EP17 — Using AI to Tell Stories Hollywood Can’t w/ Filmmaker Reza Sixo Safai Can generative AI help filmmakers tell stories that would otherwise be impossible to tell?

Iranian-American director Reza Sixo Safai (Persian: رضا سیکسو صفایی) shares his groundbreaking journey into AI filmmaking, from his first Midjourney experiments to creating an OpenAI-powered Tribeca short. Reza reveals how AI can be used to bypass censorship in Iran and craft resonant, dreamlike narratives that mirror his own experiences.

Diving deep into AI's impact on storytelling, Reza explores ethical prompting, amplifying diverse voices, and the parallels between his immigrant roots and adaptability as an artist. He also shares insights into mastering AI tools while emphasizing the importance of traditional filmmaking skill

🤖 Timestamps:

00:00 - How Reza Integrates Generative AI into Filmmaking

01:31 - Civil War, Silicon Valley, and Cinema: Reza's

Immigrant Journey

02:32 - Discovering Generative AI and the Pika AI Community

10:31 - Using AI to Bypass Censorship in Iran

14:01 - Ethical Prompting: Working with OpenAI's Sora Team

19:56 - Reza Meets Sora: A Filmmaker's First Look

29:03 - Beyond Prompts: Generative AI's Full Scope

31:02 - Film First, AI Second: Building a Solid Foundation

36:37 - What's Next: Reza's AI Projects and New Ventures

🎬 Loved this deep dive into AI filmmaking? Do your creative friends a favor and share this episode with them! Your mind = 🤯 Their minds = 🤯 🤖 Additional resources:

• Reza's Twitter
• Reza's LinkedIn
• The Passion of Manijeh (AI short film)
• Father Time (AI short film) The Passion of Joan of Arc (Carl Dreyer, 1928)

🤖 Connect with Juan Faisal:

• LinkedIn
• Newsletter
• My Portfolio

🤖 Creativity & Robots:

“A love letter to human creativity, with AI as the stage prop.” Host Juan Faisal interviews creative professionals to discuss how generative AI influences our creative process, work, and media consumption. Join us to learn how AI can enhance your creativity, and dive into the ethics and realities of the tech. For experts and beginners alike. 🤖 Subscribe to Creativity & Robots here!

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music

EP16 — AI and Creative Jobs: Should We Switch Careers Now? w/ Georg Zoeller (ex-Meta)

Georg Zoeller is a big deal in AI. He co-founded the AI Literacy Transformation Institute and was the former Business Engineering Director at Meta. He's also worked on major gaming titles like Assassin's Creed 4 and Star Wars: The Old Republic. At Meta, he became a top expert on AI's impact on creative industries.

In this episode we'll discuss how AI technology is impacting the creative industry. You'll learn about the fundamentals of AI and how it's applied in real-world creative scenarios, how AI is transforming creative jobs and what that means for your career, and get a clear, pragmatic perspective on AI that cuts through both the hype and the fearmongering.

🤖 Timestamps:

Georg Zoeller: AI expert with gaming roots [00:00]

AI reality check: We're getting it wrong [00:44]

Cutting through AI noise: Facts vs. hype [04:26]

Why plain talk matters in the AI world [08:11]

AGI: The undefined hype machine [13:01]

AI: The next big shift for everyone? [13:56]

Business rush to AI: Fear of falling behind [18:30]

Meta's free AI: Understanding the strategy [22:00]

AI's economic impact: More output, job concerns [24:44]

Creatives and AI: The risks of ignoring it [31:50]

Handmade in the machine age: Craftsmanship's comeback [36:11]

Your job vs. AI: Data literacy as armor [39:37]

Creatives' new skill: Digital know-how [48:51]

Attention economy: The platform squeeze [51:55]

Georg's clear-cut guide to AI basics [59:50]

🤖 Learn More About Georg:

- AI Literacy Transformation Institute

- Centre for AI Leadership

🤖 Connect with Juan Faisal:

- LinkedIn

- Newsletter

- Juan Faisal: Work

About Creativity & Robots:

“A love letter to human creativity, with AI as the stage prop.”

Creativity & Robots is a podcast about human creativity in the age of AI. Creative Strategist and host ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Juan Faisal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews creative professionals in various fields to explore the relationship between human creativity and generative AI and how it influences our creative process, the work we do, and the media we consume.

Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting out, join us to learn how generative AI can boost your creativity. We'll also discuss ethical implications and question the tech buzz when it doesn't add up.

Subscribe to Creativity & Robots here!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.

EP15 — AI Tools Every Filmmaker Should Use

Guest: Tim Simmons (Theoretically Media) In today's episode, we have Tim Simmons, an experienced media producer and the founder of Theoretically Media, a channel that, dives into filmmaking, music, writing, and art, all enhanced by the latest AI tools. With over 100K subscribers, he believes in technology's power to elevate independent artists' work. In this interview, Tim emphasizes the advantages of AI tools in giving independent artists a competitive edge and the ability to create high-quality content at a fraction of the cost. He also addresses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding generative AI, highlighting the importance of hard work and the need for continuous learning and experimentation. Timestamps:

Introduction: Tim Simons and Theoretically Media [00:00]

Transition from music tutorials to AI tools [00:55]

The power of generative AI for independent artists [02:19]

Challenges and opportunities in the creative industry with AI [03:15]

Creating high-quality work affordably with AI [05:34]

Budgeting and pricing in AI content creation [06:56]

Estimating time and workflow for AI projects [09:08]

The excitement of AI's early stages [10:31]

Exploring different generative AI workflows [11:24]

Evolution and repetition in creative industries with AI [14:13]

Legalities of generative AI and intellectual property [16:11]

Overcoming FOMO in the AI landscape [19:30]

Tim's approach to sharing AI knowledge [20:49]

Recommended generative AI tools for beginners [23:21]

Staying updated on AI tools and trends [27:43]

Misconceptions about easy AI content creation [30:04]

Future plans and ongoing learning with AI [34:07]

Conclusion: Importance of sharing AI knowledge [37:38] Additional Resources:

• Theoretically Media
• Tim Simmons @ Twitter

About Creativity & Robots:

“A love letter to human creativity, with AI as the stage prop.”

Creativity & Robots is a podcast about human creativity in the age of AI. Creative Strategist and host ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Juan Faisal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews creative professionals in various fields to explore the relationship between human creativity and generative AI and how it influences our creative process, the work we do, and the media we consume.

Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting out, join us to learn how generative AI can boost your creativity. We'll also discuss ethical implications and question the tech buzz when it doesn't add up.

Subscribe to Creativity & Robots here!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.

EP. 14 — Can YouTube Survive AI? A Top Strategist Speaks Out Guest: Tim Jablonski

In this episode of Creativity & Robots, we are joined by Tim Jablonski, Senior Vice President of Programming and Audience Development at Little Monster Media. Tim talks about the ways AI is reshaping YouTube and offers practical advice on incorporating AI tools into your content creation. We also discuss the ethical aspects of AI usage and share key strategies for expanding your channel's reach. Find out which kinds of channels are excelling in the AI age and how you can use AI to enhance your content.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 05:49 - The Future of YouTube and AI 12:44 - The Challenges of Generative AI in Content Creation 20:03 - Ethical Considerations and Viewer Safety 27:40 - The Importance of a Clear Core Value Proposition 33:08 - Final thoughts

About Creativity & Robots:

“A love letter to human creativity, with AI as the stage prop.”

Creativity & Robots is a podcast about human creativity in the age of AI. Creative Strategist and host ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Juan Faisal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews creative professionals in various fields to explore the relationship between human creativity and generative AI and how it influences our creative process, the work we do, and the media we consume.

Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting out, join us to learn how generative AI can boost your creativity. We'll also discuss ethical implications and question the tech buzz when it doesn't add up.

Subscribe to Creativity & Robots here!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.

EP. 13 — How I'm Streamlining Video Creation with AI Guest: Pakko De La Torre-Rocha

In this episode, Pakko De La Torre-Rocha discusses how AI can streamline video creation, improve social media campaigns, and optimize advertising strategies. He shares his workflow and tips for using AI tools effectively. Pakko emphasizes the importance of embracing new technologies to stay ahead in the industry and highlights the power of AI in enhancing creativity. He also discusses the future of AI in video creation and the potential it holds for filmmakers and creators.

🤖 Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Pakko's achievements 00:56 - First encounter with generative AI 03:06 - Impact of AI on independent creatives and large agencies 06:01 - AI use cases: chatbots, marketing, data analysis 08:44 - Pakko's workflow for making AI-generated videos 14:22 - Showcase: Viva México! (An AI animation by Pakko) 15:40 - Viva México! Animation process explained 19:08 - Tips for getting started with AI tools and platforms 21:49 - What to learn if you are starting with AI tools in 2024 27:01 - What's next for AI and creativity 30:21 - Pakko's career and why AI made him young again 32:45 - Closing remarks and how to connect with Pakko About our guest, Pakko De La Torre-Rocha: Pakko is a multifaceted creative director with over 15 years of experience, known for his innovative work with top advertising agencies like Ogilvy & Mather and TBWA\​Chiat\​Day. Specializing in AI, AR/VR, and social media, Pakko combines hands-on leadership with cutting-edge technology to create award-winning campaigns for clients like Cisco, Taco Bell, and Nissan. His expertise in Web3 and Metaverse, coupled with a deep passion for emerging technologies, ensures that his creative solutions are not only engaging but also transformative. Additional Resources:

• Pakko @ LinkedIn
• AIMWorld.ai
• Pakko @ Instagram

About Creativity & Robots:

“A love letter to human creativity, with AI as the stage prop.”

Creativity & Robots is a podcast about human creativity in the age of AI. Creative Strategist and host ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Juan Faisal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews creative professionals in various fields to explore the relationship between human creativity and generative AI and how it influences our creative process, the work we do, and the media we consume.

Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting out, join us to learn how generative AI can boost your creativity. We'll also discuss ethical implications and question the tech buzz when it doesn't add up.

Subscribe to Creativity & Robots here!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.

EP. 13 — Breaking AI's Bias: From Awareness to Action Guest: Catharine Montgomery, MBA

In this episode of Creativity & Robots, we dive into the world of AI-driven social good with Catharine Montgomery, founder and CEO of Better Together. Catharine shares her insights on using generative AI to combat biases and promote inclusion, offering actionable strategies that can drive positive change in the tech industry.

🤖 Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: AI for Social Good and Better Together's Mission 01:47 - Bias: Thinking You're Helping but Doing Harm 03:12 - Handling Pushback and Passive Disagreement 06:54 - AI Ampliying Bias: The Need for Diverse Data 11:00 - Experiencing Bias in AI and Importance of Representation 12:56 - Mitigating Bias: Challenges for Companies 14:11 - Financial Benefits of Diversity vs. Investment Resistance 20:54 - Better Together's Role in Addressing AI Bias About our guest, Catharine Montgomery, MBA: Catharine Montgomery is the founder and CEO of Better Together, a communications agency focused on positive change through creative strategies and branding. With over 15 years in public relations, she specializes in education, environment, and social justice. Catharine has led campaigns that changed perceptions and behaviors. She holds degrees in Public Relations and Marketing from Auburn University, an MBA from the University of Maryland, and completed the Vital Voices Visionaries Program with Estée Lauder. Additional Resources:

• Catharine Montgomery @ LinkedIn
• Better Together PR Agency
• Download Report: Addressing Biases in Generative AI

About Creativity & Robots:

“A love letter to human creativity, with AI as the stage prop.”

Creativity & Robots is a podcast about human creativity in the age of AI. Creative Strategist and host ⁠⁠⁠⁠Juan Faisal⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews creative professionals in various fields to explore the relationship between human creativity and generative AI and how it influences our creative process, the work we do, and the media we consume.

Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting out, join us to learn how generative AI can boost your creativity. We'll also discuss ethical implications and question the tech buzz when it doesn't add up.

Subscribe to Creativity & Robots here!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.

EP. 11 — "Using AI and Storytelling to Stop Procrastination | Alexander Liss"

Guest: Alexander Liss

In this episode of Creativity & Robots, we explore how generative AI can drive climate action with our special guest, Alexander Liss, CEO of Scenes From Tomorrow. Alexander shares his expertise in AI, data science, and storytelling to discuss how his app leverages AI to make the impact of climate change tangible and actionable for users. Learn how storytelling and AI can transform abstract climate data into personalized, local narratives that motivate real-world change.

🤖 Timestamps:

• Introduction to episode 11 and Alexander Liss [00:00]
• Storytelling tips: Sequence, structure, and selective attention [01:15]
• Simplification of complex data through storytelling [03:51]
• Using generative AI to overcome climate procrastination [05:17]
• How S.F.T. uses gen AI to provide tangible climate experiences [10:53]
• The generative models behind the app: OpenAI and Stable Diffusion [14:30]
• Ethical considerations: Energy use in AI climate apps [19:52]
• Explore Scenes From Tomorrow: How to test the app and learn more [26:00]

About our guest, Alexander Liss:

Alexander Liss is a visionary strategist skilled in strategy and technology. He led Party City’s AI chatbot project, increasing site conversion by 7X, and boosted Doctors Without Borders’ email conversion by +19%. He achieved a +23% brand lift for Pfizer and helped Volkswagen reach a +68% digital conversion. At ConEdison, he saved $6MM and increased data retention by +83%. He also enhanced Honeymaid’s social media engagement by +45%. Alexander's expertise in AI, data science, and storytelling drives innovation and growth.

Additional Resources:

• Scenes From Tomorrow: https://www.scenesfromtomorrow.com/

About Creativity & Robots:

“A love letter to human creativity, with AI as the stage prop.”

Creativity & Robots is a podcast about human creativity in the age of AI. Creative Strategist and host ⁠⁠Juan Faisal⁠⁠ interviews creative professionals in various fields to explore the relationship between human creativity and generative AI and how it influences our creative process, the work we do, and the media we consume.

Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting out, join us to learn how generative AI can boost your creativity. We'll also discuss ethical implications and question the tech buzz when it doesn't add up.

Subscribe to Creativity & Robots here!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.

EP. 10 — "Cracking the Code to Connecting in the Age of AI | Baxter Aceves"

Guest: Javier "Baxter" Aceves

In this episode of Creativity & Robots, host Juan Faisal sits down with Javier "Baxter" Aceves, a content and marketing expert with experience at BuzzFeed, Netflix, and Scribd. Baxter shares insights on how these media giants connected with their audiences during their early days. The discussion highlights the challenges of cutting through AI-generated content noise and building genuine human connections. Baxter also offers his perspective on the future of content creation and audience engagement in an AI-driven world.

🤖 Timestamps:

• Intro: meet Javier Aceves [00:00]
• Joining BuzzFeed & old school internet [00:57]
• Making people talk about Netflix [07:51]
• Algorithms & trends in 2024 [08:53]
• The Internet: Destroyed by generative AI? [16:04]
• Baxter's optimistic theory [20:24]
• Team human: trash brings us together [25:00]
• Won't somebody please think of the children? [28:52]
• Future of human creativity [32:35]

About Our Guest, Javier "Baxter" Aceves:

Javier Aceves, also known as Baxter, has held prominent roles such as Editor-in-Chief at BuzzFeed, Manager of Brand and Editorial Marketing at Netflix, and Director of Content Acquisition at Scribd. With a rich background in content and marketing, Baxter has been instrumental in shaping the strategies that drive audience engagement and content innovation. He has a proven track record in audience development, editorial and creative direction, and thought leadership for companies across publishing, social media, and traditional media outlets. Additionally, Baxter is a TEDx Speaker, author of the novel "Un pequeño incendio" (2018, Penguin Random House), and a musician with the band Los Árboles Mentirosos.

Additional Resources:

• Scribd (now Everand): https://www.everand.com/
• Idiocracy (2006) by Mike Judge: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387808/
• Team Human by Douglas Rushkoff: https://rushkoff.com/books/team-human-book/

About Creativity & Robots:

“A love letter to human creativity, with AI as the stage prop.”

Creativity & Robots is a podcast about human creativity in the age of AI. Creative Strategist and host ⁠Juan Faisal⁠ interviews creative professionals in various fields to explore the relationship between human creativity and generative AI and how it influences our creative process, the work we do, and the media we consume.

Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting out, join us to learn how generative AI can boost your creativity. We'll also discuss ethical implications and question the tech buzz when it doesn't add up.

Subscribe to Creativity & Robots here!

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.