonviolent storytelling together. His vision for the film lab is to cultivate a community of filmmakers dedicated to justice and peace and innervate an uprising of films from diverse and mutually empowering voices. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1633671645 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:47:25 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/74-houston-howard-crafting-and-selling-expansive-universes-and-the-5-ps-of-world-building 00:53:42 Alex Stolz no In this episode we are delighted to welcome back to the podcast, the Super Story Architect himself, Houston Howard. An expert in franchise development and transmedia incubation, Houston demystifies the practice of world building with his customary passion and pragmatism. In this conversation, recorded as part of Future of Film incubator 2023, we explore the key elements of creating expansive narrative universes, providing practical advice, checklists, and relatable examples for all genres. Houston shares the wisdom of literary legends like Tolkien, Lewis, Lucas, and Rowling, and explains why focusing solely on a single character or story could be limiting your creative potential. He also also shares the 'five Ps' of world building: premise, place, people, practices, and past, discussing how these elements can help bring your vision to life. The discussion extends to the business aspect of world building, examining how to present creative ideas and their revenue potential. Houston sheds light on how AI tools can super charge the world-building process. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of world building and its potential in the entertainment industry. Houston Howard is the Executive Vice President, Content Incubation and Transmedia Development at Gramarye Media and Chief Storyteller and Co-Founder of One 3 Creative. Houston has been a recognized thought leader in the entertainment and branding communities because of his unique and proprietary transmedia approach to story. Advising entities such as Mattel, Disney Imagineering, Reliance Media Works, West Coast Customs, Samuel Goldwyn Films and Harper Collins Publishing, as well as designing a number of transmedia-focused projects for Fox, the CW, TNT, Slinky and the writers of Toy Story, Houston has an impressive amount of experience designing projects that are primed for the 21st Century. When he’s not outlining a new slate of transmedia design books, setting up international co-productions for current transmedia projects or leading a wildly diverse creative team, Houston is educating professionals on how to adapt to an ever-changing entertainment landscape. This has included leading workshops for the Producers Guild of America, the National Association of Broadcasters, Act One, Storyworld USA, The Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Houston led a series of international transmedia masterclasses across both Brazil and Africa throughout 2016. His latest book, Make Your Story Really Stinkin’ Big: How to Go From Concept to Franchise and Make Your Story Last For Generations, has been a go-to manual for creative professionals on how to leverage a variety of media platforms, maximizes revenue potential and engages audiences in new and innovative ways. Learn more about how Houston builds projects that exist at the intersection of branding and entertainment at http://superstory.works/. In this episode we are delighted to welcome back … In this episode we are delighted to welcome back to the podcast, the Super Story Architect himself, Houston Howard. An expert in franchise development and transmedia incubation, Houston demystifies the practice of world building with his customary passion and pragmatism. In this conversation, recorded as part of Future of Film incubator 2023, we explore the key elements of creating expansive narrative universes, providing practical advice, checklists, and relatable examples for all genres. Houston shares the wisdom of literary legends like Tolkien, Lewis, Lucas, and Rowling, and explains why focusing solely on a single character or story could be limiting your creative potential. He also also shares the 'five Ps' of world building: premise, place, people, practices, and past, discussing how these elements can help bring your vision to life. The discussion extends to the business aspect of world building, examining how to present creative ideas and their revenue potential. Houston sheds light on how AI tools can super charge the world-building process. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of world building and its potential in the entertainment industry. Houston Howard is the Executive Vice President, Content Incubation and Transmedia Development at Gramarye Media and Chief Storyteller and Co-Founder of One 3 Creative. Houston has been a recognized thought leader in the entertainment and branding communities because of his unique and proprietary transmedia approach to story. Advising entities such as Mattel, Disney Imagineering, Reliance Media Works, West Coast Customs, Samuel Goldwyn Films and Harper Collins Publishing, as well as designing a number of transmedia-focused projects for Fox, the CW, TNT, Slinky and the writers of Toy Story, Houston has an impressive amount of experience designing projects that are primed for the 21st Century. When he’s not outlining a new slate of transmedia design books, setting up international co-productions for current transmedia projects or leading a wildly diverse creative team, Houston is educating professionals on how to adapt to an ever-changing entertainment landscape. This has included leading workshops for the Producers Guild of America, the National Association of Broadcasters, Act One, Storyworld USA, The Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Houston led a series of international transmedia masterclasses across both Brazil and Africa throughout 2016. His latest book, Make Your Story Really Stinkin’ Big: How to Go From Concept to Franchise and Make Your Story Last For Generations, has been a go-to manual for creative professionals on how to leverage a variety of media platforms, maximizes revenue potential and engages audiences in new and innovative ways. Learn more about how Houston builds projects that exist at the intersection of branding and entertainment at http://superstory.works/. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1585856067 Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:12:10 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/72-haz-dulull-game-changing-narratives-with-unreal-editor-for-fortnite 00:44:04 Alex Stolz no In this episode, we welcome back to Future of Film storytelling pioneer, Hasraf 'HaZ' Dulull. During the episode, HaZ provides an exclusive inside look into the innovative processes behind his groundbreaking projects like RIFT and MOONTOPIA, which utilise Unreal Engine to redefine game design and monetisation. The discussion explores game development optimization, private testing, and intellectual property ownership within the context of Unreal Engine for Fortnite. HaZ also shares fascinating insights into the potential impact of AI on the gaming industry, offering a glimpse into the future possibilities for creators. Operating at the intersection of film and gaming with a remarkable career spanning from Visual Effects to directing and producing, HaZ has gained recognition for his breakout feature film, THE BEYOND, and his second hit, 2036 Origin Unknown. Currently working on the groundbreaking sci-fi action anime, RIFT, HaZ leverages virtual production and realtime CGI, rendering the entire film in Unreal Engine. In addition to his technical expertise, HaZ reveals his visionary ideas for nurturing the next generation of content creators and the transformative - but challenging potential of AI-driven creativity. In this episode, we welcome back to Future of Fil… In this episode, we welcome back to Future of Film storytelling pioneer, Hasraf 'HaZ' Dulull. During the episode, HaZ provides an exclusive inside look into the innovative processes behind his groundbreaking projects like RIFT and MOONTOPIA, which utilise Unreal Engine to redefine game design and monetisation. The discussion explores game development optimization, private testing, and intellectual property ownership within the context of Unreal Engine for Fortnite. HaZ also shares fascinating insights into the potential impact of AI on the gaming industry, offering a glimpse into the future possibilities for creators. Operating at the intersection of film and gaming with a remarkable career spanning from Visual Effects to directing and producing, HaZ has gained recognition for his breakout feature film, THE BEYOND, and his second hit, 2036 Origin Unknown. Currently working on the groundbreaking sci-fi action anime, RIFT, HaZ leverages virtual production and realtime CGI, rendering the entire film in Unreal Engine. In addition to his technical expertise, HaZ reveals his visionary ideas for nurturing the next generation of content creators and the transformative - but challenging potential of AI-driven creativity. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1550407132 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:01:23 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/71-joanna-popper-the-now-and-future-of-the-metaverse 00:47:34 Alex Stolz no Joanna Popper is the Chief Metaverse Officer at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Based in Los Angeles, where she leads metaverse initiatives for the agency and its clients. In this special episode of the podcast, Joanna speaks with award-winning television presenter, Elle Osili-Wood about what the metaverse means for creators and the entertainment business. About Joanna Poppper Joanna Popper is the Chief Metaverse Officer at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Based in Los Angeles, Popper leads metaverse initiatives for the agency and its clients. Popper joined CAA in 2022 from HP, where she led its XR initiatives for Go-To-Market, overseeing the launch of award-winning technology, such as the HP Reverb G2 VR headset (winner of Red Dot Design Award, CES Innovation Award, IF Design Award) and HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition (winner of VR Hardware of the Year, Entertainment Technology Lumiere Award, Red Dot Best of the Best, CES Innovation Award, IF Design Award). Previously, she was Executive Vice President of Media & Marketing at Singularity University, a NASA-based, Google-backed organization founded by Ray Kurzweil and Peter Diamandis to train leaders on the future of technology including blockchain, VR/AR, artificial intelligence, robotics and digital biology. She was also the Vice President of Marketing at NBCUniversal, where she worked across properties, including television, film, digital, and parks, and launched hits in primetime, music award shows, sports, news, daytime, and more for Telemundo. She started her career as an investment banker in New York and Brazil and then a consultant at McKinsey & Company. She was selected as “50 Women Can Change the World in Media and Entertainment,” ”25 Pioneers in the Metaverse,” “Top 50 Original Thinkers in VR,” “Top Women in Media: Game Changers,” “Top Women in Media: Industry Leaders,” “Digital It List,” and “101 Women Leading the VR Industry.” She served as Executive Producer on BREONNA’S GARDEN, FINDING PANDORA X, and FIGHT BACK, the award-winning virtual reality content, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, and SXSW. Popper graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor’s degree, and The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania with an MBA. Joanna Popper is the Chief Metaverse Officer at l… Joanna Popper is the Chief Metaverse Officer at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Based in Los Angeles, where she leads metaverse initiatives for the agency and its clients. In this special episode of the podcast, Joanna speaks with award-winning television presenter, Elle Osili-Wood about what the metaverse means for creators and the entertainment business. About Joanna Poppper Joanna Popper is the Chief Metaverse Officer at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Based in Los Angeles, Popper leads metaverse initiatives for the agency and its clients. Popper joined CAA in 2022 from HP, where she led its XR initiatives for Go-To-Market, overseeing the launch of award-winning technology, such as the HP Reverb G2 VR headset (winner of Red Dot Design Award, CES Innovation Award, IF Design Award) and HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition (winner of VR Hardware of the Year, Entertainment Technology Lumiere Award, Red Dot Best of the Best, CES Innovation Award, IF Design Award). Previously, she was Executive Vice President of Media & Marketing at Singularity University, a NASA-based, Google-backed organization founded by Ray Kurzweil and Peter Diamandis to train leaders on the future of technology including blockchain, VR/AR, artificial intelligence, robotics and digital biology. She was also the Vice President of Marketing at NBCUniversal, where she worked across properties, including television, film, digital, and parks, and launched hits in primetime, music award shows, sports, news, daytime, and more for Telemundo. She started her career as an investment banker in New York and Brazil and then a consultant at McKinsey & Company. She was selected as “50 Women Can Change the World in Media and Entertainment,” ”25 Pioneers in the Metaverse,” “Top 50 Original Thinkers in VR,” “Top Women in Media: Game Changers,” “Top Women in Media: Industry Leaders,” “Digital It List,” and “101 Women Leading the VR Industry.” She served as Executive Producer on BREONNA’S GARDEN, FINDING PANDORA X, and FIGHT BACK, the award-winning virtual reality content, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, and SXSW. Popper graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor’s degree, and The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania with an MBA. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1503781435 Mon, 01 May 2023 14:54:33 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/niels-juul-on-authentic-storytelling-algorithms-and-decentralising-hollywood 00:50:25 Alex Stolz no "You're only as good as the creative you surround yourself with." Niels Juul Niels Juul is a producer with expertise in financing and packaging major features, with a track record of working with top directors including Martin Scorsese and Michael Mann. More recently, Niels has become a strong advocate of Web3 and NFTs in the film space, founding NFT Studios as a way to stimulate more original, audience-focused storytelling In this episode, Niels shares how he broke into the industry from fashion and the life changing moment he dropped everything to fly across the country to meet with Martin Scorsese. He also discusses the 'tyranny of the algorithm' and why originality is essential to the future of screen content. And we deep dive into Web3, DAOs and NFTS, as Niels reveals why realising his vision of a decentralised Hollywood has been harder than imagined. Some of the topics covered include: - Niall's career journey and insights from working with Scorsese - The process of bringing Martin Scorsese's film "Silence" to life - NFTs as a financing model and its potential to democratise film financing - The impact of decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) on the film industry - Authentic storytelling and the importance of artists, writers, and directors in content creation - Tips on succeeding in the industry, storytelling and NFTs - The future of film and its impact on culture About Niels Juul Niels Juul is an executive producer with expertise in financing and packaging features and a history of working with the top directors in the industry. Before starting his career in film, Niels co-founded and ran the world-renowned fashion & lifestyle brand Von Dutch and was responsible for bringing it to prominence. After excelling in the fashion world, in 2008, Niels was tapped as the CEO of Italian-American film company Cecchi Gori Pictures, with a mandate to restructure its operations and business. During the span of 5 years, Juul was instrumental in winning an 18 million USD judgment from previous management, securing a lucrative multi-million dollar global distribution deal for its film library, and bringing the company to profitability for the first time in 20 years while financing its first major film production: Martin Scorsese’s “SILENCE”. Since then, he has worked on numerous films of prestige including, “THE IRISHMAN”, “KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON”, and “FERRARI” which is currently filming in Italy. Juul currently runs No Fat Ego (based in Los Angeles), a multi-functioning production company with the aim to produce meaningful content made by exceptional writers, producers, and directors. "You're only as good as the creative you surround… "You're only as good as the creative you surround yourself with." Niels Juul Niels Juul is a producer with expertise in financing and packaging major features, with a track record of working with top directors including Martin Scorsese and Michael Mann. More recently, Niels has become a strong advocate of Web3 and NFTs in the film space, founding NFT Studios as a way to stimulate more original, audience-focused storytelling In this episode, Niels shares how he broke into the industry from fashion and the life changing moment he dropped everything to fly across the country to meet with Martin Scorsese. He also discusses the 'tyranny of the algorithm' and why originality is essential to the future of screen content. And we deep dive into Web3, DAOs and NFTS, as Niels reveals why realising his vision of a decentralised Hollywood has been harder than imagined. Some of the topics covered include: - Niall's career journey and insights from working with Scorsese - The process of bringing Martin Scorsese's film "Silence" to life - NFTs as a financing model and its potential to democratise film financing - The impact of decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) on the film industry - Authentic storytelling and the importance of artists, writers, and directors in content creation - Tips on succeeding in the industry, storytelling and NFTs - The future of film and its impact on culture About Niels Juul Niels Juul is an executive producer with expertise in financing and packaging features and a history of working with the top directors in the industry. Before starting his career in film, Niels co-founded and ran the world-renowned fashion & lifestyle brand Von Dutch and was responsible for bringing it to prominence. After excelling in the fashion world, in 2008, Niels was tapped as the CEO of Italian-American film company Cecchi Gori Pictures, with a mandate to restructure its operations and business. During the span of 5 years, Juul was instrumental in winning an 18 million USD judgment from previous management, securing a lucrative multi-million dollar global distribution deal for its film library, and bringing the company to profitability for the first time in 20 years while financing its first major film production: Martin Scorsese’s “SILENCE”. Since then, he has worked on numerous films of prestige including, “THE IRISHMAN”, “KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON”, and “FERRARI” which is currently filming in Italy. Juul currently runs No Fat Ego (based in Los Angeles), a multi-functioning production company with the aim to produce meaningful content made by exceptional writers, producers, and directors. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1465954723 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 14:44:08 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/68-steve-silver-unlocking-the-metaverse-for-creators 00:49:37 Alex Stolz no In this episode we welcome Steve Silver to the podcast to discuss the now and future of the metaverse - in particular how creators can approach this space. From Tesla's complete virtual rendering of San Francisco and Apple's upcoming VR headset to the latest in Web3, Steve takes us on a ride to the nexus of technological innovation and entertainment - eloquently explaining how these innovations can benefit storytelling and creators. Steve is the Games Industry Strategy Manager for Autodesk, makers of best-in-class design and make tools like Maya and 3ds Max. His role involves thought leadership and guidance on industry trends and strategy for the Gaming Industry as well as the Metaverse. Prior to Autodesk, Steve’s experience in the Gaming Industry included roles in companies like Electronic Arts, Kixeye, and Zynga. His professional expertise has focused on Experience Design, Live Operations, and Content Production which has put him in a strong position to understand the process complexities unique to game development. Additionally his lifelong passion for games provides valuable insight to what drives consumers to seek experiences that delight and entertain. In this episode we welcome Steve Silver to the po… In this episode we welcome Steve Silver to the podcast to discuss the now and future of the metaverse - in particular how creators can approach this space. From Tesla's complete virtual rendering of San Francisco and Apple's upcoming VR headset to the latest in Web3, Steve takes us on a ride to the nexus of technological innovation and entertainment - eloquently explaining how these innovations can benefit storytelling and creators. Steve is the Games Industry Strategy Manager for Autodesk, makers of best-in-class design and make tools like Maya and 3ds Max. His role involves thought leadership and guidance on industry trends and strategy for the Gaming Industry as well as the Metaverse. Prior to Autodesk, Steve’s experience in the Gaming Industry included roles in companies like Electronic Arts, Kixeye, and Zynga. His professional expertise has focused on Experience Design, Live Operations, and Content Production which has put him in a strong position to understand the process complexities unique to game development. Additionally his lifelong passion for games provides valuable insight to what drives consumers to seek experiences that delight and entertain. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1388834809 Fri, 25 Nov 2022 12:14:30 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/67-brian-newman 00:42:10 Alex Stolz no Brian Newman is Founder of Sub-Genre and one of the world’s leading experts on brand-funded films. He consults on content strategy, distribution and marketing for some of the top brands in the world. Current and former clients include: The Climate Pledge (Amazon), GoDaddy, Oatly, Patagonia, REI, Stripe, Sundance, Tazo, and Yeti Coolers. As well as being film's leading 'brand whisperer', Brian is a bonafide feature film producer in his own right and has an impressive film track record across festivals and production - including as CEO of the Tribeca Film Institute. His free weekly newsletter on the industry is simply essential reading and is available at www.sub-genre.com. In this conversation Brian outlines the opportunities for filmmakers to tap into brand money, sharing the latest case studies and strategies for success in this still emerging area. Brian Newman is Founder of Sub-Genre and one of t… Brian Newman is Founder of Sub-Genre and one of the world’s leading experts on brand-funded films. He consults on content strategy, distribution and marketing for some of the top brands in the world. Current and former clients include: The Climate Pledge (Amazon), GoDaddy, Oatly, Patagonia, REI, Stripe, Sundance, Tazo, and Yeti Coolers. As well as being film's leading 'brand whisperer', Brian is a bonafide feature film producer in his own right and has an impressive film track record across festivals and production - including as CEO of the Tribeca Film Institute. His free weekly newsletter on the industry is simply essential reading and is available at www.sub-genre.com. In this conversation Brian outlines the opportunities for filmmakers to tap into brand money, sharing the latest case studies and strategies for success in this still emerging area. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1352155915 Fri, 30 Sep 2022 10:03:14 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/66-diana-williams-on-developing-story-based-ip 00:46:17 Alex Stolz no "We talk about going Direct to Community" Diana Williams Diana Williams is the CEO & Co-founder of Kinetic Energy Entertainment, a multi-disciplinary company that partners with creators at the intersection of story and technology to develop and produce story-based IP. In this podcast, we discuss Kinetic Energy Entertainment's strategy, projects and the opportunity Diana is addressing in the marketplace. We also dive into the story IP creating process - why it is vital in today's market and the techniques Diana uses for this. From the MCU to Exploding Kittens, Diana also shares numerous examples of projects that have successfully developed franchises and reveals some of the steps they took to achieve this. About Diana Williams Diana Williams is the CEO & Co-founder of Kinetic Energy Entertainment. She has a wide range of experience in the entertainment industry, developing IP and producing creative content for distribution across storytelling media. Throughout her career she has been at the forefront of working with emerging and established talent to ensure a diversity of voices are included in an ever-evolving industry. Kinetic Energy Entertainment is a multi-disciplinary company that partners with creators at the intersection of story and technology to develop and produce story-based IP. Kinetic’s project slate includes a series in development at HBO, the cross-platform storyworld of The Gatecrashers, political sim videogame Political Arena, Founder Hustle podcast based on venture fund 1863 Ventures’ focus on entrepreneurs of color, Crimson an epic fantasy/thriller take on Alice in Wonderland, recipe-memoir Adventures in Starry Kitchen, and a documentary feature film with Apple+. An award-winning producer, she produced the critically acclaimed feature film Our Song, which earned her a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award in the Producer category. Other credits include documentaries Room 237, the Emmy© award-winning Sylvia Drew Ivie, Student Academy Award©-nominated Another First Step, Industrial Light & Magic: Creating the Impossible, Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis, and Dear Mom Love Cher. In addition to producing, Diana has held various positions in the entertainment industry. She was the Creative Development and Franchise Producer at Lucasfilm within the Story Group, the team responsible for developing and maintaining narrative cohesion and connectivity throughout the Star Wars universe. While at Lucasfilm, Diana developed film and tv (including Star Wars Rebels, Rogue One), mobile and console videogames (including 2015’s Battlefront), publishing (Marvel’s Star Wars comics and novel expansions). Diana helped launch ILMxLAB, an immersive entertainment and mixed reality lab, with projects including Vader Immortal, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, and Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Academy Award© winning VR experience Carne y Arena. She was also a production consultant for BET on Let the Church Say Amen, Gun Hill Road, and Untitled Kenya Barris Project. Currently the Chair of the Interactive Board of Jurors for digital and immersive storytelling for the Peabody Award, Diana is also on the Strategic Planning Committee of The National Academy of Sciences’ Science and Entertainment Exchange; the advisory committee for the Royal Shakespeare Company/Digital development; the advisory board for UK-based organization Future of Film; and the boards of Diverso (a non-profit organization by students for students, dedicated to empowering the under-represented storytellers of the next generation), The Overlook Film Festival (genre festival), and Here/No Proscenium Summit for interactive and immersive events, theater, and creators. Diana began her career in production as an Assistant Director and is a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). "We talk about going Direct to Community" Diana W… "We talk about going Direct to Community" Diana Williams Diana Williams is the CEO & Co-founder of Kinetic Energy Entertainment, a multi-disciplinary company that partners with creators at the intersection of story and technology to develop and produce story-based IP. In this podcast, we discuss Kinetic Energy Entertainment's strategy, projects and the opportunity Diana is addressing in the marketplace. We also dive into the story IP creating process - why it is vital in today's market and the techniques Diana uses for this. From the MCU to Exploding Kittens, Diana also shares numerous examples of projects that have successfully developed franchises and reveals some of the steps they took to achieve this. About Diana Williams Diana Williams is the CEO & Co-founder of Kinetic Energy Entertainment. She has a wide range of experience in the entertainment industry, developing IP and producing creative content for distribution across storytelling media. Throughout her career she has been at the forefront of working with emerging and established talent to ensure a diversity of voices are included in an ever-evolving industry. Kinetic Energy Entertainment is a multi-disciplinary company that partners with creators at the intersection of story and technology to develop and produce story-based IP. Kinetic’s project slate includes a series in development at HBO, the cross-platform storyworld of The Gatecrashers, political sim videogame Political Arena, Founder Hustle podcast based on venture fund 1863 Ventures’ focus on entrepreneurs of color, Crimson an epic fantasy/thriller take on Alice in Wonderland, recipe-memoir Adventures in Starry Kitchen, and a documentary feature film with Apple+. An award-winning producer, she produced the critically acclaimed feature film Our Song, which earned her a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award in the Producer category. Other credits include documentaries Room 237, the Emmy© award-winning Sylvia Drew Ivie, Student Academy Award©-nominated Another First Step, Industrial Light & Magic: Creating the Impossible, Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis, and Dear Mom Love Cher. In addition to producing, Diana has held various positions in the entertainment industry. She was the Creative Development and Franchise Producer at Lucasfilm within the Story Group, the team responsible for developing and maintaining narrative cohesion and connectivity throughout the Star Wars universe. While at Lucasfilm, Diana developed film and tv (including Star Wars Rebels, Rogue One), mobile and console videogames (including 2015’s Battlefront), publishing (Marvel’s Star Wars comics and novel expansions). Diana helped launch ILMxLAB, an immersive entertainment and mixed reality lab, with projects including Vader Immortal, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, and Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Academy Award© winning VR experience Carne y Arena. She was also a production consultant for BET on Let the Church Say Amen, Gun Hill Road, and Untitled Kenya Barris Project. Currently the Chair of the Interactive Board of Jurors for digital and immersive storytelling for the Peabody Award, Diana is also on the Strategic Planning Committee of The National Academy of Sciences’ Science and Entertainment Exchange; the advisory committee for the Royal Shakespeare Company/Digital development; the advisory board for UK-based organization Future of Film; and the boards of Diverso (a non-profit organization by students for students, dedicated to empowering the under-represented storytellers of the next generation), The Overlook Film Festival (genre festival), and Here/No Proscenium Summit for interactive and immersive events, theater, and creators. Diana began her career in production as an Assistant Director and is a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1333956628 Tue, 30 Aug 2022 13:04:04 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/64-paul-raschid-and-ru-howe-branching-narrative-filmmaking 00:46:53 Alex Stolz no This episode explores the evolution in interactive filmmaking with filmmaker Paul Raschid and Ru Howe, the Founder of Stornaway.io the development tool for interactive video. Paul is the director of a number of branching narrative feature film/FMV games including 2022's THE GALLERY - comprising of over four and a half hours of video content. In this conversation, Paul and Ru share insights of how they took a 450 scene 'FMV Game' script into the finished feature film utilising Stornaway’s bespoke platform. We also talk distribution and audiences and how releasing the film on gaming platforms has provided Paul with greater control over the releasing of his storytelling. About Paul Rashid Prior to his work in the interactive format, Paul's second feature as a writer-director was 'White Chamber', which was shot in 12.5 days. In 2018, the sci-fi thriller/horror/drama played 10 film festivals around the world including Edinburgh, Sitges, Frightfest, Mumbai, BIFAN and Brussels. Lead actress Shauna Macdonald received the BAFTA Scotland Best Actress award for her tour-de-force performance. Between August 2019 and February 2021, the film was available to stream on Netflix in the UK, USA, Canada, Israel, Australia and New Zealand. Paul entered the interactive arena in 2019 when he directed 'The Complex', a sci-fi interactive feature film/ FMV video game, which released in 2020 on all major gaming platforms. Penned by Lynn Renee Maxcy, it stars Michelle Mylett, Kate Dickie and Al Weaver. It was produced by John Giwa-Amu and Jade Alexander. In 2020, Paul wrote and directed 'Five Dates', a romantic interactive feature film/ FMV video game. It was being made entirely remotely during the UK's national lockdown due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. It stars an ensemble cast including Mandip Gill (Doctor Who), Georgia Hirst (Vikings) and Marisa Abela (Industry). In 2021, Paul wrote and directed 'The Gallery' - an interactive hostage thriller that contains two narratives - before the film begins, the viewer must choose between a female protagonist (whose narrative is set in 1981 London) or a male protagonist (whose narrative is set in 2021 London). The cast is headlined by Anna Popplewell ('Chronicles Of Narnia' & 'Reign') and George Blagden ('Versailles' & 'Vikings'), who interchange roles as both protagonist and antagonist across the two narratives. It is set to release on major gaming platforms in September 2022. Paul is also in post-production for ’Ten Dates’, a sequel to ‘Five Dates’ following its critical and commercial success. About Ru Howe Rupert started trying to code his first “Choose Your Own Ending” video game aged 9 years old. Frustrated with the limits of technology, he began working as a director and producer in TV and film making award-winning 16mm short dramas and documentaries including “The Real Bridget Jones” series for C4. From 2004, he began experimenting with interactive films online and became a pioneer videoblogger and online video artist. He was featured in Trine Bjorkmann Berry’s PhD Thesis “The Film of Tomorrow (pp 19-25) as the world’s first mobile video blogger and created YouTube’s first interactive video story “Indecision” in 2008. From 2010-2018, he worked as a creative workflow consultant, leading digital transformation & workflow projects for the BBC, Disney, News UK, the Financial Times and Melody VR. Stornaway.io is his design. A unique application to enable creative producers to map, script, edit and deliver interactive stories, simply and easily with no coding. This episode explores the evolution in interactiv… This episode explores the evolution in interactive filmmaking with filmmaker Paul Raschid and Ru Howe, the Founder of Stornaway.io the development tool for interactive video. Paul is the director of a number of branching narrative feature film/FMV games including 2022's THE GALLERY - comprising of over four and a half hours of video content. In this conversation, Paul and Ru share insights of how they took a 450 scene 'FMV Game' script into the finished feature film utilising Stornaway’s bespoke platform. We also talk distribution and audiences and how releasing the film on gaming platforms has provided Paul with greater control over the releasing of his storytelling. About Paul Rashid Prior to his work in the interactive format, Paul's second feature as a writer-director was 'White Chamber', which was shot in 12.5 days. In 2018, the sci-fi thriller/horror/drama played 10 film festivals around the world including Edinburgh, Sitges, Frightfest, Mumbai, BIFAN and Brussels. Lead actress Shauna Macdonald received the BAFTA Scotland Best Actress award for her tour-de-force performance. Between August 2019 and February 2021, the film was available to stream on Netflix in the UK, USA, Canada, Israel, Australia and New Zealand. Paul entered the interactive arena in 2019 when he directed 'The Complex', a sci-fi interactive feature film/ FMV video game, which released in 2020 on all major gaming platforms. Penned by Lynn Renee Maxcy, it stars Michelle Mylett, Kate Dickie and Al Weaver. It was produced by John Giwa-Amu and Jade Alexander. In 2020, Paul wrote and directed 'Five Dates', a romantic interactive feature film/ FMV video game. It was being made entirely remotely during the UK's national lockdown due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. It stars an ensemble cast including Mandip Gill (Doctor Who), Georgia Hirst (Vikings) and Marisa Abela (Industry). In 2021, Paul wrote and directed 'The Gallery' - an interactive hostage thriller that contains two narratives - before the film begins, the viewer must choose between a female protagonist (whose narrative is set in 1981 London) or a male protagonist (whose narrative is set in 2021 London). The cast is headlined by Anna Popplewell ('Chronicles Of Narnia' & 'Reign') and George Blagden ('Versailles' & 'Vikings'), who interchange roles as both protagonist and antagonist across the two narratives. It is set to release on major gaming platforms in September 2022. Paul is also in post-production for ’Ten Dates’, a sequel to ‘Five Dates’ following its critical and commercial success. About Ru Howe Rupert started trying to code his first “Choose Your Own Ending” video game aged 9 years old. Frustrated with the limits of technology, he began working as a director and producer in TV and film making award-winning 16mm short dramas and documentaries including “The Real Bridget Jones” series for C4. From 2004, he began experimenting with interactive films online and became a pioneer videoblogger and online video artist. He was featured in Trine Bjorkmann Berry’s PhD Thesis “The Film of Tomorrow (pp 19-25) as the world’s first mobile video blogger and created YouTube’s first interactive video story “Indecision” in 2008. From 2010-2018, he worked as a creative workflow consultant, leading digital transformation & workflow projects for the BBC, Disney, News UK, the Financial Times and Melody VR. Stornaway.io is his design. A unique application to enable creative producers to map, script, edit and deliver interactive stories, simply and easily with no coding. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1312685326 Thu, 28 Jul 2022 09:21:32 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/64-super-story-architecture 00:49:39 Alex Stolz no "Big vision and small execution. That's the sweet spot to attack the market" Houston Howard How can creators stand out in today's ocean of content? Super Story Architect, Houston Howard has answers… Houston Howard is the Chief Storyteller at One 3 Creative, a transmedia design firm, and a co-founder of Fulcrum Worldbuilders, an organisation that designs large-scale storyworlds that are meant to shift culture and catalyze large-scale social impact. He has written three books about transmedia design including the brilliant, You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Story, a title on the Future of Film Incubator 2022 Reading List. He is a professor of Transmedia Storytelling and Worldbuilding at the Arts Center College of Design and the host of the Super Story Podcast. In this conversation we discuss how creators can, in Houston’s words, attack the market in 2022. What is the significance of this market becoming commoditised - and what are the specific creative and commercial strategies that storytellers can adopt to navigate and succeed in the new landscape? This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Incubator 2022 and is brought to you in partnership with Epic Games and Unreal Engine, Autodesk, Dell Technologies, Nvidia and Garden Studios. "Big vision and small execution. That's the sweet… "Big vision and small execution. That's the sweet spot to attack the market" Houston Howard How can creators stand out in today's ocean of content? Super Story Architect, Houston Howard has answers… Houston Howard is the Chief Storyteller at One 3 Creative, a transmedia design firm, and a co-founder of Fulcrum Worldbuilders, an organisation that designs large-scale storyworlds that are meant to shift culture and catalyze large-scale social impact. He has written three books about transmedia design including the brilliant, You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Story, a title on the Future of Film Incubator 2022 Reading List. He is a professor of Transmedia Storytelling and Worldbuilding at the Arts Center College of Design and the host of the Super Story Podcast. In this conversation we discuss how creators can, in Houston’s words, attack the market in 2022. What is the significance of this market becoming commoditised - and what are the specific creative and commercial strategies that storytellers can adopt to navigate and succeed in the new landscape? This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Incubator 2022 and is brought to you in partnership with Epic Games and Unreal Engine, Autodesk, Dell Technologies, Nvidia and Garden Studios. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1292331916 Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:34:39 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/niels-alberg-on-audience-insights-ai-and-anthropology 00:41:35 Alex Stolz no This episode is about involving the audience in the creative process and how a Danish startup is realising this using a unique combination of AI and anthropology. Niels Alberg is CEO and co-founder of PUBLIKUM.io (the Danish word that translates literally as Audience). For the past 20 years, Niels has worked in applied research, strategy and creative business development. Niels, who holds a Master's Degree in Sociology from the University of Copenhagen, specializes in designing innovative research methods for a large number of clients in projects that combine human insight and business strategy with the goal of developing new, creative connections between companies, organisations and people. Now, Publikum.io have taken this innovative process into filmmaking to develop a new method designed to empower the creative team. In this conversation he discusses how this works and is being adopted by filmmakers and funders across Europe. This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Incubator 2022. This episode is about involving the audience in t… This episode is about involving the audience in the creative process and how a Danish startup is realising this using a unique combination of AI and anthropology. Niels Alberg is CEO and co-founder of PUBLIKUM.io (the Danish word that translates literally as Audience). For the past 20 years, Niels has worked in applied research, strategy and creative business development. Niels, who holds a Master's Degree in Sociology from the University of Copenhagen, specializes in designing innovative research methods for a large number of clients in projects that combine human insight and business strategy with the goal of developing new, creative connections between companies, organisations and people. Now, Publikum.io have taken this innovative process into filmmaking to develop a new method designed to empower the creative team. In this conversation he discusses how this works and is being adopted by filmmakers and funders across Europe. This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Incubator 2022. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1241841733 Thu, 31 Mar 2022 11:39:35 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/62-nguyen-anh-nguyen-filmmaking-in-the-unreal-world 00:49:55 Alex Stolz no Nguyen-Anh Nguyen is a filmmaker based out of Montreal Having began his career as a dentist, he then focused on filmmaking, specifically science fiction, with the viral hit THE AKIRA PROJECT (2014) followed by acclaimed short films TEMPLE (2016) & HYPERLIGHT (2018), all of which garnered over 12M views online and received widespread international acclaim. Anh has now applying his craft in the realm of real time animation, to realise his expansive filmmaking ambitions with the cyberpunk animated series, BABIRU, with writer Philip Gelatt (EUROPA REPORT, LOVE, DEATH & ROBOTS), for which Epic Games financed the pilot episode. in Anh’s words he is a “filmmaker bringing what I can from the real world to the Unreal world“ and this episode is full of insights into this process as Anh explains how and why he is making this transition and the opportunities - and challenges - realtime filmmaking presents. This episode is presented in partnership with Epic Games and Unreal Engine. For more information visit www.futureoffilm.live Nguyen-Anh Nguyen is a filmmaker based out of Mon… Nguyen-Anh Nguyen is a filmmaker based out of Montreal Having began his career as a dentist, he then focused on filmmaking, specifically science fiction, with the viral hit THE AKIRA PROJECT (2014) followed by acclaimed short films TEMPLE (2016) & HYPERLIGHT (2018), all of which garnered over 12M views online and received widespread international acclaim. Anh has now applying his craft in the realm of real time animation, to realise his expansive filmmaking ambitions with the cyberpunk animated series, BABIRU, with writer Philip Gelatt (EUROPA REPORT, LOVE, DEATH & ROBOTS), for which Epic Games financed the pilot episode. in Anh’s words he is a “filmmaker bringing what I can from the real world to the Unreal world“ and this episode is full of insights into this process as Anh explains how and why he is making this transition and the opportunities - and challenges - realtime filmmaking presents. This episode is presented in partnership with Epic Games and Unreal Engine. For more information visit www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1221210727 Wed, 23 Feb 2022 17:19:33 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/61-kevin-goetz-why-every-film-should-be-profitable 00:42:31 Alex Stolz no This episode is a deep-dive into the pivotal role of audience research in film with Kevin Goetz. Nicknamed “the doctor of audience-ology,” Kevin has been at the centre of what Hollywood calls the movie research industry for more than thirty years. His firm, Screen Engine/ASI, conducts research for a majority of all movies that are widely released in America and around the world. With decades of experience, Goetz has worked alongside all of the major film studio chiefs, network and streaming platform executives, and production company decision-makers. The Los Angeles Times Magazine counted him as one of the 100 most powerful and influential people in Southern California. As well as sharing fascinating insights into the testing process, Kevin makes the compelling case that every movie should be profitable if researched and budgeted correctly! His new book, 'Audience-ology: How Moviegoers Shape the Films We Love' is available now. This episode is in partnership with the Movie Marketing and Distribution Podcast. More info at www.futureoffilm.live This episode is a deep-dive into the pivotal role… This episode is a deep-dive into the pivotal role of audience research in film with Kevin Goetz. Nicknamed “the doctor of audience-ology,” Kevin has been at the centre of what Hollywood calls the movie research industry for more than thirty years. His firm, Screen Engine/ASI, conducts research for a majority of all movies that are widely released in America and around the world. With decades of experience, Goetz has worked alongside all of the major film studio chiefs, network and streaming platform executives, and production company decision-makers. The Los Angeles Times Magazine counted him as one of the 100 most powerful and influential people in Southern California. As well as sharing fascinating insights into the testing process, Kevin makes the compelling case that every movie should be profitable if researched and budgeted correctly! His new book, 'Audience-ology: How Moviegoers Shape the Films We Love' is available now. This episode is in partnership with the Movie Marketing and Distribution Podcast. More info at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1208385310 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 12:42:49 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/kevin-baillee 00:56:34 Alex Stolz no Kevin Baillie's career at the forefront of visual effects and screen storytelling began in 1999 and is now part of industry folklore. As an 18-year old high school senior, he and his friend created a short film involving a futuristic speeder race through his school, primarily to attract the attention of Star Wars producer Rick McCallum. The short was hugely successful and the tactic worked with Kevin soon finding himself working alongside George Lucas in the visualisation department on STAR WARS: Episode One. Since then, Kevin has continued to blaze a trail in innovating the storytelling process. He formed a long-term creative collaboration with Robert Zemeckis, supervising the visual effects on films such as FLIGHT, THE WALK and THE WITCHES. Recently, this has started to incorporate increasing amounts of real-time and virtual production techniques into the workflows of his projects. In this episode Kevin reflects on the evolution of these creative tools, the benefits they offer to the storytelling process and explains why "virtual production will allow filmmakers to tell stories that would otherwise be untellable". About Kevin Baillie Kevin's VFX career started at age 18 when he when he joined Lucasfilm's JAK Films as a pre-visualization artist on Star Wars: Episode I. In the following 25 years, Kevin has blazed a bright path, helming VFX at The Orphanage on features including Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Night at the Museum, Superman Returns, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Hellboy, and supervising cutting-edge motion capture feature films at ImageMovers Digital. In 2010, he co-founded the groundbreaking VFX studio Atomic Fiction, whose outstanding work on films such as The Walk, Allied, and Flight garnered awards recognition and critical acclaim. In 2018 Atomic Fiction, having grown to over 300 employees in 2 countries, was acquired by Deluxe Entertainment. Kevin's VFX Supervisor credits also include two Star Trek movies, two Transformers features, Welcome to Marwen and The Witches. Most recently, Kevin acted as VFX Supervisor and 2nd Unit Director on Disney’s live-action Pinocchio - another title in his long collaboration with Director Robert Zemeckis. Kevin also founded the venture-funded cloud rendering technology company, Conductor Technologies, is active with the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and is an active member of the Directors Guild of America. This episode is presented in partnership with Epic Games and Unreal Engine. More at www.futureoffilm.live Kevin Baillie's career at the forefront of visual… Kevin Baillie's career at the forefront of visual effects and screen storytelling began in 1999 and is now part of industry folklore. As an 18-year old high school senior, he and his friend created a short film involving a futuristic speeder race through his school, primarily to attract the attention of Star Wars producer Rick McCallum. The short was hugely successful and the tactic worked with Kevin soon finding himself working alongside George Lucas in the visualisation department on STAR WARS: Episode One. Since then, Kevin has continued to blaze a trail in innovating the storytelling process. He formed a long-term creative collaboration with Robert Zemeckis, supervising the visual effects on films such as FLIGHT, THE WALK and THE WITCHES. Recently, this has started to incorporate increasing amounts of real-time and virtual production techniques into the workflows of his projects. In this episode Kevin reflects on the evolution of these creative tools, the benefits they offer to the storytelling process and explains why "virtual production will allow filmmakers to tell stories that would otherwise be untellable". About Kevin Baillie Kevin's VFX career started at age 18 when he when he joined Lucasfilm's JAK Films as a pre-visualization artist on Star Wars: Episode I. In the following 25 years, Kevin has blazed a bright path, helming VFX at The Orphanage on features including Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Night at the Museum, Superman Returns, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Hellboy, and supervising cutting-edge motion capture feature films at ImageMovers Digital. In 2010, he co-founded the groundbreaking VFX studio Atomic Fiction, whose outstanding work on films such as The Walk, Allied, and Flight garnered awards recognition and critical acclaim. In 2018 Atomic Fiction, having grown to over 300 employees in 2 countries, was acquired by Deluxe Entertainment. Kevin's VFX Supervisor credits also include two Star Trek movies, two Transformers features, Welcome to Marwen and The Witches. Most recently, Kevin acted as VFX Supervisor and 2nd Unit Director on Disney’s live-action Pinocchio - another title in his long collaboration with Director Robert Zemeckis. Kevin also founded the venture-funded cloud rendering technology company, Conductor Technologies, is active with the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and is an active member of the Directors Guild of America. This episode is presented in partnership with Epic Games and Unreal Engine. More at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1199413264 Fri, 21 Jan 2022 10:08:33 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/rouslan-ovtcharoff-nfts-web-3-and-the-metaverse 01:01:03 Alex Stolz no This episode is a deep dive into the revolutionary world of NFTs, Web 3 and the blockchain, with new media and technology entertainment industry executive, Rouslan Ovtcharoff. As the former head of marketing at Millennium Media (famous for blockbusters like The Expendables and Olympus Has Fallen), Rouslan is highly experienced in film and traditional media. More recently, however, he has dived deeply into the world of NFTs and the blockchain, founding Blockchain Global Entertainment Alliance and Groovesetter, a peer-to-peer platform for real-time online music collaboration. In this conversation, Rouslan shares his knowledge and passion for the subject including: What is an NFT ? How can we buy one - and make one? What is Web 3? Why are NFTs and Web 3 so important to the metaverse? What are some of the ways NFTs can be used in film? Why does every filmmaker and media company now needs to have an NFT strategy in 2022? This episode is a deep dive into the revolutionar… This episode is a deep dive into the revolutionary world of NFTs, Web 3 and the blockchain, with new media and technology entertainment industry executive, Rouslan Ovtcharoff. As the former head of marketing at Millennium Media (famous for blockbusters like The Expendables and Olympus Has Fallen), Rouslan is highly experienced in film and traditional media. More recently, however, he has dived deeply into the world of NFTs and the blockchain, founding Blockchain Global Entertainment Alliance and Groovesetter, a peer-to-peer platform for real-time online music collaboration. In this conversation, Rouslan shares his knowledge and passion for the subject including: What is an NFT ? How can we buy one - and make one? What is Web 3? Why are NFTs and Web 3 so important to the metaverse? What are some of the ways NFTs can be used in film? Why does every filmmaker and media company now needs to have an NFT strategy in 2022? Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1172899660 Fri, 17 Dec 2021 16:21:27 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/kaya-jabar-visualisation-and-the-new-creative-process 00:52:00 Alex Stolz no Kaya Jabar is a multidisciplinary visualisation supervisor with unique experience leading previs, postvis, techvis and virtual production for tentpole film and TV projects including Game of Thrones, Star Wars the Rise of Skywalker and Dumbo. Kaya is on a mission to develop real-time adoption and virtual production workflows with the aim of making visualisation more efficient and interactive. In other words she as at the forefront of the virtual production revolution and in this discussion we explore how realtime engines are transforming the filmmaking process, the role and potential of visualisation in achieving 'creative consensus' and why Kaya believes we are just at the start of a newly democratised future of film. Kaya Jabar is a multidisciplinary visualisation s… Kaya Jabar is a multidisciplinary visualisation supervisor with unique experience leading previs, postvis, techvis and virtual production for tentpole film and TV projects including Game of Thrones, Star Wars the Rise of Skywalker and Dumbo. Kaya is on a mission to develop real-time adoption and virtual production workflows with the aim of making visualisation more efficient and interactive. In other words she as at the forefront of the virtual production revolution and in this discussion we explore how realtime engines are transforming the filmmaking process, the role and potential of visualisation in achieving 'creative consensus' and why Kaya believes we are just at the start of a newly democratised future of film. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1137593125 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 18:48:30 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/robin-mcnichols-virtual-production-and-the-audience-of-the-future 00:50:36 Alex Stolz no Robin McNichols is co-founder and Director of the award-winning creative studio Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF) where he has directed a myriad of immersive experiences, large-scale installations and live performances. Exploring new sensory perspectives that challenge our relationship to the world around us plays a key role in Robin and the team at MLF’s work. His interest in full immersion lead to a 5 year deep-dive into virtual production and interaction techniques which has informed the development of mixed-reality storytelling methods for new forms of audience engagement. Earlier in 2021, this manifested in the pioneering collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s online interactive interpretation of A Midsummer’s Night Dream. In DREAM Robin and the MLF team utilised virtual production and realtime techniques to create an interactive, immersive digital WORLD for the RSC performance - which was critical in the show’s pivot to a fully online experience during lockdown. In this episode we explore the creative and technological process of DREAM and how virtual production tools can be utilised in a live theatrical experience. Robin also talks about the business of interactive storytelling and shares his incredibly thoughtful and articulate perspectives on the future of audiences and screen storytelling. Check out more on virtual production in Virtual Production Revolution available now at www.futureoffilm.live Robin McNichols is co-founder and Director of the… Robin McNichols is co-founder and Director of the award-winning creative studio Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF) where he has directed a myriad of immersive experiences, large-scale installations and live performances. Exploring new sensory perspectives that challenge our relationship to the world around us plays a key role in Robin and the team at MLF’s work. His interest in full immersion lead to a 5 year deep-dive into virtual production and interaction techniques which has informed the development of mixed-reality storytelling methods for new forms of audience engagement. Earlier in 2021, this manifested in the pioneering collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s online interactive interpretation of A Midsummer’s Night Dream. In DREAM Robin and the MLF team utilised virtual production and realtime techniques to create an interactive, immersive digital WORLD for the RSC performance - which was critical in the show’s pivot to a fully online experience during lockdown. In this episode we explore the creative and technological process of DREAM and how virtual production tools can be utilised in a live theatrical experience. Robin also talks about the business of interactive storytelling and shares his incredibly thoughtful and articulate perspectives on the future of audiences and screen storytelling. Check out more on virtual production in Virtual Production Revolution available now at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1070406649 Thu, 17 Jun 2021 11:20:12 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/mahin-ibrahim-and-phillip-domfeh-launching-new-storytelling-talent 00:32:05 Alex Stolz no Mahin Ibrahim and Phillip Domfeh are the executives behind Disney Launchpad, the new programme for untapped filmmaking talent. Available now on Disney+, Launchpad is a series of bold and new stories from emerging creators. In this talk, Mahin and Phillip share how the programme worked and the process of nurturing new talent. We also talk about inclusion behind and in front of the camera and the reasons that so often prevent a wider range of talent progressing through the system. More at www.futureoffilm.live Mahin Ibrahim and Phillip Domfeh are the executiv… Mahin Ibrahim and Phillip Domfeh are the executives behind Disney Launchpad, the new programme for untapped filmmaking talent. Available now on Disney+, Launchpad is a series of bold and new stories from emerging creators. In this talk, Mahin and Phillip share how the programme worked and the process of nurturing new talent. We also talk about inclusion behind and in front of the camera and the reasons that so often prevent a wider range of talent progressing through the system. More at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1028572846 Tue, 11 May 2021 09:11:18 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/jack-attridge 00:43:08 Alex Stolz no Jack Attridge is Creative Director and co-founder of Flavourworks, the London-based digital entertainment studio. Originally trained in filmmaking, Jack pivoted into the gaming industry, working at leading studios like EA, Rebellion, Mind Candy, and 22cans. In 2015 he co-founded Flavourworks to realise a new form of interactive storytelling. This resulted in the acclaimed game-film hybrid (or as Jack prefers, 'filmed game') ERICA which fuses live action storytelling with interactivity via an innovative new control system developed by Flavourworks called Touch Video. In this conversation we explore the new medium that Jack and Flavourworks are pioneering at this intersection of film and games. Jack does an amazing job in deconstructing these two forms and sharing his vision for this new kind of story experience they are driving forward, that combines the aesthetics and sensibilities of filmmaking with new levels of intimate, tactile interactivity. More at www.futureoffilm.live About Jack Attridge Jack Attridge is Creative Director and co-founder of Flavourworks, an innovative content and technology studio based in London that develops and produces filmed games. Specialising in design, audio, and filmmaking, Jack’s career spans studios including EA, Rebellion, Mind Candy and 22cans. In 2015 he set-up Flavourworks alongside his co-founder Pavle Mihajlovic to realise their vision of creating live-action cinematic narratives imbued with responsive gameplay features which are simple and intuitive, allowing them to be played by anyone, on any platform. Soon after forming, Flavourworks was funded by games industry legends Peter Molyneux OBE, and Ian Livingstone CBE, who also serves as Non-Executive Chairman. Flavourworks’s patent-pending Touch Video technology allows them to function simultaneously as both a game studio and film production company with the studio’s first game, “ERICA,”, now available on both PlayStation and iOS and coming to PC in May 2021. Jack Attridge is Creative Director and co-founder… Jack Attridge is Creative Director and co-founder of Flavourworks, the London-based digital entertainment studio. Originally trained in filmmaking, Jack pivoted into the gaming industry, working at leading studios like EA, Rebellion, Mind Candy, and 22cans. In 2015 he co-founded Flavourworks to realise a new form of interactive storytelling. This resulted in the acclaimed game-film hybrid (or as Jack prefers, 'filmed game') ERICA which fuses live action storytelling with interactivity via an innovative new control system developed by Flavourworks called Touch Video. In this conversation we explore the new medium that Jack and Flavourworks are pioneering at this intersection of film and games. Jack does an amazing job in deconstructing these two forms and sharing his vision for this new kind of story experience they are driving forward, that combines the aesthetics and sensibilities of filmmaking with new levels of intimate, tactile interactivity. More at www.futureoffilm.live About Jack Attridge Jack Attridge is Creative Director and co-founder of Flavourworks, an innovative content and technology studio based in London that develops and produces filmed games. Specialising in design, audio, and filmmaking, Jack’s career spans studios including EA, Rebellion, Mind Candy and 22cans. In 2015 he set-up Flavourworks alongside his co-founder Pavle Mihajlovic to realise their vision of creating live-action cinematic narratives imbued with responsive gameplay features which are simple and intuitive, allowing them to be played by anyone, on any platform. Soon after forming, Flavourworks was funded by games industry legends Peter Molyneux OBE, and Ian Livingstone CBE, who also serves as Non-Executive Chairman. Flavourworks’s patent-pending Touch Video technology allows them to function simultaneously as both a game studio and film production company with the studio’s first game, “ERICA,”, now available on both PlayStation and iOS and coming to PC in May 2021. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1022008543 Tue, 06 Apr 2021 15:23:45 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/haz-the-power-of-realtime-cg-animation 00:57:23 Alex Stolz no This episode is about how filmmaker HaZ is reinventing his craft through realtime game engine-powered animation. Having originally started his career in VFX, Hasraf 'HaZ' Dulull transitioned to directing and producing, with the Netflix-acquired sci-fi. THE BEYOND. He then followed up with another sci fi feature, 2036 ORIGIN UNKNOWN before directing a major show for Disney, FAST LAYNE. Throughout a career characterised by innovation, HaZ has particularly made use of realtime game engine tools and Unreal Engine. In 2019 at Future of Film Summit , he showcased how these helped unlock finance for his projects through a 'pre-vis to pitch-vis' process. In 2020 he directed the groundbreaking Virtual Production live action short, PERCIVAL with Rebellion Studios. Now, working with a small global team, HaZ is using the same tools to realise his vision through completely animated films. In this conversation, HaZ shares the tools, techniques and workflow he is using to create the latest HaZ Films project, the animated anime feature film RIFT. He also explains how this process is enabling him to retain creative independence and achieve commercial success in the new streaming landscape. This episode is about how filmmaker HaZ is reinve… This episode is about how filmmaker HaZ is reinventing his craft through realtime game engine-powered animation. Having originally started his career in VFX, Hasraf 'HaZ' Dulull transitioned to directing and producing, with the Netflix-acquired sci-fi. THE BEYOND. He then followed up with another sci fi feature, 2036 ORIGIN UNKNOWN before directing a major show for Disney, FAST LAYNE. Throughout a career characterised by innovation, HaZ has particularly made use of realtime game engine tools and Unreal Engine. In 2019 at Future of Film Summit , he showcased how these helped unlock finance for his projects through a 'pre-vis to pitch-vis' process. In 2020 he directed the groundbreaking Virtual Production live action short, PERCIVAL with Rebellion Studios. Now, working with a small global team, HaZ is using the same tools to realise his vision through completely animated films. In this conversation, HaZ shares the tools, techniques and workflow he is using to create the latest HaZ Films project, the animated anime feature film RIFT. He also explains how this process is enabling him to retain creative independence and achieve commercial success in the new streaming landscape. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1016654368 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 20:25:40 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/jason-blum-the-business-of-blumhouse 00:54:43 Alex Stolz no Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse Productions, is a three-time Academy Award®-nominated, two-time Primetime Emmy Award-winning and a two-time Peabody Award-winning producer. Blumhouse is known for pioneering a new model of studio filmmaking: producing high-quality micro-budget films and television series, and his multimedia company is regarded as the driving force in the horror renaissance. Throughout his career Jason has relentlessly innovated and defied collective wisdom on the business of filmmaking. His low budget approach is much more than about 'keeping costs down', it's about fundamentally reducing risk and retaining control. And the result of this? For Jason it has meant staying INDEPENDENT, empowering artists (like Damien Chazelle, Spike Lee and Jordan Peele) and building a global direct to consumer and industry brand. In this very special interview with journalist Wendy Mitchell, Jason discusses his work and the future of the film and television business. It was recorded in November 2020 for the Future of Film Summit. Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse Productions, is … Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse Productions, is a three-time Academy Award®-nominated, two-time Primetime Emmy Award-winning and a two-time Peabody Award-winning producer. Blumhouse is known for pioneering a new model of studio filmmaking: producing high-quality micro-budget films and television series, and his multimedia company is regarded as the driving force in the horror renaissance. Throughout his career Jason has relentlessly innovated and defied collective wisdom on the business of filmmaking. His low budget approach is much more than about 'keeping costs down', it's about fundamentally reducing risk and retaining control. And the result of this? For Jason it has meant staying INDEPENDENT, empowering artists (like Damien Chazelle, Spike Lee and Jordan Peele) and building a global direct to consumer and industry brand. In this very special interview with journalist Wendy Mitchell, Jason discusses his work and the future of the film and television business. It was recorded in November 2020 for the Future of Film Summit. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1011825784 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 22:01:12 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/jeff-gomez-building-franchises-transmeida-storytelling-and-the-collective-journey 01:04:59 Alex Stolz no Jeff Gomez is CEO of Starlight Runner and one of the world’s leading experts in story and narrative design. He works with executives, visionaries, and global leaders to develop vast fictional story universes on properties like Avatar, Pirates of the Caribbean, Transformers and Spider-Man This conversation is really an exploration of narrative design. In particular, Jeff describes how conceiving and developing stories as worlds that can be told across multiple platforms can unlock incredible value for creators and brands. We also discuss the movement of audiences to participants and how, as storytellers we can not only engage and learn from the audience as well as harness this incredible feedback in our work. This leads us to explore what Jeff refers to us the Collective Journey narrative modality which, he argues, is a more relevant way to think about story in today’s hyper connected world. We dig into what this means for film, for culture and how we are moving from Hollywood-centric storytelling to more global, diverse and inclusive narratives. www.futureoffilm.live Jeff Gomez is CEO of Starlight Runner and one of … Jeff Gomez is CEO of Starlight Runner and one of the world’s leading experts in story and narrative design. He works with executives, visionaries, and global leaders to develop vast fictional story universes on properties like Avatar, Pirates of the Caribbean, Transformers and Spider-Man This conversation is really an exploration of narrative design. In particular, Jeff describes how conceiving and developing stories as worlds that can be told across multiple platforms can unlock incredible value for creators and brands. We also discuss the movement of audiences to participants and how, as storytellers we can not only engage and learn from the audience as well as harness this incredible feedback in our work. This leads us to explore what Jeff refers to us the Collective Journey narrative modality which, he argues, is a more relevant way to think about story in today’s hyper connected world. We dig into what this means for film, for culture and how we are moving from Hollywood-centric storytelling to more global, diverse and inclusive narratives. www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1004677900 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 19:00:28 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/johanna-koljonen-how-we-can-transform-storytelling-together 00:57:52 Alex Stolz no Johanna Koljonen is a media industry analyst, broadcaster, writer and experience designer. She is also the author of the Göteborg Film Festival’s annual Nostradamus Report, which is an industry leading analysis of the near future of the screen sectors. I recently had the honour of being invited to participate in the 2021 Report (subtitled "Transforming Storytelling Together") and in this episode I took the opportunity to 'turn the tables' to ask Johanna about her findings and thoughts on the future of film and screen storytelling. Johanna is incredibly articulate and insightful about where things are heading within film and media on a global basis and there is so much valuable information in this episode for anyone involved in the business of storytelling on screen. As well as writing The Nostradamus Report, Johanna lectures internationally on changes in the media sector, as well as on participation and narrative design for games and experiences in analogue and virtual spaces. Her background is in public service broadcasting in Sweden and she serves on the board of the Swedish Film Institute. In 2011, she received the Swedish Grand Journalism Award in the Innovator category. Her latest book is Larp Design: Creating Role-Play Experiences (2019). More at www.futureoffilm.live The 2021 Nostradamus Report can be downloaded for free here: https://goteborgfilmfestival.se/nostradamus Johanna Koljonen is a media industry analyst, bro… Johanna Koljonen is a media industry analyst, broadcaster, writer and experience designer. She is also the author of the Göteborg Film Festival’s annual Nostradamus Report, which is an industry leading analysis of the near future of the screen sectors. I recently had the honour of being invited to participate in the 2021 Report (subtitled "Transforming Storytelling Together") and in this episode I took the opportunity to 'turn the tables' to ask Johanna about her findings and thoughts on the future of film and screen storytelling. Johanna is incredibly articulate and insightful about where things are heading within film and media on a global basis and there is so much valuable information in this episode for anyone involved in the business of storytelling on screen. As well as writing The Nostradamus Report, Johanna lectures internationally on changes in the media sector, as well as on participation and narrative design for games and experiences in analogue and virtual spaces. Her background is in public service broadcasting in Sweden and she serves on the board of the Swedish Film Institute. In 2011, she received the Swedish Grand Journalism Award in the Innovator category. Her latest book is Larp Design: Creating Role-Play Experiences (2019). More at www.futureoffilm.live The 2021 Nostradamus Report can be downloaded for free here: https://goteborgfilmfestival.se/nostradamus Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/922230307 Thu, 05 Nov 2020 09:21:25 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/star-wars-storytelling-and-finding-your-voice-w-kiri-hart 00:48:34 Alex Stolz no Kiri Hart is an executive, writer and producer with nearly 3 decades experience in film and television. She is probably best known for her role as Senior Vice President of Development at Lucasfilm between 2012 and 2018. Here she formed the now legendary Lucasfilm Story Group and oversaw the creative development of all Star Wars content across film, animated television, publishing, gaming, immersive media, and theme parks. While at Lucasfilm, Kiri also co-produced the films THE LAST JEDI and ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY and produced all four seasons of the award-winning animated television series Star Wars Rebels. Kiri has more recently formed a producing partnership with Stephen Feder at T-Street, the independent media studio started by filmmaker Rian Johnson. Kiri is currently producing filmmaker Gareth Edwards’ upcoming untitled original film for New Regency and also serves as a Creative Consultant at Pixar Animation Studios and is an Executive Producer on Pixar’s next film SOUL. This episode is fundamentally about the practice of storytelling and Kiri reveals the collaborative process she has developed across her extensive career working with artists and filmmakers like Gareth Edwards. Kiri also shares what she believes are the qualities of a successful storyteller as well as her advice for new creators coming through. We also discuss diversity in film, how this is changing and, in particular, how we can do more to accelerate storytelling diversity further. In one of the most inspiring conversations I've had on this show, we also talk storytelling in the context of theme park attractions, the benefits of virtual production to the process and learn why Kiri is so optimistic about the future of film. More About Kiri Hart Kiri Hart has worked in film and television for 28 years as a story analyst, film executive, writer and producer. After starting her career in 1992 as an assistant in CAA’s Literary Department and later at the Ladd Company, she moved to HBO Films as a creative executive, developing a slate of original movies. She then spent ten years as a screenwriter and television staff writer, writing projects for Universal, HBO, Showtime, and NBC. After working as a development executive at the Kennedy/Marshall Company, Kiri became Senior Vice President of Development at Lucasfilm in 2012. She formed the Lucasfilm Story Group, and oversaw the creative development of all Star Wars content across film, animated television, publishing, gaming, immersive media, and theme parks. While at Lucasfilm, Kiri co-produced the films THE LAST JEDI and ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY, and produced all four seasons of the award-winning animated television series Star Wars Rebels. Kiri departed her Lucasfilm post at the end of 2018, and formed a producing partnership with Stephen Feder, who worked with her at Lucasfilm. Kiri and Stephen are now producers for T-Street, an independent media studio started by filmmaker Rian Johnson (LOOPER, STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, KNIVES OUT) and his producer Ram Bergman. Kiri is currently producing filmmaker Gareth Edwards’ upcoming untitled original film for New Regency. She also serves as a Creative Consultant at Pixar Animation Studios, and is an Executive Producer on Pixar’s next film SOUL, directed by Pete Docter. Kiri is a member of AMPAS and the WGA. She is a California native, and a graduate of Stanford University. Kiri Hart is an executive, writer and producer wi… Kiri Hart is an executive, writer and producer with nearly 3 decades experience in film and television. She is probably best known for her role as Senior Vice President of Development at Lucasfilm between 2012 and 2018. Here she formed the now legendary Lucasfilm Story Group and oversaw the creative development of all Star Wars content across film, animated television, publishing, gaming, immersive media, and theme parks. While at Lucasfilm, Kiri also co-produced the films THE LAST JEDI and ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY and produced all four seasons of the award-winning animated television series Star Wars Rebels. Kiri has more recently formed a producing partnership with Stephen Feder at T-Street, the independent media studio started by filmmaker Rian Johnson. Kiri is currently producing filmmaker Gareth Edwards’ upcoming untitled original film for New Regency and also serves as a Creative Consultant at Pixar Animation Studios and is an Executive Producer on Pixar’s next film SOUL. This episode is fundamentally about the practice of storytelling and Kiri reveals the collaborative process she has developed across her extensive career working with artists and filmmakers like Gareth Edwards. Kiri also shares what she believes are the qualities of a successful storyteller as well as her advice for new creators coming through. We also discuss diversity in film, how this is changing and, in particular, how we can do more to accelerate storytelling diversity further. In one of the most inspiring conversations I've had on this show, we also talk storytelling in the context of theme park attractions, the benefits of virtual production to the process and learn why Kiri is so optimistic about the future of film. More About Kiri Hart Kiri Hart has worked in film and television for 28 years as a story analyst, film executive, writer and producer. After starting her career in 1992 as an assistant in CAA’s Literary Department and later at the Ladd Company, she moved to HBO Films as a creative executive, developing a slate of original movies. She then spent ten years as a screenwriter and television staff writer, writing projects for Universal, HBO, Showtime, and NBC. After working as a development executive at the Kennedy/Marshall Company, Kiri became Senior Vice President of Development at Lucasfilm in 2012. She formed the Lucasfilm Story Group, and oversaw the creative development of all Star Wars content across film, animated television, publishing, gaming, immersive media, and theme parks. While at Lucasfilm, Kiri co-produced the films THE LAST JEDI and ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY, and produced all four seasons of the award-winning animated television series Star Wars Rebels. Kiri departed her Lucasfilm post at the end of 2018, and formed a producing partnership with Stephen Feder, who worked with her at Lucasfilm. Kiri and Stephen are now producers for T-Street, an independent media studio started by filmmaker Rian Johnson (LOOPER, STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, KNIVES OUT) and his producer Ram Bergman. Kiri is currently producing filmmaker Gareth Edwards’ upcoming untitled original film for New Regency. She also serves as a Creative Consultant at Pixar Animation Studios, and is an Executive Producer on Pixar’s next film SOUL, directed by Pete Docter. Kiri is a member of AMPAS and the WGA. She is a California native, and a graduate of Stanford University. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/918341716 Thu, 29 Oct 2020 09:54:46 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/new-strategies-for-storytellers-w-jess-engel 00:46:40 Alex Stolz no Jess Engel is an award-winning, multidisciplinary producer focused on blending storytelling with art and technology. As founder at Crimes of Curiosity, her recent mixed-reality projects include BREATHE, PERSUASION MACHINES and the groundbreaking SPHERES (2018). Produced by Darren Aronofsky, SPHERES not only won the Gran Prix in VR at the Venice Film Festival in 2018 but also achieved the then highest sale price for a VR project to date, at its Sundance premiere. In this episode, I talk with Jess about the VR space (including how this is being impacted by Covid) and explore her strategies as a storyteller which include brand funded work, documentaries, interactive projects and feature films. This episode is going to be particularly relevant if you are a creator, producer or filmmaker as Jess shares so much valuable insight into how to structure your business in the new media landscape. Jess reveals the different approaches and models that are proving effective, as well as her advice for storytellers and thoughts on the future of film. More about Jess Engel Jess is an award-winning, multidisciplinary producer focused on blending storytelling with art and technology. As founder at Crimes of Curiosity, her recent mixed-reality projects include BREATHE (Sundance 2020), PERSUASION MACHINES (Sundance 2020), and the groundbreaking SPHERES (2018), which won the Gran Prix in VR at the Venice Film Festival in 2018. Her work has been shown around the world at major festivals and institutions, including Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, Cannes, Venice, Telluride, NYFF, MIT, and Art Basel. Jess is a 2018 Emmy Awards Finalist. She is a participating producer of the Sundance Institute's inaugural "Future of Culture" Initiative and is a member of the Guild of Future Architects. She has been a Sundance New Frontier fellow and advisor. Jess Engel is an award-winning, multidisciplinary… Jess Engel is an award-winning, multidisciplinary producer focused on blending storytelling with art and technology. As founder at Crimes of Curiosity, her recent mixed-reality projects include BREATHE, PERSUASION MACHINES and the groundbreaking SPHERES (2018). Produced by Darren Aronofsky, SPHERES not only won the Gran Prix in VR at the Venice Film Festival in 2018 but also achieved the then highest sale price for a VR project to date, at its Sundance premiere. In this episode, I talk with Jess about the VR space (including how this is being impacted by Covid) and explore her strategies as a storyteller which include brand funded work, documentaries, interactive projects and feature films. This episode is going to be particularly relevant if you are a creator, producer or filmmaker as Jess shares so much valuable insight into how to structure your business in the new media landscape. Jess reveals the different approaches and models that are proving effective, as well as her advice for storytellers and thoughts on the future of film. More about Jess Engel Jess is an award-winning, multidisciplinary producer focused on blending storytelling with art and technology. As founder at Crimes of Curiosity, her recent mixed-reality projects include BREATHE (Sundance 2020), PERSUASION MACHINES (Sundance 2020), and the groundbreaking SPHERES (2018), which won the Gran Prix in VR at the Venice Film Festival in 2018. Her work has been shown around the world at major festivals and institutions, including Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, Cannes, Venice, Telluride, NYFF, MIT, and Art Basel. Jess is a 2018 Emmy Awards Finalist. She is a participating producer of the Sundance Institute's inaugural "Future of Culture" Initiative and is a member of the Guild of Future Architects. She has been a Sundance New Frontier fellow and advisor. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/914912254 Thu, 22 Oct 2020 12:33:01 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/the-business-of-impact-entertainment-wshabnam-mogharabi 00:49:34 Alex Stolz no Shabnam Mogharabi (@shabster on Twitter) is a former award-winning journalist who co-founded SoulPancake in 2008 with the actor Rainn Wilson. SoulPancake is a digital entertainment company with the vision to “make stuff that matters” creating uplifting and socially impactful videos on a daily basis. With this singular and different approach to online entertainment, the company has amassed over 10m fans online and nearly 1B video views. Under Shabnam’s tenure, SoulPancake was also acquired by leading impact film organisation, Participant Media and worked across their releases such as ROMA and DARK WATER, to reach new audiences and create and measure their social impact. Shabnam is an incredibly articulate and engaging speaker and we cover a lot of really valuable material in this conversation Including: - strategies to create impact through filmmaking, - ways to reach new audiences - how brands and filmmakers are working together as well as and how to approach brands if you are a filmmaker - How to strategise your career as a storyteller More About Shabnam Mogharabi Shabnam Mogharabi has more than 15 years of experience in media and entertainment building startups and organizations with an emphasis on digital content, social platforms, production, and news media. She most recently served as CEO of SoulPancake, an inspiring entertainment company she co-founded with actor Rainn Wilson that creates daily positive, socially conscious videos about human connection. As CEO, she was responsible for steering the company’s vision, safeguarding its mission, and supercharging its growth past its current community of 10M fans online and nearly 1B video views. She also advised SoulPancake’s parent company, Participant Media, and its board on strategic issues, acquisition opportunities, and the company’s social impact goals. Prior to SoulPancake, Shabnam was an award-winning journalist and editor, having served as the youngest Editor-in-Chief at Hanley Wood Business Media, where she oversaw a group of 4 print publications, 8 websites and e-newsletters, and 3 annual live events in the real estate space. Under her leadership, the group weathered downsizing and consolidation during the financial and housing crisis of 2008, yet surpassed annual revenue growth and profitability targets by 20%. One of the youngest winners of the Jesse H. Neal Award (the Pulitzer Prize of B2B journalism), Shabnam has worked as a contributing writer, editor, and stringer for a number of publications, including People, Pool & Spa News, Sunset, and HuffPost. She is a New York Times bestselling author with SoulPancake: Chew on Life’s Big Questions. Shabnam is honored to be a member of the 2016 class of Henry Crown Fellows and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. She is a frequent speaker on the importance of joy, how to connect with Millennials, and meaningful online engagement. She resides in Los Angeles, where she is active with a number of interfaith organizations and volunteers with the Crisis Text Line. Shabnam received her B.A. in journalism and business administration from the University of Southern California and her Master’s in media management from Northwestern University. You can find her on Twitter at @shabster. More info at www.futureoffilm.live Shabnam Mogharabi (@shabster on Twitter) is a for… Shabnam Mogharabi (@shabster on Twitter) is a former award-winning journalist who co-founded SoulPancake in 2008 with the actor Rainn Wilson. SoulPancake is a digital entertainment company with the vision to “make stuff that matters” creating uplifting and socially impactful videos on a daily basis. With this singular and different approach to online entertainment, the company has amassed over 10m fans online and nearly 1B video views. Under Shabnam’s tenure, SoulPancake was also acquired by leading impact film organisation, Participant Media and worked across their releases such as ROMA and DARK WATER, to reach new audiences and create and measure their social impact. Shabnam is an incredibly articulate and engaging speaker and we cover a lot of really valuable material in this conversation Including: - strategies to create impact through filmmaking, - ways to reach new audiences - how brands and filmmakers are working together as well as and how to approach brands if you are a filmmaker - How to strategise your career as a storyteller More About Shabnam Mogharabi Shabnam Mogharabi has more than 15 years of experience in media and entertainment building startups and organizations with an emphasis on digital content, social platforms, production, and news media. She most recently served as CEO of SoulPancake, an inspiring entertainment company she co-founded with actor Rainn Wilson that creates daily positive, socially conscious videos about human connection. As CEO, she was responsible for steering the company’s vision, safeguarding its mission, and supercharging its growth past its current community of 10M fans online and nearly 1B video views. She also advised SoulPancake’s parent company, Participant Media, and its board on strategic issues, acquisition opportunities, and the company’s social impact goals. Prior to SoulPancake, Shabnam was an award-winning journalist and editor, having served as the youngest Editor-in-Chief at Hanley Wood Business Media, where she oversaw a group of 4 print publications, 8 websites and e-newsletters, and 3 annual live events in the real estate space. Under her leadership, the group weathered downsizing and consolidation during the financial and housing crisis of 2008, yet surpassed annual revenue growth and profitability targets by 20%. One of the youngest winners of the Jesse H. Neal Award (the Pulitzer Prize of B2B journalism), Shabnam has worked as a contributing writer, editor, and stringer for a number of publications, including People, Pool & Spa News, Sunset, and HuffPost. She is a New York Times bestselling author with SoulPancake: Chew on Life’s Big Questions. Shabnam is honored to be a member of the 2016 class of Henry Crown Fellows and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. She is a frequent speaker on the importance of joy, how to connect with Millennials, and meaningful online engagement. She resides in Los Angeles, where she is active with a number of interfaith organizations and volunteers with the Crisis Text Line. Shabnam received her B.A. in journalism and business administration from the University of Southern California and her Master’s in media management from Northwestern University. You can find her on Twitter at @shabster. More info at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/910024822 Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:13:32 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/john-gaeta 00:50:47 Alex Stolz no A relentless innovator in film, John Gaeta is best known for his defining work on The Matrix trilogy, including the invention of bullet time, for which he won the Academy Award for Visual Effects. More recently, John co-founded Industrial Light and Magic’s Virtual Reality division ILMX lab and has held the role of SVP Creative Strategy at Magic Leap. Drawing on all of his deep knowledge and understanding about new storytelling technologies, this conversation takes us from the Matrix to the future of filmmaking via XR and Artificial Intelligence. In what is one of the most fascinating conversations I’ve had on the show, John explains his vision for where media is heading, why he believes that there will also be a space for linear storytelling (or 'sculptural form' as John calls it) in this world and why the future of our civilisation rests on a knife edge between creativity and control. See more at www.futureoffilm.live A relentless innovator in film, John Gaeta is bes… A relentless innovator in film, John Gaeta is best known for his defining work on The Matrix trilogy, including the invention of bullet time, for which he won the Academy Award for Visual Effects. More recently, John co-founded Industrial Light and Magic’s Virtual Reality division ILMX lab and has held the role of SVP Creative Strategy at Magic Leap. Drawing on all of his deep knowledge and understanding about new storytelling technologies, this conversation takes us from the Matrix to the future of filmmaking via XR and Artificial Intelligence. In what is one of the most fascinating conversations I’ve had on the show, John explains his vision for where media is heading, why he believes that there will also be a space for linear storytelling (or 'sculptural form' as John calls it) in this world and why the future of our civilisation rests on a knife edge between creativity and control. See more at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/902607817 Mon, 05 Oct 2020 06:37:46 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/the-future-of-interactive-filmmaking-w-sam-barlow 01:01:56 Alex Stolz no Visionary storyteller Sam Barlow's work blends traditional filmmaking techniques with gaming mechanics to create new forms of interactive films. He is known largely for the pioneering works HER STORY and more recently the Annapurna-produced TELLING LIES which is a hugely ambitious interactive thriller told from multiple points of view. In this conversation we explore Sam’s creative process and his vision for the future of interactive filmmaking. In particular, how his work differs from the "Choose your Own Adventure" style adopted by Black Mirror's Bandersnatch . We also touch on Sam’s career and get into the business model and distribution strategy for this kind of work - which although it looks like films has a very different release and revenue cycle. Although we talk primarily about interactive filmmaking, Sam is first and foremost a storyteller and we cover a lot of the fundamentals of this. He is also a a deep thinker about his craft and the episode is densely packed with ideas, concepts and strategies for creators. We will be focusing further on interactive filmmaking at this year's Future of Film Summit: www.futureoffilm.live Visionary storyteller Sam Barlow's work blends tr… Visionary storyteller Sam Barlow's work blends traditional filmmaking techniques with gaming mechanics to create new forms of interactive films. He is known largely for the pioneering works HER STORY and more recently the Annapurna-produced TELLING LIES which is a hugely ambitious interactive thriller told from multiple points of view. In this conversation we explore Sam’s creative process and his vision for the future of interactive filmmaking. In particular, how his work differs from the "Choose your Own Adventure" style adopted by Black Mirror's Bandersnatch . We also touch on Sam’s career and get into the business model and distribution strategy for this kind of work - which although it looks like films has a very different release and revenue cycle. Although we talk primarily about interactive filmmaking, Sam is first and foremost a storyteller and we cover a lot of the fundamentals of this. He is also a a deep thinker about his craft and the episode is densely packed with ideas, concepts and strategies for creators. We will be focusing further on interactive filmmaking at this year's Future of Film Summit: www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/897775780 Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:38:56 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/virtual-production-for-independent-filmmakers 00:49:38 Alex Stolz no Matt Workman is at the forefront of the realtime filmmaking revolution - pioneering the uptake of the technology for independent filmmakers. Following a successful career as a DP of high profile music promos and commercials, Matt developed the hugely successful Cine Tracer app/game, built for filmmakers to learn, experiment and design in realtime. Now, Matt is driving forward virtual production, combining traditional cinematography techniques with realtime graphics using Unreal Engine - and in the process making these tools and workflows accessible to directors and cinematographers worldwide. In this interview Matt takes us through his creative journey to this nexus of technology and cinematographer and why he is so passionate about democratising virtual production technology. Matt is recognised as a leader in the virtual production community, including by Epic Games CTO Kim Libreri who recently said on this show “Matt Workman is incredible”. To find out more about Matt and his prolific and inspirational output follow him on Twitter @cinedatabase. More at www.futureoffilm.live Matt Workman is at the forefront of the realtime … Matt Workman is at the forefront of the realtime filmmaking revolution - pioneering the uptake of the technology for independent filmmakers. Following a successful career as a DP of high profile music promos and commercials, Matt developed the hugely successful Cine Tracer app/game, built for filmmakers to learn, experiment and design in realtime. Now, Matt is driving forward virtual production, combining traditional cinematography techniques with realtime graphics using Unreal Engine - and in the process making these tools and workflows accessible to directors and cinematographers worldwide. In this interview Matt takes us through his creative journey to this nexus of technology and cinematographer and why he is so passionate about democratising virtual production technology. Matt is recognised as a leader in the virtual production community, including by Epic Games CTO Kim Libreri who recently said on this show “Matt Workman is incredible”. To find out more about Matt and his prolific and inspirational output follow him on Twitter @cinedatabase. More at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/894222214 Fri, 18 Sep 2020 05:59:48 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/42-unreal-engine-and-the-revolution-in-virtual-filmmaking 00:31:29 Alex Stolz no In this episode we get the inside track on the creative and technological revolution that is Virtual Production, with the CTO of Epic Games, Kim Libreri. Kim has a long and auspicious career in the film industry, digital technology and visual effects that spans over 20 years. He has credits on more than 25 films including ‘The Matrix' trilogy and is a two-time Academy Award winner to boot! Prior to joining Epic, Kim headed up Lucasfilm’s strategy where he was responsible for the company’s Star Wars technology. Now he is driving the adoption of Unreal Engine across the Entertainment industry with the techniques and systems known as Virtual Production and in-camera visual effects - showcased so brilliantly in Disney and Lucasfilm’s 'The Mandalorian'. Kim shares his thoughts on how virtual production and Unreal Engine will redefine the creative process and how the tools can be used for projects across a wide range of budget levels. More at www.futureoffilm.live In this episode we get the inside track on the cr… In this episode we get the inside track on the creative and technological revolution that is Virtual Production, with the CTO of Epic Games, Kim Libreri. Kim has a long and auspicious career in the film industry, digital technology and visual effects that spans over 20 years. He has credits on more than 25 films including ‘The Matrix' trilogy and is a two-time Academy Award winner to boot! Prior to joining Epic, Kim headed up Lucasfilm’s strategy where he was responsible for the company’s Star Wars technology. Now he is driving the adoption of Unreal Engine across the Entertainment industry with the techniques and systems known as Virtual Production and in-camera visual effects - showcased so brilliantly in Disney and Lucasfilm’s 'The Mandalorian'. Kim shares his thoughts on how virtual production and Unreal Engine will redefine the creative process and how the tools can be used for projects across a wide range of budget levels. More at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/886930684 Mon, 07 Sep 2020 14:31:38 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/woldbuilding-franchises-and-authentic-storytelling-for-independents 00:49:13 Alex Stolz no "Franchises are a way for the creator and creative to have long term sustainability in a crowded marketplace" Diana Williams In this episode we are delighted to welcome storyteller extraordinaire Diana Williams to the show. Diana is Executive Vice President of Creative at Maddison Wells Media's 'Universe' division. Twice named on Fast Company's Top Ten Most Innovative Companies list, MWM have built their reputation in working across multiple formats including interactive, live events, television and, yes, even film! MWM Universe is devoted to developing IP and in her role, Diana is responsible for building creative content strategy, world-building, content production, and data analytics across multiple formats. In this episode we learn about Diana’s unique approach to storytelling, creative collaboration and developing IP with the potential to work on different platforms. This leads us to what Diana refers to as the ‘F word’ - franchises and she explains how this way of thinking can unlock new opportunities for independent storytellers in an increasingly competitive market. This episode was recorded as part of the free video series, Rebels of Storytelling (available at www.futureoffilm.live) and would not have been possible without the incredible support of Epic Games and Unreal Engine who are pioneering the transformation of storytelling on screen. We are also proud to partner with Creative England’s outstanding Creative Enterprise Programme. You can find out more about the Creative Enterprise Programme and the two new grant funds they have available for screen-based creative businesses at www.creativeengland.co.uk "Franchises are a way for the creator and creativ… "Franchises are a way for the creator and creative to have long term sustainability in a crowded marketplace" Diana Williams In this episode we are delighted to welcome storyteller extraordinaire Diana Williams to the show. Diana is Executive Vice President of Creative at Maddison Wells Media's 'Universe' division. Twice named on Fast Company's Top Ten Most Innovative Companies list, MWM have built their reputation in working across multiple formats including interactive, live events, television and, yes, even film! MWM Universe is devoted to developing IP and in her role, Diana is responsible for building creative content strategy, world-building, content production, and data analytics across multiple formats. In this episode we learn about Diana’s unique approach to storytelling, creative collaboration and developing IP with the potential to work on different platforms. This leads us to what Diana refers to as the ‘F word’ - franchises and she explains how this way of thinking can unlock new opportunities for independent storytellers in an increasingly competitive market. This episode was recorded as part of the free video series, Rebels of Storytelling (available at www.futureoffilm.live) and would not have been possible without the incredible support of Epic Games and Unreal Engine who are pioneering the transformation of storytelling on screen. We are also proud to partner with Creative England’s outstanding Creative Enterprise Programme. You can find out more about the Creative Enterprise Programme and the two new grant funds they have available for screen-based creative businesses at www.creativeengland.co.uk Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/857188978 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 10:20:52 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/s03-e12-the-future-of-film-marketing 00:39:41 Alex Stolz no What is the future of film marketing? This episode provides answers with an expert panel of guest speakers from film, tech and entertainment. Some of the topics we cover in the conversation include: - digital marketing strategies - developing a direct to consumer strategy - how to test your digital marketing's effectiveness and measure attribution - what we film learn from other industries such as games and retail - launching film as a digital product - the impact of Covid on film marketing This episode originates from the usheru Future of Film Marketing Series and includes the following speakers: Catherine Downes: CMO and COO of usheru Ciaran O'Herlihy, a Digital Strategist and Google Product Partnerships manager Wendy Bernfeld, Founder and Managing Director RIghts Stuff Lucy Johnston, Founder of Bread and Butter Marketing Derren Sequeira, Client Partner Entertainment Facebook Ben Johnson: Founder and CEO of Gruvi See www.futureoffilm.live for more information. What is the future of film marketing? This episod… What is the future of film marketing? This episode provides answers with an expert panel of guest speakers from film, tech and entertainment. Some of the topics we cover in the conversation include: - digital marketing strategies - developing a direct to consumer strategy - how to test your digital marketing's effectiveness and measure attribution - what we film learn from other industries such as games and retail - launching film as a digital product - the impact of Covid on film marketing This episode originates from the usheru Future of Film Marketing Series and includes the following speakers: Catherine Downes: CMO and COO of usheru Ciaran O'Herlihy, a Digital Strategist and Google Product Partnerships manager Wendy Bernfeld, Founder and Managing Director RIghts Stuff Lucy Johnston, Founder of Bread and Butter Marketing Derren Sequeira, Client Partner Entertainment Facebook Ben Johnson: Founder and CEO of Gruvi See www.futureoffilm.live for more information. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/782929072 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 07:22:33 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/s03-e11-naysun-alae-carew 00:54:58 Alex Stolz no Naysun Alae-Carew is Founder and Managing Director of Blazing Griffin, the pioneering Glasgow-based entertainment company which uses a format-agnostic approach to tell stories across film, games and TV. Speaking at the 2020 Glasgow Film Festival (just before the whole world changed), Naysun shares his insights on telling stories as both films and games - and the commercial and creative process that Blazing Griffin use to do this. He also shares the powerful personal story behind the making of the zombie-musical-comedy, Anna and the Apocalypse and provides unique insight on building an entertainment company ground up for today’s multi-platform digital age. With many thanks to Glasgow Film Festival for making this episode possible. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Naysun Alae-Carew is Founder and Managing Directo… Naysun Alae-Carew is Founder and Managing Director of Blazing Griffin, the pioneering Glasgow-based entertainment company which uses a format-agnostic approach to tell stories across film, games and TV. Speaking at the 2020 Glasgow Film Festival (just before the whole world changed), Naysun shares his insights on telling stories as both films and games - and the commercial and creative process that Blazing Griffin use to do this. He also shares the powerful personal story behind the making of the zombie-musical-comedy, Anna and the Apocalypse and provides unique insight on building an entertainment company ground up for today’s multi-platform digital age. With many thanks to Glasgow Film Festival for making this episode possible. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/782926000 Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:30:38 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/s03-e10-nadira-azermai-maria-tanjala-catherine-downes 01:13:45 Alex Stolz no Can tech save the film industry? That's the question posed to three tech founders in this special episode of Film Disruptors, recorded live at the 2020 Berlin Film Festival. Nadira Azermai of Scriptbook, Maria Tanjala of Film Chain and usheru's Catherine Downes discuss their growing businesses and how they are bringing innovative solutions to film development, finance and distribution. This episode was produced during the 21st edition of the FilmTech Meetup Berlin, in collaboration with Filmtech Office www.filmtechoffice.com and EFM Horizon https://www.efm-berlinale.de/en/horizon/home/horizon, the European Film Market's platform focusing on the future of film business and new developments in the media and entertainment worlds Nadira Azermai Nadira Azermai is Founder of ScriptBook, a high-tech company that provides artificially intelligent screenplay analysis and box office forecasts. ScriptBook was conceived when Nadira wrote her Master’s thesis on using artificial intelligence to quantify story-parameters into a predictive model. This would enable content creators to assess their projects objectively and avoid financial failure. Nadira has been on a mission to unify art & artificial intelligence ever since. Maria Tanjala Maria's background is in film production, from line producing, budgeting to distribution. She is passionate about tech solutions that bring transparency and automation in the creative industries, creating a level playing field for creators and enterprises. Maria Tanjala founded alongside Irina Albita the FilmChain platform that collects, allocates and analyses revenues for film, TV and digital content on the blockchain, replacing the traditional collection services with transparent, real-time payments from viewers to filmmakers. In 2020 they won "Startup of the Year" at London Business Awards by Mayor of London. Catherine Downes Catherine is COO & CMO - usheru, the tech analytics company that specialises in film marketing. Catherine studied her undergraduate degree at Trinity in Business Studies and Political Science and holds a Masters in Human Rights and Criminology Justice from Queen’s University Belfast. After several years working in research in this area, she made a switch into the world of technology by joining Google in January 2008 and spent almost 7 years there, across different product groups. Her roles focused mainly on marketing, and sales partnerships. Her final role at Google saw her lead the global Google Certified Publishing Partner program which she worked on since inception and grew for almost 2 years across Europe and Asia, launching the first US partners before leaving to start usheru. Catherine co-founded usheru 5 years ago with Ollie Fegan and Andres Macias with the ultimate goal to connect film marketing to the box office, and to provide consumer insight for film distributors. Venture-backed usheru currently operates across Europe, with technology products for film distributors, national film bodies and cinemas - the company is eyeing a 2020 expansion into the US. Catherine speaks French, Spanish and Italian, and in a former life was even a snowboard instructor in Canada and an avid cycling road racer. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Can tech save the film industry? That's the quest… Can tech save the film industry? That's the question posed to three tech founders in this special episode of Film Disruptors, recorded live at the 2020 Berlin Film Festival. Nadira Azermai of Scriptbook, Maria Tanjala of Film Chain and usheru's Catherine Downes discuss their growing businesses and how they are bringing innovative solutions to film development, finance and distribution. This episode was produced during the 21st edition of the FilmTech Meetup Berlin, in collaboration with Filmtech Office www.filmtechoffice.com and EFM Horizon https://www.efm-berlinale.de/en/horizon/home/horizon, the European Film Market's platform focusing on the future of film business and new developments in the media and entertainment worlds Nadira Azermai Nadira Azermai is Founder of ScriptBook, a high-tech company that provides artificially intelligent screenplay analysis and box office forecasts. ScriptBook was conceived when Nadira wrote her Master’s thesis on using artificial intelligence to quantify story-parameters into a predictive model. This would enable content creators to assess their projects objectively and avoid financial failure. Nadira has been on a mission to unify art & artificial intelligence ever since. Maria Tanjala Maria's background is in film production, from line producing, budgeting to distribution. She is passionate about tech solutions that bring transparency and automation in the creative industries, creating a level playing field for creators and enterprises. Maria Tanjala founded alongside Irina Albita the FilmChain platform that collects, allocates and analyses revenues for film, TV and digital content on the blockchain, replacing the traditional collection services with transparent, real-time payments from viewers to filmmakers. In 2020 they won "Startup of the Year" at London Business Awards by Mayor of London. Catherine Downes Catherine is COO & CMO - usheru, the tech analytics company that specialises in film marketing. Catherine studied her undergraduate degree at Trinity in Business Studies and Political Science and holds a Masters in Human Rights and Criminology Justice from Queen’s University Belfast. After several years working in research in this area, she made a switch into the world of technology by joining Google in January 2008 and spent almost 7 years there, across different product groups. Her roles focused mainly on marketing, and sales partnerships. Her final role at Google saw her lead the global Google Certified Publishing Partner program which she worked on since inception and grew for almost 2 years across Europe and Asia, launching the first US partners before leaving to start usheru. Catherine co-founded usheru 5 years ago with Ollie Fegan and Andres Macias with the ultimate goal to connect film marketing to the box office, and to provide consumer insight for film distributors. Venture-backed usheru currently operates across Europe, with technology products for film distributors, national film bodies and cinemas - the company is eyeing a 2020 expansion into the US. Catherine speaks French, Spanish and Italian, and in a former life was even a snowboard instructor in Canada and an avid cycling road racer. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/782895343 Thu, 02 Apr 2020 14:12:07 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/s03-e09-michel-reilhac 00:55:15 Alex Stolz no In this episode, I am joined by immersive media expert, Michel Reilhac. In a wide ranging conversation about storytelling and media, Michel provides deep insight into the current state of VR, both artistically and commercially, and shares his optimistic vision for where it is heading. Michel is Head of Studies at the Venice Biennale College and VR competition curator for the Venice Biennale International Film Festival. Between 2002-2012, Michel was Head of Cinema & Film Acquisitions at Arte France and executive director of Arte France Cinema, co-producing around 30 international independent feature films each year. Michel is a regular speaker on XR and immersive storytelling at international events, including the Cannes International Film Festival, SXSW, Tribeca Film Festival, TEDx, CPH:DOX, Power to the Pixel, FEMIS etc. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live In this episode, I am joined by immersive media e… In this episode, I am joined by immersive media expert, Michel Reilhac. In a wide ranging conversation about storytelling and media, Michel provides deep insight into the current state of VR, both artistically and commercially, and shares his optimistic vision for where it is heading. Michel is Head of Studies at the Venice Biennale College and VR competition curator for the Venice Biennale International Film Festival. Between 2002-2012, Michel was Head of Cinema & Film Acquisitions at Arte France and executive director of Arte France Cinema, co-producing around 30 international independent feature films each year. Michel is a regular speaker on XR and immersive storytelling at international events, including the Cannes International Film Festival, SXSW, Tribeca Film Festival, TEDx, CPH:DOX, Power to the Pixel, FEMIS etc. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/712348891 Thu, 14 Nov 2019 09:22:20 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/38-new-cinema-2019 00:45:23 Alex Stolz no This very special episode was recorded live at the New Cinema Conference 2019 at the EYE in Amsterdam. From across film and media I am joined by experts in their field to discuss the future of cinema and its place in the wider culture and industry. My esteemed guests are: - international VOD expert and Rights Stuff Founder Wendy Bernfeld - innovator, teacher and MD of the German Producers Association Erwin Schmidt - Acclaimed storyteller (and producer of one of my favourite films in recent years THE LUNCHBOX) Anurag Kashyap - Internationally recognised pioneer of VR and curator of Venice VR Days, Michel Reilhac In this conversation we look ahead to the next 5 years and explore the challenges and opportunities for cinema over that time. Drawing upon the guest's wide ranging experience and backgrounds, we discuss the innovations that could benefit the industry and how it can prosper in the wider context of the shifts in VOD, Production, Storytelling and Immersive Media. This episode was made possible with kind support of the New Cinema Conference. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live This very special episode was recorded live at th… This very special episode was recorded live at the New Cinema Conference 2019 at the EYE in Amsterdam. From across film and media I am joined by experts in their field to discuss the future of cinema and its place in the wider culture and industry. My esteemed guests are: - international VOD expert and Rights Stuff Founder Wendy Bernfeld - innovator, teacher and MD of the German Producers Association Erwin Schmidt - Acclaimed storyteller (and producer of one of my favourite films in recent years THE LUNCHBOX) Anurag Kashyap - Internationally recognised pioneer of VR and curator of Venice VR Days, Michel Reilhac In this conversation we look ahead to the next 5 years and explore the challenges and opportunities for cinema over that time. Drawing upon the guest's wide ranging experience and backgrounds, we discuss the innovations that could benefit the industry and how it can prosper in the wider context of the shifts in VOD, Production, Storytelling and Immersive Media. This episode was made possible with kind support of the New Cinema Conference. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/704855242 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 20:12:58 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/37-janet-brown-gunpowder-and-sky 00:49:01 Alex Stolz no Janet Brown is EVP Distribution at Gunpowder and Sky, the fast growing independent studio that is creating and distributing content across multiple formats and platforms. In this conversation from their New York offices, Janet describes how the young studio is designed ground-up for today’s shifting consumer landscape - and the new routes to market that now exist for storytellers. We also discuss the future (and recent history) of distribution as well as Janet's entrepreneurial journey at Film Buff, the company she co-founded and built that Gunpowder and Sky acquired in 2016. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Janet Brown is EVP Distribution at Gunpowder and … Janet Brown is EVP Distribution at Gunpowder and Sky, the fast growing independent studio that is creating and distributing content across multiple formats and platforms. In this conversation from their New York offices, Janet describes how the young studio is designed ground-up for today’s shifting consumer landscape - and the new routes to market that now exist for storytellers. We also discuss the future (and recent history) of distribution as well as Janet's entrepreneurial journey at Film Buff, the company she co-founded and built that Gunpowder and Sky acquired in 2016. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/696215741 Wed, 16 Oct 2019 19:06:27 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/36-yasmin-elayat-the-new-language-of-volumetric-filmmaking 01:09:34 Alex Stolz no Yasmin Elayat is an Emmy-award winning storyteller and entrepreneur whose work pushes the boundaries of immersive narrative and participatory experiences. Yasmin began her career in computer science but, as she describes in this interview, pivoted to become a storyteller and then co-founder of the tech-production company Scatter. At Scatter, Yasmin is now pioneering the emerging language of Volumetric Filmmaking, a process that can transform 2D capture of the real world into hologram like imagery which can be viewed from any angle and is being used in immersive storytelling, documentaries and films. In 2017 Yasmin used Scatter's Volumetric filmmaking techniques to make ZERO DAYS VR which won the Emmy for Outstanding New Approach to Documentary. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Yasmin Elayat is an Emmy-award winning storytelle… Yasmin Elayat is an Emmy-award winning storyteller and entrepreneur whose work pushes the boundaries of immersive narrative and participatory experiences. Yasmin began her career in computer science but, as she describes in this interview, pivoted to become a storyteller and then co-founder of the tech-production company Scatter. At Scatter, Yasmin is now pioneering the emerging language of Volumetric Filmmaking, a process that can transform 2D capture of the real world into hologram like imagery which can be viewed from any angle and is being used in immersive storytelling, documentaries and films. In 2017 Yasmin used Scatter's Volumetric filmmaking techniques to make ZERO DAYS VR which won the Emmy for Outstanding New Approach to Documentary. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/692321377 Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:50:11 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/35-adam-myhill-on-the-future-of-cinematography 00:50:15 Alex Stolz no Adam Myhill is Creative Director for Unity's Media & Entertainment Innovation Group. In this episode, Adam addresses how realtime technology is transforming the filmmaking process and some of huge opportunities - and challenges - that this brings about. A former photographer and DP, Adam explains how he has used this experience to build new virtual cinematography tools that give filmmakers significantly more control and creative options. We also discuss the future of film and media and Adam provides some powerful advice for emerging filmmakers. If you enjoyed this episode, do check out [Future of Film] Summit, London 26/11/19 https://www.futureoffilm.live Adam Myhill has spent two decades in film and video game worlds, working as a Director of Photography and CG supervisor at Electronic Arts and Blackbird Interactive. Using his experience on multiple titles and as a film DP on a number of feature-length movies, Myhill created a ground-breaking Emmy award-winning procedural cinematic and in-game camera system called Cinemachine, which is used in games and films. Adam also designed CineCast, a cinematography system for esports and any 3D content which begs the question “How do you film something when you don’t know what’s going to happen next?” He also holds a number of technology patents around virtual cameras and procedural cinematography. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Adam Myhill is Creative Director for Unity's Medi… Adam Myhill is Creative Director for Unity's Media & Entertainment Innovation Group. In this episode, Adam addresses how realtime technology is transforming the filmmaking process and some of huge opportunities - and challenges - that this brings about. A former photographer and DP, Adam explains how he has used this experience to build new virtual cinematography tools that give filmmakers significantly more control and creative options. We also discuss the future of film and media and Adam provides some powerful advice for emerging filmmakers. If you enjoyed this episode, do check out [Future of Film] Summit, London 26/11/19 https://www.futureoffilm.live Adam Myhill has spent two decades in film and video game worlds, working as a Director of Photography and CG supervisor at Electronic Arts and Blackbird Interactive. Using his experience on multiple titles and as a film DP on a number of feature-length movies, Myhill created a ground-breaking Emmy award-winning procedural cinematic and in-game camera system called Cinemachine, which is used in games and films. Adam also designed CineCast, a cinematography system for esports and any 3D content which begs the question “How do you film something when you don’t know what’s going to happen next?” He also holds a number of technology patents around virtual cameras and procedural cinematography. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/689425915 Thu, 03 Oct 2019 09:50:05 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/34-mike-winton-neon-theatrical-and-the-art-of-film-marketing 00:52:33 Alex Stolz no My guest today is Neon's VP of Marketing, MIke WInton. Neon of course is one of the hottest distribution companies around, known for their astute acquisitions and eye catching marketing. And they have caught the eye in recent years not just with their cool campaigns (which Mike masterminds). At a time when the challenges faced by independent distribution have been well documented, Neon have achieved notable box office success with titles like THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS, APOLLO 11. In this episode, Mike discusses Neon’s strategy and how distributors - and storytellers - can cut through in the wake of streaming and the increasingly polarised theatrical market This interview is part of the BAM Disruptors series recorded recently at the Bogotá Audiovisual Market (or BAM) which takes place there in July. BAM is the essential event for anyone serious about engaging with the Latin American market in film or tv and this episode would not have been possible without them. You can find out more about BAM at bogotamarket.com Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live My guest today is Neon's VP of Marketing, MIke WI… My guest today is Neon's VP of Marketing, MIke WInton. Neon of course is one of the hottest distribution companies around, known for their astute acquisitions and eye catching marketing. And they have caught the eye in recent years not just with their cool campaigns (which Mike masterminds). At a time when the challenges faced by independent distribution have been well documented, Neon have achieved notable box office success with titles like THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS, APOLLO 11. In this episode, Mike discusses Neon’s strategy and how distributors - and storytellers - can cut through in the wake of streaming and the increasingly polarised theatrical market This interview is part of the BAM Disruptors series recorded recently at the Bogotá Audiovisual Market (or BAM) which takes place there in July. BAM is the essential event for anyone serious about engaging with the Latin American market in film or tv and this episode would not have been possible without them. You can find out more about BAM at bogotamarket.com Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/685674304 Thu, 26 Sep 2019 08:31:49 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/33-brian-newman-brand-funded-features-and-succeeding-in-the-attention-economy 00:54:22 Alex Stolz no Brian Newman is founder of Sub-genre, the leading consultancy on connecting brands and filmmakers with audiences. A hugely respected veteran of the US Independent Film industry, Brian was previously CEO of the Tribeca Film Institute and serves on the advisory board of the Camden International Film Festival. In this episode, we discuss brand funding and discover how Brian is working with major brands like Patagonia and Stripe to successfully invest in feature films. We also talk about how filmmakers can succeed in the age of super abundance and how to get noticed in the Attention Economy - and Brian reveals the most common mistake he sees being made by filmmakers. This episode was recorded live at this year's Bogotá Audiovisual Market www.bogotamarket.com. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Brian Newman is founder of Sub-genre, the leading… Brian Newman is founder of Sub-genre, the leading consultancy on connecting brands and filmmakers with audiences. A hugely respected veteran of the US Independent Film industry, Brian was previously CEO of the Tribeca Film Institute and serves on the advisory board of the Camden International Film Festival. In this episode, we discuss brand funding and discover how Brian is working with major brands like Patagonia and Stripe to successfully invest in feature films. We also talk about how filmmakers can succeed in the age of super abundance and how to get noticed in the Attention Economy - and Brian reveals the most common mistake he sees being made by filmmakers. This episode was recorded live at this year's Bogotá Audiovisual Market www.bogotamarket.com. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/682031072 Thu, 19 Sep 2019 08:10:53 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/season-32-liam-young-on-the-future-of-storytelling 00:53:47 Alex Stolz no Liam Young is a speculative architect who operates in the spaces between design, fiction and futures. He is cofounder of Tomorrows Thoughts Today, an urban futures think tank, exploring the local and global implications of new technologies and Unknown Fields, a nomadic research studio that travels on expeditions to chronicle these emerging conditions as they occur on the ground. He has been acclaimed in both mainstream and architectural media, including the BBC, NBC, Wired, Guardian, Time Magazine and New Scientist, is a BAFTA nominated producer and his work has been collected by institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum and MAAS in Sydney. He has published several books including the recent Machine Landscapes: Architectures of the Post Anthropocene and has taught internationally at the Architectural Association, Princeton University and now runs the ground breaking MA in Fiction and Entertainment at Sci Arc in Los Angles. Liam's narrative approach sits between documentary and fiction as he focuses on projects that aim to reveal the invisible connections and systems that make the modern world work. Liam now manages his time between exploring distant landscapes and prototyping the future worlds he extrapolates from them. This episode was recorded live at the 2019 Bogota AudioVisual Market (BAM). For more information on BAM www.bogotamarket.com and for Film Disruptors: www.futureoffilm.live Liam Young is a speculative architect who operate… Liam Young is a speculative architect who operates in the spaces between design, fiction and futures. He is cofounder of Tomorrows Thoughts Today, an urban futures think tank, exploring the local and global implications of new technologies and Unknown Fields, a nomadic research studio that travels on expeditions to chronicle these emerging conditions as they occur on the ground. He has been acclaimed in both mainstream and architectural media, including the BBC, NBC, Wired, Guardian, Time Magazine and New Scientist, is a BAFTA nominated producer and his work has been collected by institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum and MAAS in Sydney. He has published several books including the recent Machine Landscapes: Architectures of the Post Anthropocene and has taught internationally at the Architectural Association, Princeton University and now runs the ground breaking MA in Fiction and Entertainment at Sci Arc in Los Angles. Liam's narrative approach sits between documentary and fiction as he focuses on projects that aim to reveal the invisible connections and systems that make the modern world work. Liam now manages his time between exploring distant landscapes and prototyping the future worlds he extrapolates from them. This episode was recorded live at the 2019 Bogota AudioVisual Market (BAM). For more information on BAM www.bogotamarket.com and for Film Disruptors: www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/678411711 Thu, 12 Sep 2019 13:21:08 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/season-31-netflix-and-annapurna-pictures-on-the-future-of-production 00:52:39 Alex Stolz no Recorded live at the recent Bogotá Audio Visual Market (BAM), this conversation explores the future of production with Netflix and Annapurna Pictures with Jennie Yamaki and Kwame Parker of Netflix and VP of Annapurna, Stephen Wolf. From how Netflix plan their productions to the latest on Annapurna’s strategy, this episode also covers the future of storytelling - from AI to interactive - as well as some powerful advice for emerging storytellers. We also hear from Kwame about his experience exec-producing the 2019 Academy Award Best Picture Winner, Green Book. KWAME PARKER: Over the course of two decades, Kwame Parker has successfully developed a career working with the top talent in the film industry on numerous critically acclaimed projects, his acumen as an executive producer was recognized when GREEN BOOK won the Best Film in the most recent edition of the Academy Awards. JENNIE YAMAKI: is a production executive with experience in companies and projects ranging from new media to film, and is currently the manager of physical production for Netflix's independent and original films. STEPHEN WOLF is the Vice President of Annapurna Pictures and the head of the Production Finance department. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Bogota Audio Visual Market (BAM), which takes place in Bogotá in July. For more information see www.bogotamarket.com Recorded live at the recent Bogotá Audio Visual M… Recorded live at the recent Bogotá Audio Visual Market (BAM), this conversation explores the future of production with Netflix and Annapurna Pictures with Jennie Yamaki and Kwame Parker of Netflix and VP of Annapurna, Stephen Wolf. From how Netflix plan their productions to the latest on Annapurna’s strategy, this episode also covers the future of storytelling - from AI to interactive - as well as some powerful advice for emerging storytellers. We also hear from Kwame about his experience exec-producing the 2019 Academy Award Best Picture Winner, Green Book. KWAME PARKER: Over the course of two decades, Kwame Parker has successfully developed a career working with the top talent in the film industry on numerous critically acclaimed projects, his acumen as an executive producer was recognized when GREEN BOOK won the Best Film in the most recent edition of the Academy Awards. JENNIE YAMAKI: is a production executive with experience in companies and projects ranging from new media to film, and is currently the manager of physical production for Netflix's independent and original films. STEPHEN WOLF is the Vice President of Annapurna Pictures and the head of the Production Finance department. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Bogota Audio Visual Market (BAM), which takes place in Bogotá in July. For more information see www.bogotamarket.com Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/593063271 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 09:30:31 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/the-future-of-distribution-part-2-of-2-season-214 00:49:26 Alex Stolz no What is the future of distribution in an age of unprecedented content, competition and connectivity? Find answers in this special episode of Film Disruptors, recorded live at the 2019 Glasgow Film Festival where I was joined by a panel of experts: Mia Bays, Director at Large of Birds' Eye View year round agency that campaigns for gender equality in film. Ben Johnson runs Gruvi, a mediatech company that helps entertainment businesses reach and engage online audiences. Lee Shelton, responsible for all digital marketing activity across the Curzon group which is a leading boutique cinema, digital platform and distribution here in the UK. Eve Gabereau, Founder and CEO of the new female-led distribution company Modern Films. With audiences increasingly overwhelmed by a vast proliferation of content, from short form to box sets, the challenge to capture attention and engagement for films other than the biggest blockbusters is ever increasing. Yet with these changes, also comes the opportunity to target consumers with higher accuracy and to reach them directly, potentially at much lower cost. What do these trends mean for independent film and how should storytellers approach distribution in 2019? Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live What is the future of distribution in an age of u… What is the future of distribution in an age of unprecedented content, competition and connectivity? Find answers in this special episode of Film Disruptors, recorded live at the 2019 Glasgow Film Festival where I was joined by a panel of experts: Mia Bays, Director at Large of Birds' Eye View year round agency that campaigns for gender equality in film. Ben Johnson runs Gruvi, a mediatech company that helps entertainment businesses reach and engage online audiences. Lee Shelton, responsible for all digital marketing activity across the Curzon group which is a leading boutique cinema, digital platform and distribution here in the UK. Eve Gabereau, Founder and CEO of the new female-led distribution company Modern Films. With audiences increasingly overwhelmed by a vast proliferation of content, from short form to box sets, the challenge to capture attention and engagement for films other than the biggest blockbusters is ever increasing. Yet with these changes, also comes the opportunity to target consumers with higher accuracy and to reach them directly, potentially at much lower cost. What do these trends mean for independent film and how should storytellers approach distribution in 2019? Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/593063244 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 09:13:41 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/the-future-of-distribution-part-1-of-2-season-214 00:43:19 Alex Stolz no What is the future of distribution in an age of unprecedented content, competition and connectivity? Find answers in this special episode of Film Disruptors, recorded live at the 2019 Glasgow Film Festival where I was joined by a panel of experts: Mia Bays, Director at Large of Birds' Eye View year round agency that campaigns for gender equality in film. Ben Johnson runs Gruvi, a mediatech company that helps entertainment businesses reach and engage online audiences. Lee Shelton, responsible for all digital marketing activity across the Curzon group which is a leading boutique cinema, digital platform and distribution here in the UK. Eve Gabereau, Founder and CEO of the new female-led distribution company Modern Films. With audiences increasingly overwhelmed by a vast proliferation of content, from short form to box sets, the challenge to capture attention and engagement for films other than the biggest blockbusters is ever increasing. Yet with these changes, also comes the opportunity to target consumers with higher accuracy and to reach them directly, potentially at much lower cost. What do these trends mean for independent film and how should storytellers approach distribution in 2019? What is the future of distribution in an age of u… What is the future of distribution in an age of unprecedented content, competition and connectivity? Find answers in this special episode of Film Disruptors, recorded live at the 2019 Glasgow Film Festival where I was joined by a panel of experts: Mia Bays, Director at Large of Birds' Eye View year round agency that campaigns for gender equality in film. Ben Johnson runs Gruvi, a mediatech company that helps entertainment businesses reach and engage online audiences. Lee Shelton, responsible for all digital marketing activity across the Curzon group which is a leading boutique cinema, digital platform and distribution here in the UK. Eve Gabereau, Founder and CEO of the new female-led distribution company Modern Films. With audiences increasingly overwhelmed by a vast proliferation of content, from short form to box sets, the challenge to capture attention and engagement for films other than the biggest blockbusters is ever increasing. Yet with these changes, also comes the opportunity to target consumers with higher accuracy and to reach them directly, potentially at much lower cost. What do these trends mean for independent film and how should storytellers approach distribution in 2019? Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/577424133 Wed, 20 Feb 2019 17:59:49 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/rikke-ennis-reinventing-international-sales-season-213 00:48:51 Alex Stolz no Rikke Ennis has been at the forefront of the international film business for more than two decades, most recently as CEO of the market leading Nordic sales company, Trust Nordisk. In 2018, Rikke founded REinvent Studios, a new mini-studio specialising in the packaging, sales and finance of films and television for the global market. And in 2019 Rikke has also launched a new pay-per-view digital streaming service called NutAlone. In this episode, we discuss the current international business, new financing strategies and how and why NutAlone is reimagining the business of video on demand. This episode was recorded live at the 2019 Berlin Film Festival and is brought to you in collaboration with Berlin based FilmTech Office and EFM Horizon. The FilmTech Office is a Berlin based co-working space for creatives & entrepreneurs in film, storytelling and tech. Find out more at: www.filmtechoffice.com. EFM Horizon is the conference and networking programme of the European Film Market of the Berlinale focussing on the future of the media business.   Find out more at: www.efm-berlinale.de Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Rikke Ennis has been at the forefront of the inte… Rikke Ennis has been at the forefront of the international film business for more than two decades, most recently as CEO of the market leading Nordic sales company, Trust Nordisk. In 2018, Rikke founded REinvent Studios, a new mini-studio specialising in the packaging, sales and finance of films and television for the global market. And in 2019 Rikke has also launched a new pay-per-view digital streaming service called NutAlone. In this episode, we discuss the current international business, new financing strategies and how and why NutAlone is reimagining the business of video on demand. This episode was recorded live at the 2019 Berlin Film Festival and is brought to you in collaboration with Berlin based FilmTech Office and EFM Horizon. The FilmTech Office is a Berlin based co-working space for creatives & entrepreneurs in film, storytelling and tech. Find out more at: www.filmtechoffice.com. EFM Horizon is the conference and networking programme of the European Film Market of the Berlinale focussing on the future of the media business.   Find out more at: www.efm-berlinale.de Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/570996408 Wed, 06 Feb 2019 19:50:06 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/sarah-smith-creating-a-global-animation-studio-season-212 00:49:34 Alex Stolz no Sarah Smith is CEO of Locksmith Animation which she launched with Julie Lockhart in 2014 with backing from Liz Murdoch. Described as the UK’s only high-end feature animation studio dedicated to making films for a global family audience, Locksmith recently signed a major multi-year output deal with 20th Century Fox. In this episode Sarah shares how she built the business, moving into this entrepreneurial space from her career as a multi-award winning director and writer. She also talks about her time as a senior executive at Aardman Studios - where she was not only instrumental in securing a game-changing Sony Pictures Deal but for who she also directed the family classic and box office smash Arthur Christmas. In a wide ranging conversation, we also cover #TimesUp in relation to animation, new tech innovation in the space as well as Sarah’s powerful and practical tips for navigating the Hollywood machine. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Sarah Smith is CEO of Locksmith Animation which s… Sarah Smith is CEO of Locksmith Animation which she launched with Julie Lockhart in 2014 with backing from Liz Murdoch. Described as the UK’s only high-end feature animation studio dedicated to making films for a global family audience, Locksmith recently signed a major multi-year output deal with 20th Century Fox. In this episode Sarah shares how she built the business, moving into this entrepreneurial space from her career as a multi-award winning director and writer. She also talks about her time as a senior executive at Aardman Studios - where she was not only instrumental in securing a game-changing Sony Pictures Deal but for who she also directed the family classic and box office smash Arthur Christmas. In a wide ranging conversation, we also cover #TimesUp in relation to animation, new tech innovation in the space as well as Sarah’s powerful and practical tips for navigating the Hollywood machine. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/562302234 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 17:51:56 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/alan-gershenfeld 00:29:33 Alex Stolz no Alan Gershenfeld is a master storyteller, World-Builder and Game Designer who is currently Co-Founder and President of E-Line Media, an impact gaming company that builds games to help players understand and shape the world. In this conversation we discuss storytelling strategies, new synergies between games and films (Alan also has extensive film experience), VR, AR and the practice of World-Building, as Alan has recently partnered with Alex McDowell’s Experimental Design in this field. And we also talk about Impact and Alan shares the extraordinary case study of NEVER ALONE, showcasing the power of games to drive social change. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alan Gershenfeld is a master storyteller, World-B… Alan Gershenfeld is a master storyteller, World-Builder and Game Designer who is currently Co-Founder and President of E-Line Media, an impact gaming company that builds games to help players understand and shape the world. In this conversation we discuss storytelling strategies, new synergies between games and films (Alan also has extensive film experience), VR, AR and the practice of World-Building, as Alan has recently partnered with Alex McDowell’s Experimental Design in this field. And we also talk about Impact and Alan shares the extraordinary case study of NEVER ALONE, showcasing the power of games to drive social change. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/556301163 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 19:27:24 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/felix-lajeunesse-and-paul-raphael-felix-paul 00:51:45 Alex Stolz no Félix Lajeunesse and Paul Raphaël head up Felix & Paul Studios (@felixandpaul), the Emmy Award-winning immersive media entertainment studio based out of Montreal and L.A. Genuine pioneers of immersive storytelling and VR, Felix and Paul are artists, entrepreneurs and storytellers who originate gamechanging work across a variety of genres in partnership with organisations and individuals including Barrack Obama, Universal Pictures, Fox Searchlight, LeBron James and Cirque du Soleil. In this episode we get ‘under the hood’ of the Felix and Paul's creative and business strategy and explore the future and now of immersive media, including the commercial prognosis for VR in 2019. We also learn about their role as technologists and how the development of new tech in house forms a key function in their quest to create greater immersion and push the boundaries of storytelling. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Félix Lajeunesse and Paul Raphaël head up Felix &… Félix Lajeunesse and Paul Raphaël head up Felix & Paul Studios (@felixandpaul), the Emmy Award-winning immersive media entertainment studio based out of Montreal and L.A. Genuine pioneers of immersive storytelling and VR, Felix and Paul are artists, entrepreneurs and storytellers who originate gamechanging work across a variety of genres in partnership with organisations and individuals including Barrack Obama, Universal Pictures, Fox Searchlight, LeBron James and Cirque du Soleil. In this episode we get ‘under the hood’ of the Felix and Paul's creative and business strategy and explore the future and now of immersive media, including the commercial prognosis for VR in 2019. We also learn about their role as technologists and how the development of new tech in house forms a key function in their quest to create greater immersion and push the boundaries of storytelling. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/540715761 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 11:04:59 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/kamal-sinclair-sundance-and-new-frontiers-in-storytelling-part-2-season-29 00:34:51 Alex Stolz no Kamal Sinclair (@kamalsinclair) is Director of the Sundance Institute’s New Frontier Lab Programme and an internationally recognised expert in new storytelling and Emerging Media. In this 2-part interview Kamal reveals how creators are embracing technologies like AI and VR in remarkable new ways to give life to their stories. In a conversation that covers film, arts and technology, we also talk diversity and Kamal eloquently deconstructs some of the pervasive myths and misconceptions around creators and entrepreneurs in technology and media. This is part two of two. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Kamal Sinclair (@kamalsinclair) is Director of th… Kamal Sinclair (@kamalsinclair) is Director of the Sundance Institute’s New Frontier Lab Programme and an internationally recognised expert in new storytelling and Emerging Media. In this 2-part interview Kamal reveals how creators are embracing technologies like AI and VR in remarkable new ways to give life to their stories. In a conversation that covers film, arts and technology, we also talk diversity and Kamal eloquently deconstructs some of the pervasive myths and misconceptions around creators and entrepreneurs in technology and media. This is part two of two. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/540715044 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 11:03:52 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/kamal-sinclair-sundance-and-new-frontiers-in-storytelling-part-1-season-29 00:28:55 Alex Stolz no Kamal Sinclair (@kamalsinclair) is Director of the Sundance Institute’s New Frontier Lab Programme and an internationally-recognised expert in new storytelling and Emerging Media. In this 2-part interview Kamal reveals how creators are embracing technologies like AI and VR in remarkable new ways to give life to their stories. In a conversation that covers film, arts and technology, we also talk diversity and Kamal eloquently deconstructs some of the pervasive myths and misconceptions around creators and entrepreneurs in technology and media. This is a two part episode. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Kamal Sinclair (@kamalsinclair) is Director of th… Kamal Sinclair (@kamalsinclair) is Director of the Sundance Institute’s New Frontier Lab Programme and an internationally-recognised expert in new storytelling and Emerging Media. In this 2-part interview Kamal reveals how creators are embracing technologies like AI and VR in remarkable new ways to give life to their stories. In a conversation that covers film, arts and technology, we also talk diversity and Kamal eloquently deconstructs some of the pervasive myths and misconceptions around creators and entrepreneurs in technology and media. This is a two part episode. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/534426219 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 17:52:37 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/melissa-silverstein-women-and-hollywood-part-2 00:25:26 Alex Stolz no Melissa Silverstein (@melsil) is the irrepressible and inspirational change-maker and founder of Women and Hollywood; the initiative that educates, advocates, and agitates for gender diversity and inclusion in the global film industry. Towards the end of a seismic year in the battle for equality, Melissa shares her uncompromising take on the fight, the industry and what still needs to be done to make change happen. In a wide ranging interview, Melissa also talks about audiences, distribution, the Athena Festival (which she also runs) and shares her inspiring advice for emerging storytellers. Part Two of Two. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Melissa Silverstein (@melsil) is the irrepressibl… Melissa Silverstein (@melsil) is the irrepressible and inspirational change-maker and founder of Women and Hollywood; the initiative that educates, advocates, and agitates for gender diversity and inclusion in the global film industry. Towards the end of a seismic year in the battle for equality, Melissa shares her uncompromising take on the fight, the industry and what still needs to be done to make change happen. In a wide ranging interview, Melissa also talks about audiences, distribution, the Athena Festival (which she also runs) and shares her inspiring advice for emerging storytellers. Part Two of Two. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/534424056 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 17:44:03 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/melissa-silverstein-women-and-hollywood-part-1-season-28 00:24:56 Alex Stolz no Melissa Silverstein (@melsil) is the irrepressible and inspirational change-maker and founder of Women and Hollywood; the initiative that educates, advocates, and agitates for gender diversity and inclusion in the global film industry. Towards the end of a seismic year in the battle for equality, Melissa shares her uncompromising take on the fight, the industry and what still needs to be done to make change happen. In a wide ranging interview, Melissa also talks about audiences, distribution, the Athena Festival (which she also runs) and shares her inspiring advice for emerging storytellers. Part One of Two. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Melissa Silverstein (@melsil) is the irrepressibl… Melissa Silverstein (@melsil) is the irrepressible and inspirational change-maker and founder of Women and Hollywood; the initiative that educates, advocates, and agitates for gender diversity and inclusion in the global film industry. Towards the end of a seismic year in the battle for equality, Melissa shares her uncompromising take on the fight, the industry and what still needs to be done to make change happen. In a wide ranging interview, Melissa also talks about audiences, distribution, the Athena Festival (which she also runs) and shares her inspiring advice for emerging storytellers. Part One of Two. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/526695978 Sun, 18 Nov 2018 19:12:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/hanno-basse-part-2-the-future-of-hollywood-season-27 00:31:42 Alex Stolz no “It's not tailoring the content for the audience… it's tailoring the audience for the content” Hanno Basse.
 As Chief Technology Officer of 20th Century Fox, Hanno Basse is at the nexus of Film, Tech and Hollywood. In this wide ranging interview, Hanno discusses how new innovations are changing the now and future of a studio; from green-lighting and the production process to distribution and direct-to-consumer strategies. Due to the sheer wealth of information in the interview, this episode is split in two with Part One broadly focusing on production and Part Two on distribution. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live “It's not tailoring the content for the audience…… “It's not tailoring the content for the audience… it's tailoring the audience for the content” Hanno Basse.
 As Chief Technology Officer of 20th Century Fox, Hanno Basse is at the nexus of Film, Tech and Hollywood. In this wide ranging interview, Hanno discusses how new innovations are changing the now and future of a studio; from green-lighting and the production process to distribution and direct-to-consumer strategies. Due to the sheer wealth of information in the interview, this episode is split in two with Part One broadly focusing on production and Part Two on distribution. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/526695408 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 21:56:56 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/hanno-basse-part-one-the-future-of-a-hollywood-studio-season-27 00:35:49 Alex Stolz no “It's not tailoring the content for the audience… it's tailoring the audience for the content” Hanno Basse, CTO 20th Century Fox Corp. As Chief Technology Officer of 20th Century Fox, Hanno Basse is at the nexus of Film, Tech and Hollywood. In this wide ranging interview, Hanno discusses how new innovations are changing the now and future of a studio; from green-lighting and the production process to distribution and direct-to-consumer strategies. Due to the sheer wealth of information in the interview, this episode is split in two with Part One broadly focusing on production and Part Two on distribution. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live “It's not tailoring the content for the audience…… “It's not tailoring the content for the audience… it's tailoring the audience for the content” Hanno Basse, CTO 20th Century Fox Corp. As Chief Technology Officer of 20th Century Fox, Hanno Basse is at the nexus of Film, Tech and Hollywood. In this wide ranging interview, Hanno discusses how new innovations are changing the now and future of a studio; from green-lighting and the production process to distribution and direct-to-consumer strategies. Due to the sheer wealth of information in the interview, this episode is split in two with Part One broadly focusing on production and Part Two on distribution. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/521543865 Wed, 31 Oct 2018 16:02:21 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/habib-zargapour 00:38:24 Alex Stolz no Habib Zargarpour is on a mission to revolutionise the film production process. Having been a two-time BAFTA winner and Academy Award nominee at Industrial Light and Magic, Habib then moved into gaming and game design winning awards whilst at Microsoft/XBox and Electronic Arts. Now with his new venture, Digital Monarch Media, Habib is implementing the technologies and strategies he developed in games to revolutionise the storytelling process in film. And he’s been doing this recently to empower storytellers like Steven Spielberg (for READY PLAYER ONE) Jon Favreau (THE JUNGLE BOOK) and Denis Villeneuve (BLADE RUNNER 2049). In this episode of FILM DISRUPTORS, I talk with Habib about how these new technologies liberate filmmakers to experiment creatively, build visual effects in real-time and make efficiency gains across the entire process. As we dive into the future of production, Habib also explains how these strategies can be used for films of all sizes and provides his powerful and compelling advice for emerging storytellers. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Habib Zargarpour is on a mission to revolutionise… Habib Zargarpour is on a mission to revolutionise the film production process. Having been a two-time BAFTA winner and Academy Award nominee at Industrial Light and Magic, Habib then moved into gaming and game design winning awards whilst at Microsoft/XBox and Electronic Arts. Now with his new venture, Digital Monarch Media, Habib is implementing the technologies and strategies he developed in games to revolutionise the storytelling process in film. And he’s been doing this recently to empower storytellers like Steven Spielberg (for READY PLAYER ONE) Jon Favreau (THE JUNGLE BOOK) and Denis Villeneuve (BLADE RUNNER 2049). In this episode of FILM DISRUPTORS, I talk with Habib about how these new technologies liberate filmmakers to experiment creatively, build visual effects in real-time and make efficiency gains across the entire process. As we dive into the future of production, Habib also explains how these strategies can be used for films of all sizes and provides his powerful and compelling advice for emerging storytellers. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/512325552 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 16:34:39 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/jonathan-taplin-move-fast-and-break-things-25 00:34:59 Alex Stolz no Jonathan Taplin has had a remarkable career in film, music, tech and writing including: - Producer of Martin Scorsese’s breakthrough hit Mean Streets (and many other films) - Manager of Bob Dylan and The Band - Founder of the first widely available VOD service (Intertainer) - Author of "Move Fast and Break Things: How Facebook, Google and Amazon have Cornered Culture and Undermined Democracy". In this episode I talk to Jon about his career, his views on the current state of independent film as well as his book "Move Fast and Break Things" and what this means for storytellers and artists in the new digital age. (35 mins) Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Jonathan Taplin has had a remarkable career in fi… Jonathan Taplin has had a remarkable career in film, music, tech and writing including: - Producer of Martin Scorsese’s breakthrough hit Mean Streets (and many other films) - Manager of Bob Dylan and The Band - Founder of the first widely available VOD service (Intertainer) - Author of "Move Fast and Break Things: How Facebook, Google and Amazon have Cornered Culture and Undermined Democracy". In this episode I talk to Jon about his career, his views on the current state of independent film as well as his book "Move Fast and Break Things" and what this means for storytellers and artists in the new digital age. (35 mins) Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/469239135 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 16:31:04 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-24-jessica-lauretti-ryot-studio 00:37:37 Alex Stolz no Jessica Lauretti is an artist, entrepreneur and thought leader based in New York City. She was until recently the Global Head of RYOT Studio - the award winning, global, creative studio for Oath. She is an award winning Creative Director and Executive Producer, international keynote speaker and serves on the Advisory Council of Google News Lab's Journalism 360 Program.  In this episode we explore the cutting edge of new storytelling including the future of Virtual and Augmented Reality, Brand Funding and new distribution strategies. Jessica also shares her advice for emerging storytellers as well as her future plans now she has announced her departure from RYOT Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Jessica Lauretti is an artist, entrepreneur and t… Jessica Lauretti is an artist, entrepreneur and thought leader based in New York City. She was until recently the Global Head of RYOT Studio - the award winning, global, creative studio for Oath. She is an award winning Creative Director and Executive Producer, international keynote speaker and serves on the Advisory Council of Google News Lab's Journalism 360 Program.  In this episode we explore the cutting edge of new storytelling including the future of Virtual and Augmented Reality, Brand Funding and new distribution strategies. Jessica also shares her advice for emerging storytellers as well as her future plans now she has announced her departure from RYOT Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/448088607 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 10:30:03 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-season-23-herve-cohen 00:30:01 Alex Stolz no This episode is a journey into the art of interactive storytelling with storyteller and artist Hervé Cohen. Specifically, we explore the poetic and fascinating work that is LIFE UNDERGROUND, the major new immersive art installation and interactive documentary. Talking to Herve from his studio in the Bay Area. we deep dive into his creative process, revealing how LIFE UNDERGROUND evolved into a multi platform experience - and the unexpected way that the project was funded - which again shows that new models are opening up for original stories and fresh visions. And if you haven't yet, you can experience LIFE UNDERGROUND here: www.life-underground.com. This episode is a journey into the art of interac… This episode is a journey into the art of interactive storytelling with storyteller and artist Hervé Cohen. Specifically, we explore the poetic and fascinating work that is LIFE UNDERGROUND, the major new immersive art installation and interactive documentary. Talking to Herve from his studio in the Bay Area. we deep dive into his creative process, revealing how LIFE UNDERGROUND evolved into a multi platform experience - and the unexpected way that the project was funded - which again shows that new models are opening up for original stories and fresh visions. And if you haven't yet, you can experience LIFE UNDERGROUND here: www.life-underground.com. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/433968558 Wed, 25 Apr 2018 20:04:00 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/kaaren-whitney-vernon 00:37:59 Alex Stolz no This episode is a journey into the incredibly exciting possibilities of brand-funded storytelling with Kaaren Whitney-Vernon, Senior Vice President of Branded Entertainment at Shaftesbury. Kaaren is the brains behind one of the most successful branded projects of all time the lesbian-vampire story CARMILLA. Beginning life as a brand-funded web show the story has grown into an award-winning global franchise with a fanbase of millions that has spawned a crowd funded movie as well as a freshly signed book deal! In this conversation, Kaaren explains the exact process of how she partnered with Kotex, the north american feminine hygiene brand, to create a global franchise that not only was 100% brand (and fan!) funded but also that is owned owned exclusively by Shatfesbury. In a masterclass in not just brand funding but also audience strategy, Kaaren explains how she combines the “three Cs” to make compelling original stories that audiences love: Content, Conversation and Commerce. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live This episode is a journey into the incredibly exc… This episode is a journey into the incredibly exciting possibilities of brand-funded storytelling with Kaaren Whitney-Vernon, Senior Vice President of Branded Entertainment at Shaftesbury. Kaaren is the brains behind one of the most successful branded projects of all time the lesbian-vampire story CARMILLA. Beginning life as a brand-funded web show the story has grown into an award-winning global franchise with a fanbase of millions that has spawned a crowd funded movie as well as a freshly signed book deal! In this conversation, Kaaren explains the exact process of how she partnered with Kotex, the north american feminine hygiene brand, to create a global franchise that not only was 100% brand (and fan!) funded but also that is owned owned exclusively by Shatfesbury. In a masterclass in not just brand funding but also audience strategy, Kaaren explains how she combines the “three Cs” to make compelling original stories that audiences love: Content, Conversation and Commerce. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/427195959 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:00:04 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-season-2-episode-1 00:39:44 Alex Stolz no Glen Basner is founder and Chief Executive Officer of FilmNation Entertainment, a leading producer, distributor and financier of independent films. The company has quickly become a destination for many of the world's most renowned filmmakers including Denis Villeneuve, Steven Soderbergh, Terrence Malick, Pedro Almodóvar, Woody Allen, Jonathan Glazer, Jeff Nichols, J.C. Chandor, Rian Johnson, Morten Tyldum, Lenny Abrahamson, and John Lee Hancock. Glen Basner is founder and Chief Executive Office… Glen Basner is founder and Chief Executive Officer of FilmNation Entertainment, a leading producer, distributor and financier of independent films. The company has quickly become a destination for many of the world's most renowned filmmakers including Denis Villeneuve, Steven Soderbergh, Terrence Malick, Pedro Almodóvar, Woody Allen, Jonathan Glazer, Jeff Nichols, J.C. Chandor, Rian Johnson, Morten Tyldum, Lenny Abrahamson, and John Lee Hancock. Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/328025512 Wed, 14 Jun 2017 20:51:07 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-podcast-s1e12-fabien-riggall-secret-cinema 00:47:44 Alex Stolz no Fabien Riggall is Founder and Artistic Director of Secret Cinema, the organisation that over the past ten years has pioneered an entirely new approach to showing movies. In a wide ranging and revealing interview, Fabien discusses the journey of Secret Cinema over the last decade and shares his vision for the future, including plans to bring SC's unique approach to audience engagement and world building into the production space. In this episode you will discover: - What Baz Luhrmann really thought of Secret Cinema's take on Moulin Rouge - How Secret Cinema have built their vast following and fan base - Secret Cinema's new approach to helping storytellers develop, create and exhibit new works - The insider view on how SC meticulously create their immersive worlds - The highs and lows of the organisation's first decade - Fabien's advice for emerging storytellers Fabien Riggall is Founder and Artistic Director o… Fabien Riggall is Founder and Artistic Director of Secret Cinema, the organisation that over the past ten years has pioneered an entirely new approach to showing movies. In a wide ranging and revealing interview, Fabien discusses the journey of Secret Cinema over the last decade and shares his vision for the future, including plans to bring SC's unique approach to audience engagement and world building into the production space. In this episode you will discover: - What Baz Luhrmann really thought of Secret Cinema's take on Moulin Rouge - How Secret Cinema have built their vast following and fan base - Secret Cinema's new approach to helping storytellers develop, create and exhibit new works - The insider view on how SC meticulously create their immersive worlds - The highs and lows of the organisation's first decade - Fabien's advice for emerging storytellers Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/326782397 Wed, 07 Jun 2017 18:44:57 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-podcast-s1e11-efe-cakarel-mubi 00:40:11 Alex Stolz no Efe Cakarel is the Founder and CEO of MUBI, the pioneering independent film platform that recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Joining me from MUBI’s London offices in Soho, Efe discusses his career, entrepreneurship and how MUBI continues to differentiate itself in an ever-evolving film-consumer landscape. In this episode you will discover: The inside story of why MUBI’s $50m China deal collapsed shorty after being announced last year - and how the company has built on that setback Why MUBI is disrupting typical acquisition patterns and buying all rights to new films How Efe went from the Turkish National Maths team to entrepreneurship and starting MUBI How MUBI uses data and programming skills to curate their film selection - and why this model differs from the approach of Netflix and Amazon Efe Cakarel is the Founder and CEO of MUBI, the p… Efe Cakarel is the Founder and CEO of MUBI, the pioneering independent film platform that recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Joining me from MUBI’s London offices in Soho, Efe discusses his career, entrepreneurship and how MUBI continues to differentiate itself in an ever-evolving film-consumer landscape. In this episode you will discover: The inside story of why MUBI’s $50m China deal collapsed shorty after being announced last year - and how the company has built on that setback Why MUBI is disrupting typical acquisition patterns and buying all rights to new films How Efe went from the Turkish National Maths team to entrepreneurship and starting MUBI How MUBI uses data and programming skills to curate their film selection - and why this model differs from the approach of Netflix and Amazon Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/324133701 Thu, 01 Jun 2017 09:44:29 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-s1e10-ingrid-kopp-electric-south 00:42:34 Alex Stolz no This episode is a trip to the forefront of VR storytelling with senior Tribeca curator and founder at Electric South, Ingrid Kopp. In a wide ranging and in-depth conversation with one of the world's leading experts in VR and immersive storytelling, you will discover: - How Ingrid and Tribeca are reshaping the way VR and immersive stories are curated and presented - Why '360 Video', Volumetric and Room Scale VR are so different and how these styles are being taken up by new storytellers - Ingrid's vision for African immersive African storytelling with Electric South - How VR projects are finding finance right now - The influence of Gaming and User Experience Design (UXD) on new storytelling and VR - Ingrid's advice for emerging storytellers Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live This episode is a trip to the forefront of VR sto… This episode is a trip to the forefront of VR storytelling with senior Tribeca curator and founder at Electric South, Ingrid Kopp. In a wide ranging and in-depth conversation with one of the world's leading experts in VR and immersive storytelling, you will discover: - How Ingrid and Tribeca are reshaping the way VR and immersive stories are curated and presented - Why '360 Video', Volumetric and Room Scale VR are so different and how these styles are being taken up by new storytellers - Ingrid's vision for African immersive African storytelling with Electric South - How VR projects are finding finance right now - The influence of Gaming and User Experience Design (UXD) on new storytelling and VR - Ingrid's advice for emerging storytellers Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/323082656 Wed, 17 May 2017 17:11:21 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-episode-91-alex-mcdowell-special-extended-edition 01:06:27 Alex Stolz no This is the Special Extended Edition of my conversation with Alex McDowell, the visionary designer behind MINORITY REPORT, director at The World Building Institute and Professor of Practice at USC. There was simply too much good stuff too cram into the usual Film Disruptors run time so this version includes much more detail about Alex's practice in the art and science of world building, his work with corporations and other media and his career journey. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live This is the Special Extended Edition of my conver… This is the Special Extended Edition of my conversation with Alex McDowell, the visionary designer behind MINORITY REPORT, director at The World Building Institute and Professor of Practice at USC. There was simply too much good stuff too cram into the usual Film Disruptors run time so this version includes much more detail about Alex's practice in the art and science of world building, his work with corporations and other media and his career journey. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/321887387 Wed, 10 May 2017 21:09:23 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-podcast-season-1-episode-9-alex-mcdowell 00:43:51 Alex Stolz no Alex McDowell is the visionary designer behind MINORITY REPORT, director at The World Building Institute and Professor of Practice at USC. In this episode, we discuss Alex's pioneering work in the art and science of 'world building', discovering why this process is so powerful, how it works in practice and the benefits it can bring to projects both artistically and financially. In this episode you will discover: - What World Building is and how it can be scaled to fit all types of projects - Why the process of World Building is inherently non-linear and 'hyper-collaborative' - How Alex and his team developed the powerful and prescient design for Minority Report - How to apply World Building in practice for your project - Alex's advice for emerging storytellers Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex McDowell is the visionary designer behind MI… Alex McDowell is the visionary designer behind MINORITY REPORT, director at The World Building Institute and Professor of Practice at USC. In this episode, we discuss Alex's pioneering work in the art and science of 'world building', discovering why this process is so powerful, how it works in practice and the benefits it can bring to projects both artistically and financially. In this episode you will discover: - What World Building is and how it can be scaled to fit all types of projects - Why the process of World Building is inherently non-linear and 'hyper-collaborative' - How Alex and his team developed the powerful and prescient design for Minority Report - How to apply World Building in practice for your project - Alex's advice for emerging storytellers Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/320542393 Wed, 03 May 2017 20:18:40 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-ep-8-david-puttnam 00:44:52 Alex Stolz no Film industry legend Lord David Puttnam joins the show to talk distribution, storytelling and education, sharing lessons from his extensive career as well as providing advice for emerging filmmakers. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Film industry legend Lord David Puttnam joins the… Film industry legend Lord David Puttnam joins the show to talk distribution, storytelling and education, sharing lessons from his extensive career as well as providing advice for emerging filmmakers. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/319469936 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 21:30:17 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-podcast-ep-7-rebecca-obrien-sixteen-films 00:41:59 Alex Stolz no Multi-award winning producer, Rebecca O’Brien discusses how and why she moved into the digital space for her recent interactive documentary, HOW TO MAKE A KEN LOACH FILM. In a wide ranging conversation, we also learn about the financing strategies for a UK independent film, Rebecca’s career and formative creative partnership with Ken Loach and how the distribution success of I, DANIEL BLAKE began in a London screening room, prior to winning the Palm d’Or in Cannes 2016. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Multi-award winning producer, Rebecca O’Brien dis… Multi-award winning producer, Rebecca O’Brien discusses how and why she moved into the digital space for her recent interactive documentary, HOW TO MAKE A KEN LOACH FILM. In a wide ranging conversation, we also learn about the financing strategies for a UK independent film, Rebecca’s career and formative creative partnership with Ken Loach and how the distribution success of I, DANIEL BLAKE began in a London screening room, prior to winning the Palm d’Or in Cannes 2016. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/318424619 Wed, 19 Apr 2017 20:00:12 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-podcast-ep-6-holly-tarquini-f-rated 00:35:31 Alex Stolz no Bath Film Festival Director, Holly Tarquini is the creator of F-Rated, the major campaign to change gender inequality in film that has recently been adopted by IMDB. We discuss the origins of F-Rated, how it works in practice and why and how it differs from the Bechdel Test. Holly also talks about the breakthrough IMDB deal, why representation on screen still matters and how F-Rated films are more popular with IMDB users. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Bath Film Festival Director, Holly Tarquini is th… Bath Film Festival Director, Holly Tarquini is the creator of F-Rated, the major campaign to change gender inequality in film that has recently been adopted by IMDB. We discuss the origins of F-Rated, how it works in practice and why and how it differs from the Bechdel Test. Holly also talks about the breakthrough IMDB deal, why representation on screen still matters and how F-Rated films are more popular with IMDB users. Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/316955596 Wed, 12 Apr 2017 16:27:05 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-podcast-ep-5-anna-higgs-nowness 00:42:41 Alex Stolz no As Creative Director at Nowness, Anna Higgs is at the nexus of audiences, digital and storytelling. In a wide ranging conversation, she talks about her career, shares strategies for building audiences during production and reveals how Nowness is transforming the way stories are financed, told and distributed. In this episode you will discover: The Nowness business model and how it partners with brands to create original work How Anna builds story audiences in partnership with brands and filmmakers Anna’s advice to emerging storytellers and tips for building audience in development The legacy of A Field in England’s window-smashing release and Anna’s take on theatrical ‘windows’ Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live As Creative Director at Nowness, Anna Higgs is at… As Creative Director at Nowness, Anna Higgs is at the nexus of audiences, digital and storytelling. In a wide ranging conversation, she talks about her career, shares strategies for building audiences during production and reveals how Nowness is transforming the way stories are financed, told and distributed. In this episode you will discover: The Nowness business model and how it partners with brands to create original work How Anna builds story audiences in partnership with brands and filmmakers Anna’s advice to emerging storytellers and tips for building audience in development The legacy of A Field in England’s window-smashing release and Anna’s take on theatrical ‘windows’ Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/311182313 Thu, 09 Mar 2017 16:51:10 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-podcast-ep-4-gabo-arora-united-nations-vr 00:46:03 Alex Stolz no “Storytelling isn’t just something you learn at filmschool … we need to break out of old ways of telling stories” Gabo Arora. Storyteller and Founder of LightShed and UNVR, Gabo Arora, discusses VR, storytelling and social impact and explains how the United Nations are utilising Virtual Reality as a new communication strategy. Gabo also reveals how Hollywood are embracing VR and why he believes LA is now the new mecca of VR storytelling.  In this episode you will discover: 1. How Tech companies are partnering with new storytellers for the next generation of VR projects 2. Why the UN are utilising VR as a new communication channel 3. Hollywood and VR now - and why LA is the new mecca of VR storytelling 4. Why emerging storytellers must embrace emerging technologies Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live “Storytelling isn’t just something you learn at f… “Storytelling isn’t just something you learn at filmschool … we need to break out of old ways of telling stories” Gabo Arora. Storyteller and Founder of LightShed and UNVR, Gabo Arora, discusses VR, storytelling and social impact and explains how the United Nations are utilising Virtual Reality as a new communication strategy. Gabo also reveals how Hollywood are embracing VR and why he believes LA is now the new mecca of VR storytelling.  In this episode you will discover: 1. How Tech companies are partnering with new storytellers for the next generation of VR projects 2. Why the UN are utilising VR as a new communication channel 3. Hollywood and VR now - and why LA is the new mecca of VR storytelling 4. Why emerging storytellers must embrace emerging technologies Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/311149288 Wed, 08 Mar 2017 14:00:10 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-podcast-ep-3-clare-stewart-director-bfi-london-film-festival 00:39:47 Alex Stolz no “I get very annoyed by festival directors who say you don’t have to take diversity into consideration … nothing is going to change unless you are there making it change!” Clare Stewart. British Film Institute London Film Festival www.bfi.org.uk/lff(BFI LFF) Director Clare Stewart (@clarestewartBFI) discusses diversity, new audiences and the role of festivals in 2017. In this episode you will discover: how Clare consciously focused her career in order to become a lynchpin in the festival and curatorial space how the BFI London Film Festival (BFI LFF) is incorporating VR in its programming how and why Clare radically restructured the BFI LFF programme and the results of these changes what BFI LFF is doing to address diversity in the industry strategies to bring in younger audiences to the film space Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live “I get very annoyed by festival directors who say… “I get very annoyed by festival directors who say you don’t have to take diversity into consideration … nothing is going to change unless you are there making it change!” Clare Stewart. British Film Institute London Film Festival www.bfi.org.uk/lff(BFI LFF) Director Clare Stewart (@clarestewartBFI) discusses diversity, new audiences and the role of festivals in 2017. In this episode you will discover: how Clare consciously focused her career in order to become a lynchpin in the festival and curatorial space how the BFI London Film Festival (BFI LFF) is incorporating VR in its programming how and why Clare radically restructured the BFI LFF programme and the results of these changes what BFI LFF is doing to address diversity in the industry strategies to bring in younger audiences to the film space Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/311149016 Tue, 07 Mar 2017 17:38:09 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-podcast-ep-1-mike-brett-notes-on-blindness 00:40:41 Alex Stolz no “The beauty of having a commercial arm to our business was that it became our film school” Mike Brett. BAFTA-nominated producer Mike Brett discusses branded content, Storytelling and Notes on Blindness - the film and virtual reality project that has become the world’s most viewed VR property. In this episode you will discover: how branded content can underpin and unlock other storytelling projects the genesis and financing of the BIFA-award winning and BAFTA-nominated Notes on Blindness how Notes on Blindness VR became the most downloaded VR experience to date the new rules of VR financing and distribution Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live “The beauty of having a commercial arm to our bus… “The beauty of having a commercial arm to our business was that it became our film school” Mike Brett. BAFTA-nominated producer Mike Brett discusses branded content, Storytelling and Notes on Blindness - the film and virtual reality project that has become the world’s most viewed VR property. In this episode you will discover: how branded content can underpin and unlock other storytelling projects the genesis and financing of the BIFA-award winning and BAFTA-nominated Notes on Blindness how Notes on Blindness VR became the most downloaded VR experience to date the new rules of VR financing and distribution Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/309362463 Fri, 24 Feb 2017 20:04:54 +0000 https://soundcloud.com/alexstolz/film-disruptors-ep-2-stephan-paternot 00:28:55 Alex Stolz no “ROI and Critical acclaim should not be dirty words. They are essential words for the independent film market to be healthy and sustainable” Stephan Paternot. Stephan Paternot (@stephanpaternot) CEO and Founder of film financing platform www.Slated.com discusses film investment and how Slated’s unique scoring system can help bring smart money to your film. He also explains whether your film is going to make money, receive critical acclaim and even win awards is “highly knowable at script stage”. In this episode you will discover: 1. how Slated’s script analytics work and why they believe it can predict the success of films, financially and critically 2. why a data driven approach can bring investment to your project how Slated scores projects across script, teams and finances and why it can benefit your project 3. the link between Rotten Tomatoes scoring and financial success (ROI) 4. How Stephan's experience as a successful Tech entrepreneur is informing Slated's approach to the film industry Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live “ROI and Critical acclaim should not be dirty wor… “ROI and Critical acclaim should not be dirty words. They are essential words for the independent film market to be healthy and sustainable” Stephan Paternot. Stephan Paternot (@stephanpaternot) CEO and Founder of film financing platform www.Slated.com discusses film investment and how Slated’s unique scoring system can help bring smart money to your film. He also explains whether your film is going to make money, receive critical acclaim and even win awards is “highly knowable at script stage”. In this episode you will discover: 1. how Slated’s script analytics work and why they believe it can predict the success of films, financially and critically 2. why a data driven approach can bring investment to your project how Slated scores projects across script, teams and finances and why it can benefit your project 3. the link between Rotten Tomatoes scoring and financial success (ROI) 4. How Stephan's experience as a successful Tech entrepreneur is informing Slated's approach to the film industry Discover more about this and other podcasts at www.futureoffilm.live Alex Stolzfilm,film industry,hollywood,movies,VR,storytelling,virtual production, ai, filmmaking, storytelling