Infinity Festival Hollywood 2024: Full Schedule

9:30am PST

Welcome to Infinity Festival: Season 7

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:30am - 9:55am PST

The Aster

Hear from the Executive Team at Infinity Festival about what you can expect at this year's event

Speakers

Michael Ford

Chief Technology Officer, Sony Pictures Imageworks

Michael Ford serves as Chief Technology Officer of Sony Pictures Imageworks. Drawing on his extensive VFX and animated feature production experience, he is responsible for innovation across the studio.Most recently, Ford served as SVP, Software Development and Systems Engineering... Read More →

Mandy Tankenson

SVP, Head of Production, Sony Pictures Imageworks

Mandy Tankenson serves as SVP, Head of Production, overseeing all production activity at Sony Pictures Imageworks.Tankenson most recently oversaw production of the upcoming RED ONE, GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE, THE MARVELS, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3, and ANT-MAN AND THE WASP... Read More →

Mark Lieber

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Infinity Festival

Adam Newman

Chief Creative Officer, Infinity Festival

Lori H. Schwartz

CEO | Host & Founding Board Member & Advisor Infinity Festival, Storytech

Affectionately known as the "Tech Cat” (Technology Catalyst), Lori H. Schwartz is an awardwinning innovator and visionary leader in the convergence of technology, marketing, and digital storytelling. As the Founder and CEO of StoryTech, she has been instrumental in shaping the future... Read More →

Jeroen Hallaert

VP Production | Executive Producer, PRG

Erik Weaver

Co-Head of Programming, Infinity Festival

Samuel Sekine

Chief Financial Officer, Infinity Festival

Natalie Novak

Co-Head of Programming, Infinity Festival

Anna Sinatra

Co-Head of Programming, Infinity Festival

Dane Smith

Executive Producer, Monolith Awards

Chris Black

Publicity, Infinity Festival | Good Form PR

Jennifer Rose Pearl

Brand Development & Site Design, Infinity Festival

Scott Shaw

Head of Gaming & Immersive, Infinity Festival

Steven Argula

Publicity, Infinity Festival | ArgulaPR

Jasmine Peralez

Content Marketing Strategist, Infinity Festival

John Davidson

Business Development, Infinity Festival

Thursday November 7, 2024 9:30am - 9:55am PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

10:00am PST

Russo Brothers' AGBO Presents- AI in Film: An Artist-Led Revolution

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:40am PST

The Aster

Join us for an enlightening fireside chat featuring AGBO’s Chief Scientific Officer Dominic Hughes, Ph.D., a visionary leader in algorithms, machine learning and AI, alongside Deadline’s Business Editor Dade Hayes, as they delve into the artist-led innovations that are shaping the future of cinema. With decades of experience in Silicon Valley and an esteemed academic background, Dr. Hughes will share his firsthand experiences and insights on integrating AI into creative workflows, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that come with this technological evolution. Features intro by Anthony and Joe Russo.

Moderators

Dade Hayes

Business Editor, Deadline

Dade Hayes has specialized in entertainment business coverage as a writer and editor for Deadline, Variety and Entertainment Weekly, among other outlets. At Deadline, where he is Business Editor, his purview includes financial and corporate news, along with streaming, film, television... Read More →

Speakers

Dominic Hughes, Ph. D.

Chief Scientific Officer, AGBO

Dominic is a leader in algorithms, machine learning and AI. He currently serves as the Chief Scientist at AGBO. Prior to joining AGBO, Dominic was co-founder and Chief Scientist at Swell, a personalized audio news app acquired by Apple in 2014. Dominic led the design and implementation... Read More →

Joe Russo

Co-Founder & Partner, AGBO

Anthony Russo

Co-Founder & Partner, AGBO

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:40am PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

10:45am PST

Keynote: Beyond Imagination: How AI is Transforming Entertainment

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:45am - 11:40am PST

The Aster

The Media & Entertainment industry has always been a playground for visionary storytelling and cutting-edge technology. Now, AI is adding a new dimension, bringing with it opportunities to realize creative visions that were once out of reach. This session explores how new tools and techniques will reshape storytelling in the era of AI. Join us to uncover where creativity meets innovation, helping us craft new audience experiences and redefining what’s possible on screen.

Moderators

Dade Hayes

Business Editor, Deadline

Speakers

Barbara Marshall

Global Segment Lead, Media & Entertainment, HP

Barbara has spent 30 years in the media & entertainment industry with organizations such as the BBC, Autodesk, Epic Games and now HP Inc. As the Global M&E Industry Lead at HP, she oversees initiatives and industry partnerships that drive adoption of Z by HP technology solutions in... Read More →

Rick Champagne

Director, Global Media & Entertainment Strategy and Marketing, NVIDIA

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:45am - 11:40am PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

11:00am PST

The Future Of Immersive Experiences As A Standalone Industry

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:40am PST

The Aster

This is for anyone looking to foster community and connection through public art. A gathering of creatives, entrepreneurs, local artists, and art enthusiasts aims to showcase a city’s potential through unforgettable art experiences. We want IF24 attendees to explore the power of immersive art as a hub for creativity and forward-thinking ideas. Light, a fundamental medium, connects us all and illuminates paths toward inclusion and possibility, transforming cities into beacons of connection.

Moderators

Paul Propster

With more than 25 years in strategic communications, Paul has helped clients across industry to tell their stories. From small, women-owned businesses to the DoD to technology to NASA, he partners with teams to cultivate a narrative that produces greater emotional investment in stakeholders.Since... Read More →

Speakers

Bert Nepveu

Co-Founder, Triptyq Capital

Bertrand Nepveu has entrepreneurship in his blood like his grandfather Ernest who founded LAVO, manufacturer of the bleach brand La Parisienne. Passionate about video games and gadgets, he founded Vrvana in 2005 to play his favorite games on Xbox in virtual reality. After several... Read More →

Nathalie Bonin

Producer, Nathalie Bonin Music

Nathalie thrives in breaking boundaries and combining styles from contemporary classical violinist to electrifying urban hip-hop, and even aerial performances. Composer and soloist on the GRAMMY®-winning “Women Warriors: The Voices of Change,” she mixes universes and channels... Read More →

Gwenaëlle Gruselle

International Business Developer, Dirty Monitor and KIKK

As a psychologist with a passion for neuroscience, emotions, and narrative, Gwen had always been deeply moved by the power of immersive experiences. This passion led me her the digital arts, where immersive experiences bridge in an innovative way art, science, and technology. She... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:40am PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3, Gaming and Immersive

11:45am PST

Keynote: IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Step Inside Our Stories

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:45am - 12:00pm PST

The Aster

VICKI DOBBS BECK will explore the evolution of Immersive Entertainment through the lens of ILM Immersive and its groundbreaking projects over the past ten years. As a part of this journey, she will discuss transitioning from story-telling, one way communication, to this much bigger idea of story-living where you’re in a world making meaningful choices that drive the narrative forward. Such a vision was most recently exemplified by ILM Immersive’s collaboration with Marvel Studios to create the Emmy award-winning experience “What If…?: An Immersive Story” for Apple Vision Pro.

Speakers

Vicki Dobbs Beck

VP, Immersive Content, ILM

VICKI DOBBS BECK is a veteran executive with over 30 years of experience driving innovation and digital transformation in storytelling. In 2015, she co-founded Lucasfilm’s award-winning studio, ILMxLAB (now ILM Immersive). Using virtual and mixed reality, ILM Immersive aspires to... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:45am - 12:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

11:45am PST

Sony Pictures Imageworks: Three Decades of Innovation, Creativity and Collaboration

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:45am - 12:45pm PST

The Aster

Deadline Business Editor, Dade Hayes, hosts a conversation with Sony Pictures Imageworks' CTO, Mike Ford and Head of Production, Mandy Tankenson. The discussion will focus on Sony Imageworks' contributions to the industry over its 32 year history, production pipeline and tool advancements, technological innovations, and evolving marketplace trends.

Moderators

Dade Hayes

Business Editor, Deadline

Speakers

Michael Ford

Chief Technology Officer, Sony Pictures Imageworks

Mandy Tankenson

SVP, Head of Production, Sony Pictures Imageworks

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:45am - 12:45pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

12:15pm PST

MetaTr@versal: The Immersive Interoperability Movement

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm PST

The Aster

Widespread adoption of immersive media hinges on achieving economies of scale, which are only possible through robust standards and interoperability. Accelerating the adoption of hardware and software, from industrial to consumer use cases, requires cooperation to ensure that solutions are durable and cost-effective, instilling confidence in investments. Leading the charge is the Metaverse Standards Forum, which has created a table for Standards Development Organizations and their member companies to collaborate. This panel will focus on the state of standards and interoperability in immersive content creation, including, Virtual Production, Motion Capture, Volumetric Video, and Stereoscopic Video.

Moderators

Ben Erwin

Power Simple

Ben Erwin is the president and co-founder of the Academy of Immersive Arts and Sciences and the creator of The Polys - WebXR Awards, WebXR Summit Series, MetaTr@versal, and Ready Player Golf. His work has catalyzed awareness and engagement with the immersive web, advancing the XR... Read More →

Speakers

Neil Trevett

NVIDIA

Daisy Leak

Magnopus

Daisy Leak is an executive producer known for her ability to lead dynamic teams in building groundbreaking immersive experiences. She thrives at the intersection of technology and entertainment, constantly pushing boundaries in digital content and immersive technologies like augmented... Read More →

Elena Piech

Zerospace

Elena Piech is an Emmy-nominated journalist turned emerging technologist. She is the Executive Producer for Experiential Technologies, a creative tech team specializing in rapid hardware and software prototyping. She is also the Account Director for ZeroSpace, a production & technology... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

12:45pm PST

Lunch/Networking

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST

The Aster

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

12:45pm PST

Lunch / Networking

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST

The Aster

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2

12:45pm PST

Lunch/Networking

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST

The Aster

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

2:00pm PST

DumDum Augmented Intelligence: How Pepsi, Nike, and Hollywood Creators Leveraged AI for Better Brainstorming

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:00pm - 2:30pm PST

The Aster

Join us for an engaging talk on how DumDum Augmented Intelligence is revolutionizing innovation workflows. Discover how our platform democratizes creativity, empowering diverse teams to generate unconventional solutions through gamified ideation sessions. We'll showcase our proprietary AI Brain, which analyzes ideas in real time, helping companies like Pepsi and Nike unlock their creative potential and tackle real-world challenges. Don’t miss the chance to learn how to supercharge your problem-solving approach!

Moderators

Dina Marovich

Great Marketing Services

Dina Marovich is a global marketing consultant and fractional CMO with expertise spanning entertainment, media, and tech industries.As the founder of Great Marketing Services, Inc., Dina brings decades of experience, including 15 years at Paramount Pictures as SVP, Worldwide Media... Read More →

Speakers

Sheri Conn

CEO, DumDum Augmented Intelligence®

Sheri Conn is a status-quo challenger known for stepping into roles at pivotal moments of change. Sheri is CEO of DumDum Augmented Intelligence®, the first-ever scalable platform to amplify human creativity and innovation using the power of AI. As the founder of The Consultancy... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:00pm - 2:30pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2

2:00pm PST

Case Study: How AI and other Digital Toolsets are Changing Content Development and Production as Studios Attempt to Reach Millennials and Gen-Z

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:00pm - 2:40pm PST

The Aster

The business of entertainment production is in a state of flux that has not been seen since the creation of cable TV. The rise of AI is changing viewing patterns, and the bundling of streaming platforms has put studios in a quandary as to how they can reach the most important demographic of Gen-Z and Millennials. BuzzFeed Studios’ Karolina Waclawiak and Dan Katt will provide a case study of how the studio is adapting and leveraging modern technology to produce content that captures the attention of audiences. Waclawiak and Katt will have a conversation around how the studio uses AI to spot emerging trends (across all platforms), with a reach of over 520 million consumers. The duo will provide an in-depth analysis on how they identify stories that resonate most with young audiences – and tailor the content accordingly. They will examine learnings about AI’s role in pre- and post-production as well as how the studio is leaning into making smaller-budget film and tv productions that deliver big results, aligning with the company’s media strategy to connect directly with viewers in innovative ways and increase their IP.

Speakers

Karolina Waclawiak

Head of Documentary, BuzzFeed Studios

Karolina Waclawiak is the head of Documentary for BuzzFeed Studios. In her role, she oversees the development and production of docuseries and documentary features. She has executive produced projects for Oxygen, Sky, Peacock, and more. Waclawiak served as the Executive Editor of... Read More →

Dan Katt

VP of Marketing and Operations, BuzzFeed Studios

Dan Katt is Vice President of Operations & Marketing for BuzzFeed Studios. With a decade in marketing, Dan has established a formidable track record of innovative advertising campaigns, working alongside top-tier entertainment partners including Amazon Studios, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:00pm - 2:40pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

2:00pm PST

Transforming Filmmaking Today with Spatial Tools

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:00pm - 2:55pm PST

The Aster

This panel delivers exclusive access to cutting edge tech for filmmaking which can empower all departments. Whether you are a Director, Production Designer, Cinematographer, or Studio Executive - learn how spatial computing is being leveraged on productions here and now. Featuring live demonstrations and firsthand experiences of how these tools are currently enabling real-time visualization, dynamic technical scouting, and immersive production design. Gain practical knowledge on how to integrate these groundbreaking technologies into your next production for immediate impact.

Moderators

Mariana Acuna Acosta

SVP, Technicolor

Originally from Mexico City, Mariana is a technologist, VR pioneer, and an entrepreneurial powerhouse who thrives at the intersection of AI, game engines, virtual production, and emerging technologies. Her career spans leadership roles in both technology and creative industries, where... Read More →

Speakers

Jocelyn Birsch

The Mill

Jocelyn Birsch is a seasoned expert in producing immersive experiences that captivate audiences worldwide. Her work on award-winning content has led to collaborations with industry giants like Apple, Nike, and Google. Jocelyn has been at the forefront of pioneering never-before-seen... Read More →

Rainer Gombos

Realtra

As a pioneering force in visual effects, Rainer Gombos brings over 20 years of leadership to high-profile film and television projects. His extensive portfolio includes collaborations with acclaimed directors Ridley Scott and Roland Emmerich on productions like "Raised by Wolves... Read More →

Federico Cascinelli

Proteus

Federico (fed) is a seasoned senior technical artist with over two decades of experience in the film industry, having contributed to over 20 blockbuster films. Since 2016, he has embraced the emerging field of real-time technology in filmmaking, seamlessly transitioning from traditional... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:00pm - 2:55pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

2:35pm PST

HPA Presents: AI Live without a Net

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:35pm - 3:25pm PST

The Aster

Join us for an engaging discussion on the transformative role of AI in filmmaking, exploring its impact from three critical perspectives: Creative, Production, and Studio. Seth Hallen will guide us through real-world applications of AI, showcasing innovative examples live.

Moderators

Seth Hallen

President, Hollywood Professional Association

With over 25 years of experience in media and entertainment technology, Seth is a visionary leader in AI, passionate about storytelling and its intersection with technology. He supports AI-driven MediaTech startups by helping them refine their product strategies, gain visibility... Read More →

Speakers

David Slade

Director

Emily Maya Mills

Independent Producer

Emily Maya Mills is a Los Angeles-based comedy creator, originally from San Francisco. In 2021, she graduated from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts with an MFA in Film and Television Production. Her final film, Boo Hag or Shadow Man, won several festival awards-- including an Audience... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:35pm - 3:25pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2

2:45pm PST

Future of Immersive & Location-Based Entertainment

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm PST

The Aster

Explore the intersection of technology and creativity in immersive experiences. Join industry leaders as they discuss innovations in VR, AR, and location-based entertainment and how these advancements are reshaping audience engagement and storytelling in the entertainment landscape.

Moderators

Dina Meyers

SVP, Business Development, Round Room Live

Meyers’s expansive professional career includes early experience as Tour Manager for The Three Tenors and as Managing Director of Gelb Promotions where she oversaw the integrated business of Andrea Bocelli. She developed “Democracy Plaza” at Rockefeller Center in partnership... Read More →

Speakers

James Jensen

Founder & CEO | Creator & Co-Founder, JUMP | The VOID

James is a pioneer in the commercialization of immersive interactive experience, a profound cooperation and development partner of international film and television IP such as SONY, Disney, and other VR immersive interactive experiences, and a demonstrator, frontier pioneer, and leader... Read More →

Deirdre V. Lyons

Co-Founder, Ferryman Collective

Deirdre V. Lyons is a Los Angeles producer, director, and performer, she is a co-founder of Ferryman Collective, creating live theatre in VR, starting with PARA, Krampusnacht, the award-winning Welcome to Respite, the director and co-creator of Gumball Dreams, named Best Experience... Read More →

Kelly White

SVP, Meow Wolf Universe Strategy and Planning

Kelly White has made a name for herself with over 20 years in the media and entertainment world. As the Vice President, Consumer Experiences and Product Strategy at The Walt Disney Company, she had a successful track record driving growth through innovative strategies and creative... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

3:00pm PST

Marvel Studios: What If? & SILENT HILL: Ascension

Thursday November 7, 2024 3:00pm - 3:55pm PST

The Aster

Presented by the Television Academy's Emerging Media Programming peer group, explore the creative journey behind the Emmy Award-winning SILENT HILL: Ascension and Marvel Studios' What If? Immersive, where traditional storytelling meets groundbreaking technology. This behind-the-scenes look reveals the challenges and innovations that shaped these projects, showcasing how immersive experiences transformed fan engagement and redefined narrative possibilities. From the haunting world of Silent Hill to the multiverse of Marvel, discover how visionary creators pushed boundaries to craft captivating stories that resonate with audiences.

Moderators

Christina Lee Storm

Founder and CEO, ASHER XR and PLAYBOOK

Christina Lee Storm is an award-winning producer and senior entertainment executive, recognized for her pioneering work at the intersection of storytelling and cutting-edge technologies across film, television, animation, documentaries, and XR.As Founder and CEO of ASHER XR and PLAYBOOK... Read More →

Speakers

Dave Bushore

Multidisciplinary Creative Director and Producer

Dave Bushore Is a multidisciplinary creative, director, and producer, who is deeply passionate about the interplay of storytelling and technology that has shaped the human experience for generations. His goal is to create engaging and emotionally resonant experiences that enhance... Read More →

Jacob Navok

CEO, GenVid Tech

Jacob Navok is CEO of Genvid and Executive Producer of SILENT HILL: Ascension. His next series, DC Heroes United, out later this year, further blurs the lines between games and media as players effect a weekly story starring Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman. Genvid’s past titles... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 3:00pm - 3:55pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

3:30pm PST

Content Licensing in the Age of AI

Thursday November 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PST

The Aster

In this panel, we will explore the emerging AI marketplace that is giving creators and IP rights holders a new pathway to monetize their content. As search habits shift from traditional search engines to AI-powered chatbots, AI companies big and small need an endless stream of fresh data to train their models. This panel of industry leaders will discuss the impacts and opportunities created by this new marketplace and how creators, artists, publishers, and other talent can get cited and paid for their work.

Moderators

Katie Campione

TV and Labor Reporter, Deadline

Katie Campione is a TV and labor reporter at Deadline. She joined the team in 2022, covering all things related to the small screen. She has also written for The Wrap, The Hollywood Reporter, The Associated Press, People Magazine, and more. Katie is from Florida and earned her degree... Read More →

Speakers

Chris Giliberti

Chris Willard Comms

Natalie Bruss

Range Media

Matthew Dysart

Greenberg Glusker

Matthew Dysart is an experienced entertainment attorney with deep expertise across television, feature films, podcasts, digital media & technology.Matthew has handled more than $2B in corporate development, M&A, film & TV slate finance, and production deals acting as outside general... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2

4:00pm PST

Designing for Apple Vision Pro: A look into Encounter Dinosaurs

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 4:20pm PST

The Aster

Encounter Dinosaurs is an interactive spatial experience for the Apple Vision Pro, bringing audiences face-to-face with our prehistoric past when giants walked the Earth and Mother Nature reigned supreme. Join Experience Designer Rose Thomas and Creative Executive Patrick Mullen in a retrospective look at the creative journey that brought this experience to the Apple Vision Pro headset and the lessons learned along the way.

Speakers

Rose Thomas

Apple

Patrick Mullen

Creative Executive, Apple

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 4:20pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

4:00pm PST

Transcending Reality: Blending Physical and Virtual Spaces with Alo Moves XR

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 4:40pm PST

The Aster

Presented by AWS: This panel discusses the innovative technologies behind Alo Moves XR, a pioneering project that recreates digital content in physical environments. As the first Quest app utilizing volumetrically captured 3D classes, recreating digital content in users' personal spaces required transcending the boundaries between virtual and real. The discussion will cover the strategies and approaches used for harnessing room mapping and object detection, as well as how AWS's cloud capabilities enabled delivering visuals that blend the virtual world with users' surroundings, redefining how we consume and interact with digital content.

Moderators

Jeff Zabel

Global M&E Business Development, Immersive Experiences, AWS

Jeff Zabel leads the Immersive Experience solution area at AWS. With 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, builder, and business leader, combined with a background in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, Jeff is uniquely positioned in immersive technology. If you've... Read More →

Speakers

Tahnee Smith

Lead Software Engineer, Magnopus

Tahnee Smith is a Lead Software Engineer at Magnopus, specializing in mobile app development. With prior experience at Technocel, HammerCat Studio, and High Impact Games, she has developed solutions for hardware integration, gameplay optimization, and enhanced user experiences. At... Read More →

Natasha Trindall

Alo Moves, General Manager

Natasha Trindall is the General Manager of Alo Moves, the award-winning wellness streaming platform from the athleisure brand Alo Yoga. With a passion for fitness and an eye for innovation, she has positioned Alo Moves at the forefront of the digital wellness space. Under Natasha’s... Read More →

Skylar Sweetman

Metastage, General Manager

Skylar comes from 10 years of technical production experience in advanced 3D/4D capture technologies from VFX for films and games to immersive XR. At Metastage, she has produced, developed and consulted over 250 4D capture productions for clients such as Netflix, Verizon, Samsung... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:00pm - 4:40pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

4:25pm PST

Reimagining Museums with AI & Immersive Media

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:25pm - 5:00pm PST

The Aster

In this talk, we explore how cutting-edge technologies are transforming the museum experience through our award-nominated project, which integrates generative AI, voice cloning, and advanced video upscaling. By utilizing tools like OpenAI, Natural Readers, and Topaz, we created an immersive environment in the REALITY ROOM, a state-of-the-art curved screen that engages visitors with multi-layered narratives that transport them through time. This innovative approach redefines storytelling, making technology a core part of the experience while enabling a small team of just three creators to accomplish what would typically require a larger workforce. Join us to discover how these advancements can democratize access to sophisticated museum experiences worldwide.

Speakers

Danilo Moura Silva

Simulated Reality

Danilo Silva is an award-winning executive producer and immersive media pioneer. He integrates AI, voice cloning, and advanced video tools to transform museum experiences, most notably through the REALITY ROOM, an immersive curved screen environment. Danilo has produced 30+ top-selling... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:25pm - 5:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

4:45pm PST

Amplifying Creativity: The Intersection of AI and Entertainment

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:45pm - 5:30pm PST

The Aster

In a rapidly evolving digital world, artificial intelligence is transforming the entertainment industry, driving unprecedented shifts in how music is created, personalized, and experienced. Join Ivan Linn, CEO of Wavv, an innovative AI music company, as he explores the powerful role AI plays in redefining creativity, customization, and user engagement in the entertainment space. This session will examine how AI-driven music technology can enable creators, brands, and platforms to enhance storytelling, forge deeper connections with audiences, and unlock new revenue streams. Discover what lies ahead in the convergence of technology and artistry and how Wavv is leading the way in this groundbreaking transformation.

Moderators

Alexander Wong

Composer, Wavv

Alexander Wong, Composer at Wavv, is a seasoned music producer and technologist. He brings his expertise in AI-driven music to the forefront, having composed award-winning scores for films, series, and multimedia projects. Alex’s work includes notable collaborations with Netflix... Read More →

Speakers

Ivan Linn

CEO, Wavv

Ivan Linn is CEO of Generative AI music platform Wavv, the creator of the world's first large music language model: Musica. He is known for his work in the music production of video games in the Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts series. He is also the Music Director and Chief Conductor... Read More →

Gayle Levant

Executive Board President, American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC)

Gayle Levant, Executive Board President of ASMAC, began her studio career in 1965, adding her unique touch to projects with artists like Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand, with whom she has worked since 1969. A trailblazer, she was the first harpist to win the MVP Award... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 4:45pm - 5:30pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

10:00am PST

Rob Legato: Technology's Role in the Future of Entertainment

Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:25am PST

The Aster

Rob Legato is a master of crafting visual illusions for the big screen, delving into the ever-evolving landscape of visual effects technology and the innovative creative processes it inspires. He first made waves in 1998 with an Oscar win for his groundbreaking work on James Cameron's Titanic, following a successful stint in television where he supervised effects for two Star Trek series. Hear from Legato on why he is now drawn to the agile workflows that modern digital tools enable. He continues to explore how these cutting-edge tools can not only create new worlds but also unleash unprecedented avenues of creativity in filmmaking. Learn from the best in the business on the role of technology in the future of entertainment.

Moderators

Barbara Marshall

Global Segment Lead, Media & Entertainment, HP

Speakers

Rob Legato

2x Oscar Winning VFX Supervisor

Rob Legato began his visual effects career at Paramount Pictures before joining Digital Domain, a pioneering VFX company founded by James Cameron, Stan Winston, and Scott Ross. His first major role there was as Visual Effects Supervisor, 2nd Unit Director, and VFX Director of Photography... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:25am PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

10:30am PST

Hollywood's Next Chapter: Igniting Excitement Ahead of the Olympics & World Cup (Part 1)

Friday November 8, 2024 10:30am - 11:05am PST

The Aster

Join us for an electrifying discussion on how Hollywood is poised to evolve as the Olympics & World Cup approach. Explore emerging trends, innovative storytelling, and collaborative opportunities that will shape the entertainment landscape in this thrilling new era of global celebration.

Moderators

Courtney Friel

News Anchor, KTLA

Courtney Friel has worked in the news business for 22+ years. The past 12 have been as an anchor / reporter at KTLA. She's also an author, having published the book "Tonight at 10: Kicking Booze and Breaking News". Courtney lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children... Read More →

Speakers

Brian Folb

Principal, Paramount Contractors & Developers and Hollywood Offices

Own and operate office buildings in Hollywood for past 50 years.Community Engagement:- Hollywood Chamber of Commerce: Board of Directors;- Hollywood Historic Trust, Trustee; Chairman's Award; Hero of Hollywood Award.- Hollywood Partnership BID: Board of Directors; Stakeholder Engagement... Read More →

Dylan Kendall

VP, Brand & Strategy, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Dylan Kendall is a 2x founder, social entrepreneur, and BMW International Responsible Leader whose innovative ventures span social impact and consumer goods. She founded an arts school for homeless young adults in Hollywood and created a home goods company known for its viral "mug... Read More →

Terri Batch

President & CEO, Global LA

Mrs. Terri L. Batch is President and CEO of Global LA, a public-private partnership dedicated to promoting the breadth of L.A.’s diverse business climate around the world and highlighting opportunities for foreign investment and international collaboration within the region. Ms... Read More →

Kathleen Rawson

President & CEO, Hollywood Partnership

Kathleen Rawson, CEO of The Hollywood Partnership, brings over 30 years of nonprofit leadership, public space management, and hospitality expertise to the Hollywood Entertainment District and iconic Walk of Fame. Previously, she led Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. managing the renowned... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 10:30am - 11:05am PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

11:00am PST

Fallout and Advancements in Virtual Production

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am PST

The Aster

Speakers

Renard Jenkins

President and CEO, I2A2 Technologies, Labs and Studios

Renard Jenkins is the President and CEO of I2A2 Technologies, Labs and Studios. A software development and consulting firm specializing in the creation of ethically responsible tools, solutions and experiences for the M&E, Marketing & Research, Education and Healthcare industries... Read More →

Kathryn Brillhart

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

11:05am PST

Hollywood's Next Chapter: Igniting Excitement Ahead of the Olympics & World Cup (Part 2)

Friday November 8, 2024 11:05am - 11:25am PST

The Aster

Moderators

Courtney Friel

News Anchor, KTLA

Speakers

David Simon

Founder & Managing Principal, BARDAS Investment Group & Echelon Creative Environments

David Simon is the Founder and Managing Principal of BARDAS Investment Group, a real estate development and investment firm established in 2018. The firm specializes in creating environments for the media, entertainment, and content creation industries under the ECHELON brand, with... Read More →

Bob Hale

Creative Director and Partner, RIOS

Bob Hale, FAIA is Creative Director and Partner at RIOS. He joined the firm as a principal in 2001, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience in designing, planning, and managing highly visible and critically acclaimed architecture. Bob's expertise extends to all facets of... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 11:05am - 11:25am PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

11:30am PST

The Impact of AI on Filmmaking Beyond De-aging and Deepfakes

Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 11:55am PST

The Aster

Dive into the transformative power of AI across the entire filmmaking spectrum. We'll showcase groundbreaking examples from blockbuster movies and record-breaking music videos, demonstrating AI's impact beyond VFX. Discover how AI technology empowers directors with unprecedented real-time control over character expressions and movements on set. Join us to explore a future where AI amplifies human artistry, democratizes high-end production techniques, and redefines the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

Speakers

Ed Ulbrich

Chief Content Officer and President of Production, Metaphysic

Ed Ulbrich, Chief Content Officer and President of Production at Metaphysic, the industry leader in AI technologies for AI-generated content creation across film, TV, music, advertising, and live entertainment. With over 25 years in entertainment, Ed is an award-winning producer and... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 11:55am PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2

11:30am PST

Case Study: World’s First Global 8K OTT Broadcast of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 powered by AI

Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:10pm PST

The Aster

Presented by Intel: Join us for an insightful presentation exploring the groundbreaking case study of the world’s first global 8K Over-The-Top (OTT) broadcast of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, enhanced by cutting-edge AI technologies. This session will delve into the innovative strategies and technologies that made this historic event possible, showcasing how AI was harnessed to optimize streaming quality, enhance viewer experience, and ensure seamless global accessibility.

Moderators

Lori H. Schwartz

CEO | Host & Founding Board Member & Advisor Infinity Festival, Storytech

Speakers

Ravindra Velhal

Technology Policy and Standards at Intel Research, Intel Corporation

Ravindra “Ravi” Velhal is Emmy nominated, awards winner “Immersive Cinema and 8K livestreaming Pioneer”, leads Digital Media Standards, Technologies, advance media formats and Immersive Cinema programs globally at Intel. Pioneered first ever live streaming of Tokyo 2020 and... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 11:30am - 12:10pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

11:35am PST

How Brands are Gamifying IRL Ad Experiences

Friday November 8, 2024 11:35am - 12:15pm PST

The Aster

As brands seek to stand out and engage new and current audiences, they are often challenged with creating meaningful brand experiences that capture attention, drive impact, and effectively share their message. More and more, they are achieving this by gamifying the OOH experience.

Speakers

Christine Rose

Senior Marketing Director, West Region, OUTFRONT Media

Christine Rose is a dynamic marketing leader with over a decade of experience in the out of home (OOH) industry, overseeing impactful initiatives across West region markets that drive significant revenue growth. Promoted to Senior Marketing Director in 2023, she brings a blend of... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 11:35am - 12:15pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

12:00pm PST

Cinematic AI

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm PST

The Aster

As AI continues to evolve, its influence on filmmaking grows more complex, offering both opportunities and challenges. This panel explores how AI is reshaping Hollywood—not as a replacement for creators but as a tool that amplifies creative potential. Our panelists discuss how AI is eliminating repetitive tasks, enabling new storytelling methods, and creating hybrid roles, while addressing concerns about job shifts within the industry.

Moderators

Charlie Fink

Forbes/Chapman/ASU LA

Charlie Fink is a consultant, columnist, author, and adjunct, covering AI, XR, and the Metaverse for Forbes. He is the author of the critically acclaimed AR-enabled books "Charlie Fink’s Metaverse" (2017), and "Convergence" (2019). Fink teaches at Chapman University in Orange, CA... Read More →

Speakers

Rob Minkoff

Tom Thudiyanplackal

Executive Producer

Tom Thudiyanplackal is an Executive Producer and media innovator with over 20 years at the forefront of transformative technologies in storytelling. A founding member of Ogilvy Interactive India, Tom helped pioneer digital advertising in the region and later fueled data-driven content... Read More →

Shelby Ward

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2

12:15pm PST

Shōgun- Technology's role in the Production of FX's Most Ambitious Production in History

Friday November 8, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm PST

The Aster

The FX, 10-episode limited series, Shōgun, co-created by Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks, ruled TV's top honors this year with 18 Emmy Awards. Hear from Kondo & Marks on what made this production so unique with a focus on the role of technology in this global phenomenon.

Speakers

Lynette Rice

Senior TV Writer, Deadline

I'm a senior TV writer for Deadline. I previously worked for Entertainment Weekly. I'm a NYT bestselling author of the book 'How to Save a Life: An Oral History of Grey's Anatomy.'

Rachel Kondo

Co-Creator, Shōgun

RACHEL KONDO was born and raised on Maui. Her writing has appeared in Electric Literature, Ploughshares Solos and Indiana Review. In 2019, her story “Girl of Few Seasons” was included in The O. Henry Prize Stories and selected as a juror favorite by Elizabeth Strout. She co-created... Read More →

Justin Marks

Co-Creator, Showrunner & Executive Producer, Shōgun

JUSTIN MARKS is an Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning screenwriter and television Creator and Executive Producer. In feature film, Justin was most recently a writer on the worldwide box-office hit film “TOP GUN: MAVERICK” for producers Jerry Bruckheimer, Tom Cruise, and Paramount... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

12:20pm PST

Fireside Chat: Expanding Horizons of Integrated Gaming and Immersive SEGA

Friday November 8, 2024 12:20pm - 12:45pm PST

The Aster

Moderators

John Davison

SVP, Ziff Davis

John Davison is the Senior Vice President, Publisher of IGN, leading the global editorial, video and social media teams across IGN, Eurogamer, Rock Paper Shotgun, and VG247. His teams create content that reaches more than 400 million gamers around the world. He brings more than 25... Read More →

Speakers

Justin Scarpone

SEGA

Justin is an accomplished strategic and operational executive with 30+ years of leadership experience. He currently oversees Sega's Global Transmedia Group, including all forms of linear storytelling (Film/TV/Streaming), Consumer Products, Location Based Entertainment, and Live Shows.Prior... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 12:20pm - 12:45pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

12:45pm PST

Lunch / Networking

Friday November 8, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST

The Aster

Friday November 8, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

12:45pm PST

Lunch / Networking

Friday November 8, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST

The Aster

Friday November 8, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2

12:45pm PST

Lunch / Networking

Friday November 8, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST

The Aster

Friday November 8, 2024 12:45pm - 2:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

2:00pm PST

Innovating at the edge: How Verizon and the NHL are scoring together

Friday November 8, 2024 2:00pm - 2:40pm PST

The Aster

As content development faces challenges, the media and entertainment industry is focusing on innovative technology to spur growth and optimize content delivery. In this session, Lori Schwartz moderates an insightful conversation with Tim Stevens, Global Leader of Strategic Innovation at Verizon Business, about Intelligent Broadcast Edge—an award winning solution that accelerates the speed of on-ice content capture to broadcast from seconds to milliseconds, and allows the NHL to streamline content distribution to MVPDs, social media channels and new platform partners, ultimately improving audience engagement and unlocking new opportunities for business growth.

Moderators

Lori H. Schwartz

CEO | Host & Founding Board Member & Advisor Infinity Festival, Storytech

Speakers

Tim Stevens

Global Leader of Strategic Innovation, Verizon Business

Tim Stevens is the Global Leader, Strategic Innovation for Media, Entertainment and Sports. With over 30 Years M&E experience, Tim leverages a deep understanding of the industry to intuitively analyze new technology and industry trends, to help customers formulate and execute on an... Read More →

Gregoire Rouyer

Global Partner Lead Broadcast, Amazon - AWS

Gregoire is the principal partner lead for broadcast and sports at Amazon Web Services. He leads the design and execution of AWS’ partner strategy for sports, live production, playout, and linear distribution, ensuring AWS’s media customer can find solutions to leverage the power... Read More →

Emeka Okoli

SVP, Business Solutions, Zixi

A Technology and Engineering Emmy Award winner, Emeka Okoli is a passionate advocate of Zixi’s customers and products as Senior Vice President of Customer Success and Solutions teams. Emeka plays a key role in driving unique solutions, deployments and business relationships over... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 2:00pm - 2:40pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

2:00pm PST

Here is the New Transmedia

Friday November 8, 2024 2:00pm - 2:40pm PST

The Aster

Gaming technology and storytelling are emerging as the driving force behind the ever-evolving intersection of entertainment, gaming and lifestyle. Join Andreea Enache, Brad Spahr, TQ Jefferson, Javon Frazier, and Raffaella Camera as they discuss how game developers, music studios, lifestyle brands, and advertising agencies are extending branded IP into other worlds, by embracing more innovative, interactive and immersive methods to engage audiences - the new transmedia.

Moderators

Andreea Enache

Amber Studio

Andreea Enache is the Chief Revenue Officer at Amber Studio and a seasoned executive in the Gaming and Digital Media industry. With a proven track record of driving strategic growth, she has worked with top brands such as Marvel, Sony, Namco, and Konami.She is also the founder of... Read More →

Speakers

Raffaella Camera

Strategic Growth, Super League

Raffaella is a senior executive driving growth at the intersection of immersive technology, gaming, entertainment, and lifestyle. Her expertise spans strategic partnerships, business development, brand positioning, product enhancement, and monetization. She currently advises companies... Read More →

TQ Jefferson

Survios

With over two decades in the industry, TQ Jefferson has exhibited a special knack for steering franchise extension for companies looking to leverage IP in gaming. As the Chief Product Officer for Survios, TQ defines the product roadmap as the company levels up from successful startup... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 2:00pm - 2:40pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

2:00pm PST

How AI is supercharging the VFX business

Friday November 8, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm PST

The Aster

Join former CTO of FuseFX, Jason Fotter, as he engages with industry leaders to explore how AI is revolutionizing the visual effects (VFX) landscape. Discover how AI tools are enhancing creativity, streamlining workflows, and empowering VFX artists to push the boundaries of what’s possible in film and television. This discussion highlights the transformative impact of AI on the VFX community, showcasing real-world applications and future possibilities that are reshaping the industry. Get ready to see how technology is fueling innovation and creativity in the world of visual effects!

Moderators

Jason Fotter

Speakers

Eric Roth

VFX Supervisor and Creative Technologist

Eric Roth is a film industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in visual effects and animation. He has worked at Industrial Light & Magic, Digital Domain, and Sony Imageworks, contributing to films such as Star Wars: Episode II and The Matrix sequels. For over 13 years, he... Read More →

Jagger Waters

VFX and AI Expert

Jagger Waters is an experienced narrative storyteller merging AI with film, TV, podcasts, XR/VR and immersive theater. Jagger's work has been featured by the Television Academy, Forbes and the Producers Guild of America. She is a Producer at Curious Refuge and serves as Director of... Read More →

Ryan Reeb

Friday November 8, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2

2:45pm PST

AI from Inspiration to Innovation: Demystifying NVIDIA and its Ecosystem of Partners

Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:25pm PST

The Aster

As the AI universe continues to expand at a rapid pace, exploring the ecosystem has become increasingly complex. Join this session to learn how NVIDIA is enabling artists, developers, researchers and technologists across Film, Television, Game Development, AdTech, and Live Media with a full AI stack—from infrastructure to foundation models and advanced software platforms. Learn about NVIDIA’s own transformation, and the teams helping our customers and partners drive innovation. Discover practical insights on how NVIDIA can help accelerate your projects through cutting-edge AI tools and expert support.

Moderators

Katja Reitemeyer

Director of Data Science and AI for Media & Entertainment, NVIDIA

Katja Reitemeyer, Director of Data Science and AI for Media & Entertainment at NVIDIA, drives strategy to redefine AI workloads. With over 20 years in tech, her expertise spans AI, computer vision, and gaming. She co-founded NXN Software, known for alienbrain, later acquired by Avid... Read More →

Speakers

Rick Champagne

Director, Global Media & Entertainment Strategy and Marketing, NVIDIA

Rob Partington

Director of Global Developer Relations for Media & Entertainment, NVIDIA

Michael Gates

Global Account Executive for Media & Entertainment, NVIDIA

Results-driven Account Executive with a passion for strategic partnerships and revenue growth in the entertainment industry. I support Sony, NBCU, and The Walt Disney Company in maximizing profitability and market share. With expertise in sales, negotiation, and client relationship... Read More →

Bianca Pryor

Director of Data Science for Media & Entertainment, NVIDIA

Bianca leads Data Science for M&E at NVIDIA. Her team is on a fierce mission to enable and inspire Media & Entertainment data scientists, MLOps, statisticians, data analysts, and more to discover and adopt NVIDIA data science products and solutions. Bianca spent the last 5 years at... Read More →

Jason Schugardt

Senior Solutions Architect for Media & Entertainment, NVIDIA

Josh Minney

Head of Inception Program for Media & Entertainment, NVIDIA

Josh Minney has nearly two decades of experience in media and entertainment, founding and leading several startups and advising early-stage companies. Currently, he works on NVIDIA's Inception team, where he supports AI-driven startups focused on advancing technology in M&E, AdTech... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:25pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

2:45pm PST

Cross-Media Development: Doing it right

Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm PST

The Aster

Join Alexis Khouri (Adobe), Dan Flanegan (Lot2), and Paxton LaZar (Globant) hosted by Yann Caloghiris (Left Field Labs) as they unpack gaming's future amidst rising costs and shrinking revenues. From adapting to economic pressures and navigating layoffs to reevaluating the Free-to-Play model, our panelists will discuss sustainable growth strategies. Explore GenAI's role in development, the growing impact of mobile, and trends like cross-platform play. With unionization on the rise, they’ll also address evolving workforce dynamics in an industry at a pivotal crossroads.

Moderators

Yann Caloghris

Left Field Labs

For every challenge, there’s a bold solution waiting to be discovered. With over 20 years leading award-winning design teams, we’ve helped global brands achieve sustainable growth and measurable impact. As Executive Creative Director at Left Field Labs, I oversee a multidisciplinary... Read More →

Speakers

Alexis Khouri

Adobe

Alexis Khouri joined Allegorithmic in 2007 and has been deeply involved in the product design and business strategy for Substance, the industry standard for 3D texturing. Following Allegorithmic’s acquisition by Adobe in 2019, Alexis became Vice President of Growth for 3D & Immersive... Read More →

Paxton Lazar

VP/Managing Director, Globant Games Studio

30 years experience in Game Production for EA, Warner Bros., Activision, Sega, Zynga and others, currently overseeing the Globant Games Studio's Co-Dev, Engineering, Art and QA services for AAA partners across PC/Console/Mobile -- and loving it!

Dan Flanegan

Lot2

I am the Co-Founder and CEO of Lot2, where we are creating an AI enhanced, easy to use movie studio in your browser. I'm a 3X venture backed product leader (2 exits), advisor & investor with a focus on XR / spatial computing, AI, social and gaming. I'm defining and building the future... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

2:50pm PST

AI in Indie Film: Revolutionizing Creation

Friday November 8, 2024 2:50pm - 3:30pm PST

The Aster

In this engaging conversation, we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape for independent filmmakers. From innovative pre-production tools that enhance scriptwriting and budgeting to advanced editing software that streamlines post-production, AI is making filmmaking more accessible than ever. We’ll discuss the implications of AI in casting, cinematography, and targeted marketing strategies that help indie films reach wider audiences. As we navigate the benefits and challenges of these technologies, we'll also consider the ethical questions surrounding authenticity and representation in an increasingly automated creative process. Join us to discover how independent filmmakers can harness the power of AI to tell compelling stories and thrive in a competitive industry.

Moderators

Rachel Joy Victor

Co-Founder, FBRC.AI

Rachel Joy Victor is the co-founder of FBRC.AI, a company focused on creating AI-supported tools for the future of content production--from films to games to location-based experiences. Rachel's work as a designer, strategist, and worldbuilder for emerging technologies (XR/AI/web3... Read More →

Speakers

c. Craig Patterson

Filmmaker

c. Craig is a filmmaker whose work has received distinction from The Blacklist, Sundance Development Track, Hillman Grad’s Rising Voices, the Academy’s Nicholl Fellowship, NAACP Image Awards, and AmPav at the Cannes Film Festival. His film FATHEAD received the Innovation in Technology... Read More →

Nik Kleverov

Chief Creative Officer, Native Foreign

Nik Kleverov, an Emmy-nominated storyteller, is the Chief Creative Officer of Native Foreign, a renowned Los Angeles-based agency celebrated for its innovative approach to brand storytelling and design. From his viral AI-powered film for Toys"R"Us to the iconic Narcos title sequence... Read More →

Maddie Hong

Friday November 8, 2024 2:50pm - 3:30pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2

3:30pm PST

Collaborating for Innovation: How Big Tech Partnerships with Startups, Content Creators, and Emerging Tech Drive the Ecosystem Forward

Friday November 8, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PST

The Aster

As technology reshapes everything we watch, listen to, and play, the big players in tech are teaming up with startups, content creators, and fearless innovators to create a dynamic ecosystem that keeps pace with our ever-evolving tastes. In this session, we’ll explore what makes these partnerships so crucial for tech giants, the game-changing innovations they’re after, and how these collaborations are pushing the whole industry forward.

Moderators

Annie Hanlon

Co-Founder, Playbook PLBK

Annie Hanlon is an entertainment executive and award-winning producer noted for her work with storytelling and innovative technologies in advertising, film, series, documentaries, and immersive projects. As Co-founder of PLAYBOOK, she advances the adoption of virtual production, real-time... Read More →

Speakers

Josh Minney

Head of Inception Program for Media & Entertainment, NVIDIA

Scott Connolly

Head of Media Technology, Verizon innovation Labs

Scott Connolly is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience at the intersection of creativity and technology. Before joining Verizon, he founded and served as president of the emerging technology production company “The Astronauts Guild”. He has honed his skills... Read More →

Shira Lazar

Co-founder/ Host/ EP, What’s Trending

Emmy-nominated digital culture trailblazer Shira Lazar captivated audiences in 2011 with her web-first news brand, 'What's Trending.' For over two decades, Shira has led in the creator economy and social media trends, speaking at SXSW, VeeCon, CES, and more. She’s been named one... Read More →

Rick Hack

Former Head of Media and Entertainment Partnerships, Intel

Rick operated as Intel’s media & ent. lead pursuing transformational tech and strategic partnerships. He’s engaged with industry thought leaders to lead groundbreaking projects including envisioning entertainment experiences inside autonomous vehicles, delivering location-based... Read More →

Mishawn Nolan

Co-Founder & Co-Managing Partner, Nolan Heimann LLP

Mishawn's ability to understand the needs and concerns of both the creative and the business sides of the equation has led to effective deals being struck and projects moving forward successfully.She believers business leaders should learn into their authentic competencies and build... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

3:35pm PST

Fireside chat

Friday November 8, 2024 3:35pm - 3:55pm PST

The Aster

Bryn Mooser CEO Asteria - Studio of the future “Control and Consistency”

Moderators

Jennifer Wolfe

Content Producer and Media Strategist

A Los Angeles-based content producer and media strategist with 15+ years of experience in Media & Entertainment, Jennifer brings a broad-scope knowledge of M&E business and technologies spanning visual storytelling, creative post production, and digital content creation and delivery... Read More →

Speakers

Bryn Mooser

CEO, Asteria

Bryn Mooser is a Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker and media entrepreneur who founded the immersive media company RYOT which was acquired by Verizon in 2016 and more recently built the industry leading documentary studio XTR and streaming platform DOCUMENTARY+ as well... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 3:35pm - 3:55pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2

3:35pm PST

RZR' Watch & Earn - Gamification of TV & Blockchain

Friday November 8, 2024 3:35pm - 4:00pm PST

The Aster

A blockchain streaming series earned a Primetime Emmy® Nomination while gamifying the viewing experience through watch and earn technology.

Is this new 'freemium' approach the new model to disrupt the oversold streaming wars?

Moderators

Renard Jenkins

President and CEO, I2A2 Technologies, Labs and Studios

Speakers

David Bianchi

Exertion Films

David Bianchi is a trailblazer in blockchain entertainment, using Web3 to reshape storytelling. As the creator, showrunner, and star of RZR, an Emmy® Nominated sci-fi thriller that launched Gala Film, a blockchain based watch-to-earn platform. Bianchi has pioneered NFTs in cinema... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 3:35pm - 4:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

4:00pm PST

ChikaBOOM!: The Evolution of Animation with AI

Friday November 8, 2024 4:00pm - 4:30pm PST

The Aster

Join us on an exciting journey through the evolution of animation and action in ChickaBOOM, a captivating film by Craig Patterson. Discover how cutting-edge AI tools are transforming the creative pipeline, empowering artists to push boundaries while maintaining control and consistency.

This behind-the-scenes look will showcase the innovative techniques and technologies that bring Chicka to life, highlighting the balance between creative freedom and mindful craftsmanship. Follow Chicka's development from concept to completion, exploring the dynamic interplay of creativity and technology that defines modern animation.

Speakers

c. Craig Patterson

Filmmaker

Koina Freeman

Friday November 8, 2024 4:00pm - 4:30pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2

4:10pm PST

Roblox: Pioneering the Age of Agency

Friday November 8, 2024 4:10pm - 5:00pm PST

The Aster

"Age of Agency" explores how Roblox has emerged as a groundbreaking platform for brands to engage with audiences. Unlike traditional marketing, integrating brands into the gameplay creates an organic connection that resonates with players. This approach has proven effective, as seen in the Despicable Me 4 campaign, which garnered over 17 million visits and significantly influenced box office success, illustrating the potential for meaningful brand experiences in immersive environments.

Moderators

Jason Steyaert

Skylight Media Group

After working across media and entertainment in film, TV and gaming for the last 16 years, Jason founded Skylight Media in 2017 after independently securing the rights to Ty Beanie Babies and developing their first animated universe. In 2021, he went on to lead Global Content Partnerships... Read More →

Speakers

Todd Lichten

Head of Entertainment Partnerships, Roblox

Todd Lichten is the Head of Entertainment Partnerships at Roblox, where he works with the world’s top film and TV studios, talent, and digital media brands to shape the future of immersive content on the platform. Under Todd’s leadership, entertainment brand presence has exploded... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 4:10pm - 5:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 3

4:30pm PST

Rob Prior - In Session

Friday November 8, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm PST

The Aster

Presented by Ex Posse: Sony Music Entertainment Japan's "Lipstick Cliqa" Producer Sean E Demott, in the studio with industry icon Rob Prior. Watch as Rob creates and demonstrates his use of AI as part of a signature creative process.

Moderators

Sean E. Demott

Co-Creator, Ex Posse

For the past 12 years I have enjoyed working as a Producer and Executive Producer, earning a vast experience, knowledge and understanding of the global media industry. I have a proven successful and international track record of developing, financing, producing, delivering and distributing... Read More →

Speakers

Rob Prior

Internationally Renowned Pop Artist & Fine Art Painter

Rob Prior is a multi-talented artist whose career spans the realms of gaming, comics, television, and film. For nearly three decades, his unique creative process continues to draw the attention of millions worldwide. Recognized for his enthralling performances, where he paints with... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 1

7:30pm PST

IF 2024 Monolith Awards at The Aster: Invite Only

Friday November 8, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm PST

The Aster

Friday November 8, 2024 7:30pm - 9:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

TBA

Julien's Auctions Presents - Over 200 Collectibles From Star Trek on Exhibition Throughout the Festival - Culminating In A Live Auction Today at 10am - All Attendees Welcome

Saturday November 9, 2024 TBA

The Aster

Saturday November 9, 2024 TBA
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Star Trek Saturday

9:00am PST

Star Trek Legacy: What It Takes to Build and Maintain an Iconic Franchise - Open To All IF Attendees

Saturday November 9, 2024 9:00am - 9:40am PST

The Aster

Join the conversation with the creative minds that have influenced generations of fans and dive into the iconic visual IP and how it has changed over the decades and its impact on society. There is a reason why the brand has endured and is as popular as ever. There is something unique with Star Trek in that it has produced so many iconic props, designs, devices used within the story-telling that creates an emotional connection to the fan.

Moderators

Daniel Tibbets

CEO, Mint Comedy

Daniel Tibbets is CEO, Mint Comedy, a global platform to distribute and monetize live stand-up comedy directly from clubs around the world. Tibbets also serves as General Manager of El Rey Rebel, co-founded by Director Robert Rodriguez, which provides a platform for Hispanic voices... Read More →

Speakers

David C. Fein

Producer, Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition

David C. Fein is an innovative and award-winning Director/Producer and is most notably the Producer of the theatrical completion of Robert Wise's Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director's Edition. Offering a powerful new Dolby ATMOS sound mix, new and reassembled visual effects... Read More →

John Billingsley

Dr. Phlox, Star Trek: Enterprise

John Billingsley, probably best known to the folks reading this bio as Dr. PhIl ‘No Dirty Forceps’ Phlox from Star Trek: Enterprise, has had a long (albeit checkered) career as a film and tv thesp, reaching back some 45 years - Oy!His stage career began in the fifth grade when... Read More →

Trevor Roth

President and COO, Roddenberry Entertainment

Trevor Roth has played an integral role in pushing the Roddenberry legacy into the 21st century. Teaming up with business partner and longtime friend Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, Jr., Roth has developed and produced innovative science-fiction properties that remain true to the vision... Read More →

Saturday November 9, 2024 9:00am - 9:40am PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Star Trek Saturday

9:40am PST

AI (Klingon, Vulcan) Sneak Preview Auction

Saturday November 9, 2024 9:40am - 9:55am PST

The Aster

Speakers

Adi Sideman

CEO, Wonder.pro

Adi is a pioneer in participatory media, creating apps and companies in the UGC space. Adi runs Wonder.pro, an AI video storytelling platform. Prior to Wonder, Adi founded and grew YouNow, the live streaming network, to over 100 million users. As a developer, Adi created more than... Read More →

Laura Woolley

Managing Director. Head of Consignments & Appraisals, Julien's Auctions

Saturday November 9, 2024 9:40am - 9:55am PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Star Trek Saturday

10:00am PST

Bid Long & Prosper: Live Auction Presented by Julien's Auctions - The Ultimate Star Trek Auction - Open To All IF Attendees

Saturday November 9, 2024 10:00am - 2:00pm PST

The Aster

From the first time you heard the iconic theremin theme song of Star Trek: The Original Series, Captain Picard's “Engage", or Captain Katheryn Janeway’s famous line, “There’s coffee in that Nebula,” Julien's Auctions is here to celebrate the moments that matter. Spanning over fifty years of Star Trek history, the Bid Long and Prosper Auction offers over two hundred incredible lots, many of which have never been available to the public. At the center of the auction are Captain Kirk’s hero phaser and communicator props, which have been identified after spending fifty years in a private collection. Additionally, rare set pieces, costumes, concept illustrations, props, ephemera, models, and more are sure to excite and bring back memories from your favorite Star Trek episodes. Every generation of Star Trek fan is represented and are welcome to share in this extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of pop culture history.

Speakers

Kody Frederick

Director - Head of Marketing, Julien's Actions

Saturday November 9, 2024 10:00am - 2:00pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Star Trek Saturday

11:00am PST

Student Lab

Saturday November 9, 2024 11:00am - 2:30pm PST

The Aster

In person demos of cutting edge work by current university students

Saturday November 9, 2024 11:00am - 2:30pm PST
The Aster 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

STAGE 2