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

51. Johanna Koljonen: How to Transform Storytelling Together

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

52. Jeff Gomez: Building Franchises, Transmedia Storytelling and the Collective Journey

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.

53. Jason Blum: The Business of Blumhouse

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.

58. Kaya Jabar: Visualisation and the New Creative Process

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

61. Kevin Goetz: Why Every Film Should be Profitable

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

62. Nguyen-Anh Nguyen: Filmmaking in the Unreal World

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.

63. Niels Alberg: Audience Insights, AI and Anthropology

"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.

64. Houston Howard: Super Story Architect

"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).

66. Diana Williams: Developing Story Based IP

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.

68. Steve Silver: Unlocking the Metaverse for Creators

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.

70. Dan Erickson: Showrunning, Worldbuilding and the story of SEVERANCE

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.

71. Joanna Popper: the Now and Future of the Metaverse

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.

72. HaZ: Game-changing Independent Storytelling with Unreal Editor for Fortnite

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

73. Emma Needell: Technology, Creative Practice and Finding your Story's Heart

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.

77. Ane Crabtree: Designing Future Worlds through Fashion

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.

78. Jeff Gomez & Billy Price: New Narratives of Reconciliation

"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.

79. Davide Bianca: Shifting Tides - How AI is Transforming IP Development

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.

81. Stephen Follows: the Data behind Horror; Film's Most Profitable Genre

"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

82. Hamid Ibrahim: Creativity, Entrepreneurship and Bringing African Storytelling to Disney

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.

83. Ingrid Kopp: The Evolution of Immersive Storytelling

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).

84. C.J. 'Fiery' Obasi: Fusing Genre Storytelling with African Narratives

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

86. Fiona Gilles and Mahesh Ramachandra: Pitching, AI and Getting to Greenlight with SMASH

"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/).

87. Tobias Queisser: Taking Greater Creative Risks with AI

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

88. Guy Gadney: AI, Microdramas & the Next Screen Revolution

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.

89: Doug Shapiro: AI, Infinite Content & the Next Great Disruption

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”.

90. Kurt McClung: Worldbuilding, Communities and the Storyteller's Responsibility

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. 

91. David Neumann: Creativity, Ownership and Global Opportunity in Animation

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.

92. Meagan Keane: How to Tell Your Story in the Age of AI

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. 


94. Ben Lock: Visual Intelligence, AI Workflows and the Future of VFX

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

93. Mehret Mandefro: Empowering Storytellers and Building Creative Infrastructure

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

33. Mike Winton: Neon and the Art of Film Marketing

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

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