In this episode of Future of Film, Alex talks with David Neumann, CEO of Newmation, a talent management and production company working with some of the world’s leading writers, directors and TV creators in both animation and live action. David shares his journey from ICM and CAA to founding Newmation, and why he bet early on global and independent animation. He discusses how to balance creativity with business, what makes a project stand out, and why IP ownership matters more than ever. The conversation explores: - How international co-productions and new funding models are reshaping animation - Why African and global voices are essential for the next generation of stories - The impact of technology — from Flow’s Blender breakthrough to AI disruption - How creators can pitch, package and protect their dream projects It’s an inspiring, candid look at where the animation industry is heading — and how new storytellers can succeed within it. About David Neumann David Neumann is a Producer, Talent Manager and CEO of NEWMATION. Newmation represents Academy award winning animation writers, directors and TV creators, spanning 5 continents and produces animated and live action films & series. He previously was an agent at Hollywood mega-agency, CAA, growing global animation in New York. Between his agent career at CAA and ICM, he's represented Oscar winning filmmakers such as David Yates (Harry Potter), Tom Hooper (Les Miserables, The King's Speech), Sir Stephen Frears (The Queen, Philomena) Arlene Klasky (Rugrats), Todd Komarnicki (Sully), and Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody) to name a few. In 2020, Neumann launched his own company and was honored on Observer's Entertainment Power 50 List, alongside Dwayne Johnson, Will Smith, JJ Abrams, Margot Robbie, and more.

In this episode of Future of Film, Alex Stolz speaks with worldbuilding pioneer Kurt McClung, a narrative designer whose “world-first” methodology has helped build over 100 fictional universes across AAA games, film, TV, animation, and transmedia. From major gmaing franchises such as Ghost Recon and Beyond Good & Evil 2 to original IPs in development for the screen, Kurt has worked at the intersection of storytelling, design, and audience engagement for over two decades. Kurt shares why the traditional focus on characters and plot is no longer enough and how starting with a flawed world, defined by a central metaphor or societal question, can unlock new creative possibilities and commercial longevity. But more than that, Kurt explores how powerful worlds don’t just contain stories they create space for audience participation, debate, and community-building. With real world and practical examples, Kurt explains how worldbuilding is not just a storytelling tool, it’s a strategic engine that can align creative teams, connect with real-world conversations and give audiences something they want to explore, contribute to, and advocate for. Whether you're developing a game, a TV series, or an immersive transmedia experience, this conversation offers essential insights into designing IP that’s both creatively bold and culturally resonant. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why starting with a flawed world — not a character — leads to stronger stories - How to frame your world as a metaphor for a meaningful societal question - The three essential elements of a compelling narrative bible - How world-first storytelling creates alignment across large creative teams - Why audiences gather around problems, not plots and how to build a community around your story -Practical strategies for involving marketing and distribution early through theme-based outreach - How to design IP with built-in potential for audience expansion and participation About Kurt McClung Kurt McClung is a transmedia storyteller with a passion for epic inspirational experiences. He started his career writing graphic novels and interactive children’s books, and then blossomed into videogames and recently television and cinema. He has worked on over on one hundred fictional worlds for more than forty studios as a Creator, Writer, Lead Writer, Script Doctor, Content Director, Narrative Designer and World Designer. A specialist of IP creation, narrative structure and world logic with an industrial engineering education, he builds fictional journeys like one would plan the construction of a work of architecture. He has developed his own set of creative vision tools, and has shared his passion teaching transmedia strategy, interactive script writing, world design and 360 narrative design in several universities and for master class circuits. He serves as narrative Content Director on several boards of game studios he helped found. Kurt is an excellent team builder and creative alignment lead, whether on small scale projects or those of AAA scale. He strives to give audiences a novel point of view, an “extra life”.

In this episode, Alex Stolz talks with Doug Shapiro, media strategist, former Turner executive and author of The Mediator, about the disruptive force of generative AI and what it truly means for filmmakers and creators. Doug draws a striking parallel: just as the internet drove the cost of moving bits (distribution) toward zero and reshaped the media landscape, generative AI is now driving the cost of making bits (content creation) toward zero. But what does that mean for the value of original storytelling? For jobs, budgets, and creativity? And how can creators and studios adapt to a world of “infinite content,” where audiences’ definitions of quality are shifting, and discovery becomes the real battle? Across the conversation, Doug explores the opportunities (democratization, bold creative choices, lower barriers for new voices) and the challenges (market saturation, changing consumer standards, legal and ethical uncertainty) that AI brings. Drawing on his experience of seeing streaming disrupt TV from the inside, he shares lessons for both incumbents and emerging studios and why, despite the disruption, he believes AI can empower a new generation of creators rather than replace them. About Doug Shapiro Doug has spent nearly 30 years in and around the media industry, as an analyst, strategist, advisor and operator. He is currently an independent advisor and consultant, speaker, and senior advisor for Boston Consulting Group. He also writes The Mediator, which is widely read and circulated in the industry. Doug is frequently asked to present his views about the evolution of the media business at corporate offsites, institutional investor conferences, industry events, and academic institutions. He is also writing Infinite Content: AI, the Next Great Disruption of Media, and How to Navigate What’s Coming, due to be published by The MIT Press in 2026. Prior to his current role, Doug was the Chief Financial Officer and a Managing Member of Pugilist Capital LLC, an investment firm formed with the purpose of acquiring media and media-adjacent technology businesses. Before that, he was EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Turner, a division of WarnerMedia, and member of the Executive Committee, where he headed the Corporate and Data Strategy functions. Prior to that position, Shapiro was the SVP of International and Corporate Strategy at Time Warner Inc. He previously headed the Time Warner Investor Relations group, overseeing the development and execution of the company’s investor relations initiatives, formulating investor messaging and serving as the primary contact for Time Warner with the investment community. Before joining Time Warner, Shapiro was a senior equity analyst at Banc of America Securities and Deutsche Banc Securities, where he covered the Cable and Satellite TV and Media Conglomerate sectors. He was ranked as one of the top Cable and Satellite analysts by Institutional Investor magazine each year from 1997 to 2006.

In this episode, Alex Stolz 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

"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/).

In this episode of Future of Film Podcast, we’re joined by Fiona Gillies and Mahesh Ramachandra, co-founders of SMASH — the innovative platform that’s transforming how creators connect with industry decision-makers. SMASH is rethinking the pitching process from the ground up—offering creators a structured, accessible space to build and share their projects, while helping commissioners and buyers discover the stories they’re truly looking for. In this conversation, Fiona and Mahesh share the origin story of Smash, explore how AI and smart data are shaping the future of development, and offer practical advice for filmmakers looking to sharpen their pitches and navigate the industry with confidence. We also discuss the art (and pain) of writing a great logline, how to stand out in a crowded marketplace, and why the future of pitching is all about transparency, connection, and creator empowerment. This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Africa 2024 in partnership with Sèmè City of the Republic of Benin. About Fiona Gillies - Indie Producer & SMASH co-founder Fiona has produced award winning features and shorts.  The Beat Beneath my Feet was in competition in the Berlinale, and her debut feature City Slacker was nominated for a BIFA. She began her career with director Roger Michell at the RSC and has worked extensively both in front and behind the camera.  She co-founded SMASH, the Rights and IP Marketplace, with fellow producer Christine Hartland and digital pioneer Mahesh Ramachandra to encourage new, diverse talent to engage with decision makers. About Mahesh Ramachandra – Co-founder / CPO Mahesh is a digital product expert with 25 years of experience building and operating B2B SaaS and B2C entertainment services around the world. He focuses on early-stage products and companies, specialising in product conceptualisation, building teams, lean development, finding product-market fit, and scaling to success. Mahesh recently led the pre-school mobile app studio at eOne (Hasbro) and was previously Chief Product Officer at KidsKnowBest, Azoomee and Hopster, the award-winning SVOD service for kids. Prior to that, he developed and operated live interactive television programmes globally for almost 10 years, following stints in edtech and running his own interactive media studio. Mahesh is a regular speaker at industry conferences such as Kidscreen and the Edinburgh Television Festival and has been a judge for the Interactive Emmy Awards. He is a mentor with the BYP (Black Young Professionals) Network and is a team advisor with Antler Incubator. Mahesh has an MA in Design for Interactive Media from Middlesex University. My SMASH Media won a Gold Award for Tech Innovation at Cannes NEXT, the Innovation section of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Check out SMASH at www.mysmash.media

In this episode of the Future of Film podcast, host Alex Stolz speaks with Sarudzayi Marufu, founder of Uras Films, about the challenges and opportunities facing filmmakers today, particularly in the African market. They discuss the importance of understanding audience engagement, innovative approaches to crowdfunding, and the intersection of creativity and business. Sarudzayi emphasises the need for infrastructure and support for African filmmakers, highlighting the potential of the continent's creative resources. The conversation also touches on the importance of building a brand and cultivating a loyal audience. In this conversation, Sarudzayi shares insights on the filmmaking process, emphasizing the importance of leveraging personal privilege, understanding financial realities, and learning from experiences. She discusses the significance of marketing and distribution strategies, particularly in the context of independent films and African cinema - encouraging filmmakers to be audacious, share their ideas, and navigate the challenges of distribution while maintaining ownership and integrity. She highlights the need for an entrepreneurial mindset in filmmaking, advocating for a balance between creativity and business acumen. About Sarudzayi Marufu Sarudzayi Marufu is founder and executive producer of the production company Euras Films with a mission to tell bold, unafraid & innovative storytelling & authentic representation. She founded Euras with the mission of increasing representation for underprivileged communities and providing them with the resources to take bold creative risks. Since its inception in 2019, the studio has produced a range of short and feature-length films, the latest of which, All the Wives in Attics, has been selected for several awards at leading film festivals. Prior to Euras Films, Sarue was executive producer at Beyond the Canon, an organisation that aims to diversify the curricula at globally leading drama schools and theaters. Beyond the Canon taps into forgotten masterpieces by culturally diverse playwrights and brings them to national audiences. Previously, she founded Exodus Healthcare, a firm that supports patients living independently in their own homes. She applies her business expertise from scaling Exodus to her work in the film industry, helping underprivileged filmmakers navigate the business of producing films.

In this episode, CJ "Fiery" Obasi, the visionary filmmaker behind MAMI WATA, discusses his creative journey, the cultural narratives that shape his work and the commercial and creative path of a storyteller. CJ reflects on his early influences, including a passion for Hammer Horror films and Stephen King novels, and how these elements have informed his unique storytelling approach. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of bringing MAMI WATA to life, a film that intertwines African folklore with contemporary themes, and shares insights into the significance of genre filmmaking within the African cinema landscape. The conversation also explores the business of being a storyteller and entrepreneur, the future of African screen storytelling, and the evolving role of technology and AI in filmmaking. About C.J. Obasi C.J. Obasi also known as “Fiery” or “The Fiery One” wrote and directed the feature films OJUJU & O-TOWN, both of which has screened in many festivals, including the Gothenburg Film Festival and Fantasia Film Festival, garnering acclaim from the likes of Screen Anarchy, IndieWire, & The Hollywood Reporter. He has won the African Movie Academy Awards (African Oscars), and the Trailblazer Award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards AMVCA). OJUJU is listed in IndieWire’s Best Zombie Films Of All Time. His short film “Hello, Rain” premiered in the International Competition of Oberhausen, and in over 30 festivals like Fantasia Film Festival, where it won the Special Mention of the Jury prize, and the BFI London Film Festival where it was nominated for the Short Film Award. In 2016, he formed Surreal16 Collective with filmmakers Abba T. Makama and Michael to challenge the status quo of Nollywood filmmaking and Nigerian Film expectations. Their anthology film, Juju Stories won the Boccalino D’Oro Award for Best Film at Locarno Film Festival, and was aquired globally by Amazon Prime Video. Obasi’s latest work, MAMI WATA premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2023, where it won the Jury Award for Cinematography, as well as in FESPACO, where it won the Best Image, Best Décor and the African Critics Prize. MAMI WATA was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and for an NAACP Image Award. It was Nigeria's Official entry for the Academy Awards. MAMI WATA was acquired by Mubi, and has since been distributed theatrically, SVOD and Blu-Ray, DVDs in more than 25 territories, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, France, Brazil and Australia. Obasi was recently invited by the Rockefeller Foundation to participate as a cohort of the Bellagio Residency at Lake Como, Italy with his feature film project, LA PYRAMIDE: A CELEBRATION OF DARK BODIES. He is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (Oscars).

In this episode, 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.

"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

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.

This special episode features a conversation with three leaders in this space exploring the future of the greenlight process in film: Anjali Midha is the Former Head of Entertainment at Twitter and the Founder and CEO of the entertainment analytics platform Diesel Labs. Irina Albita, co-founder and co-CEO of FilmChain, the blockchain based platform revolutionising the collection of revenues in film and TV. Ted Hope is the producer of over 70 feature films, the former Head of Production at Amazon Studios and author of the book Hope for Film and blog of the same name. In an increasingly competitive and congested distribution marketplace, better and more informed decision making upstream is increasingly essential. Is there a better way? How can we support intuitive creativity with robust data analytics, audience insights and distribution intelligence? What are the tools, resources and information that can underpin more effective commissioning or investment decisions? Where are the information blindspots and how can filmmakers formulate a more robust investment opportunity? How can we create more inclusiveness in the greenlight process? More about our speakers Ted Hope has been a producer on over 70 films, studio executive on over 60, CEO of a start-up streamer, co-head of 3 production companies, executive director of a film society & festival, a Professor Of Practice at 2 universities, and founder of a post-production facility, 2 websites, 2 think tanks, & an app. Ted launched Amazon’s foray into feature film production, leading them to 19 Oscar nominations and 5 wins. As a producer, his films have received 25 Oscar nominations, with 6 wins. Ted’s memoir and newsletter Hope For Film, are both must reads. Ted helped launch the feature film careers of Ang Lee, Nicole Holofcener, Hal Hartley, Michel Gondry and many others. His most recent films include the first narrative from Oscar-winning documentary director, Roger Ross Williams, Cassandro, as well as the documentary Invisible Nation on Taiwan, directed and produced by Vanessa Hope. Anjali Midha, an entrepreneur with a passion for driving innovation in media and marketing analytics. She is the co-founder & CEO of Diesel Labs, a content analytics company that addresses the toughest questions facing media companies today. Before starting Diesel Labs, she was the Global Director of Media Research at Twitter where she developed the ‘playbook’ for television - illuminating the synergies and opportunities across traditional and new media. She joined Twitter via their acquisition of Bluefin Labs (the pioneer of Social TV Analytics), prior to which she was the VP of Strategy & Analytics at Digitas. Anjali holds a BA in Economics from Tufts University and an MBA from MIT Sloan Irina Albita is a technologist with over 12 years experience in the London/NYC tech scene, with a mathematics-economics background. Her passion is exploring how emerging tech radically transforms creative industries, and she is a prominent figure at film & tech events worldwide. She co-founded FilmChain alongside Maria Tanjala. The platform is transforming how producers, financiers, and sales agents get paid. With a digital collection account management (CAM) for indie films and a royalties management solution for content distributors, FilmChain brings transparency to payments and modernises royalties. Former EFM Startups 2018, they have won awards such as ‘Startup of the Year’ London Business Awards 2020, Startup Challenge at San Sebastian Film Festival 2020, Makers and Shakers 2020, and Unchain Fintech Festival 2022, to name a few. This episode is presented in partnership with Screenovators, the online community dedicated to innovation in the screen industries. For more information and to join: www.screenoavtors.com

Mark Forstater and Nathan Neuman are co-Founders of Dreambird the new Web3 powered filmmaking and streaming platform. In this episode, they discuss the pitfalls and structural problems associated with the current film financing model and outline their vision for Dreambird as a marketplace designed to foster creators' collaboration, decision-making, and project participation. In a wide ranging conversation - that draws on Mark's rich experience as a producer (including Monty Python and the Holy Grail no less!) - we also explore generative AI, NFTs, interactive storytelling and the history - and future - of the industry. About Mark Forstater Mark Forstater is a highly experienced producer with over 40 years in the film and television industry and a pioneer of independent British films. He has extensive credits including cult classics like "Monty Python & The Holy Grail" and "XTRO,". His recent films, "Swipe Fever" and "The Lullaby Killer," highlight his continued commitment to pushing boundaries and film production. About Nathan Neuman Entrepreneur and filmmaker with a background in music and post-production, Nathan has managed production companies and talent agencies in the UK and US, while also working as a producer for global corporations in music, advertising, fashion, and technology. Nathan directed the feature film "Swipe Fever" and designed the game "Viral Survival."

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.

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

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.

This episode explores the intersection of human creativity and AI technology. Filmmakers Jonathan Keasey and Justin MacGregor who are partnering with Phil Egger of J4 on a slate of films assisted by cutting edge AI technology. Entitled Hum.AI.ne Entertainment, their new initiative is focused on the ethical use of AI in the creative process and reflects Jonathan's journey from 'intentional Luddite' to a champion of the technology and its potential to support human powered creativity. In this conversation, Jonathan and Justin describe their journey and their vision for using the new tools. Describing what the tools can - and importantly cannot yet - do , they outline how they will be working with it on a slate of commercial animated feature films, starting with the legend of GELART. Meanwhile, Phil Egger describes more about the technology and how the process works in practice. More About Jonathan, Justin and Phillip Jonathan Keasey is the founder of Mindriot Entertainment and an acclaimed screenwriter, producer, story hunter and proud member of the Writers Guild of America. He has been hired to write films for studios and streamers from Hollywood to Canada, France to China, Central America to Africa, and now beneath the Oceans. As a descendant of Anne Hutchinson, credited by The Smithsonian as North America’s first Feminist and banished for heresy, to the descendant of a Presidential Speechwriter and whistleblower, to the proud grandson of a woman who set speed-records as a typist for a grocery chain, Jonathan does his best to follow in their footsteps and relay heartfelt stories that will have a positive impact. But most important of all, he just wants to make his family and friends proud before he becomes nutrients for an apple orchard. Dr. Justin MacGregor is Founder and Head of Transatlantic Content for Mindriot as well as the Head of Film at Trinity College, Dublin. His first feature film, “The Vigil (for Kurt Cobain)” screened at film festivals from Vancouver to Mumbai and was released by Vanguard Int’l and played on television sets worldwide after its theatrical run. His latest documentary, “Is There Anybody Out There? Young Voices from Inside a Pandemic” struck another sonic chord at a pivotal time, and premiered at the Virgin Media Dublin Int’l Film Festival in 2021. In between, MacGregor’s award-winning theatre work includes the anti-war trilogy “The Play That Killed Me,” “God Wept and the Devil Laughed,” and “The Lonely Clouds of Guernica.” With a catalogue of work that’s supported from Trinity to UNESCO. Phillip Egger is an attorney with over a decade of experience in AI acquisitions and development. He has three decades experience advising closely held businesses and owners of taxable estates. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and his Masters degree in U.S. federal tax law from the University of Florida. Mr Egger has been a visiting Professor at the University of Florida School of Law and has been a guest speaker at the University of Washington School of Law Tax Institute.

"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.

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.

In this episode we are delighted to welcome back to the podcast, the Super Story Architect himself, Houston Howard. An expert in franchise development and transmedia incubation, Houston demystifies the practice of world building with his customary passion and pragmatism. In this conversation, recorded as part of Future of Film incubator 2023, we explore the key elements of creating expansive narrative universes, providing practical advice, checklists, and relatable examples for all genres. Houston shares the wisdom of literary legends like Tolkien, Lewis, Lucas, and Rowling, and explains why focusing solely on a single character or story could be limiting your creative potential. He also also shares the 'five Ps' of world building: premise, place, people, practices, and past, discussing how these elements can help bring your vision to life. The discussion extends to the business aspect of world building, examining how to present creative ideas and their revenue potential. Houston sheds light on how AI tools can super charge the world-building process. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of world building and its potential in the entertainment industry. Houston Howard is the Executive Vice President, Content Incubation and Transmedia Development at Gramarye Media and Chief Storyteller and Co-Founder of One 3 Creative. Houston has been a recognized thought leader in the entertainment and branding communities because of his unique and proprietary transmedia approach to story. Advising entities such as Mattel, Disney Imagineering, Reliance Media Works, West Coast Customs, Samuel Goldwyn Films and Harper Collins Publishing, as well as designing a number of transmedia-focused projects for Fox, the CW, TNT, Slinky and the writers of Toy Story, Houston has an impressive amount of experience designing projects that are primed for the 21st Century. When he’s not outlining a new slate of transmedia design books, setting up international co-productions for current transmedia projects or leading a wildly diverse creative team, Houston is educating professionals on how to adapt to an ever-changing entertainment landscape. This has included leading workshops for the Producers Guild of America, the National Association of Broadcasters, Act One, Storyworld USA, The Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Houston led a series of international transmedia masterclasses across both Brazil and Africa throughout 2016. His latest book, Make Your Story Really Stinkin’ Big: How to Go From Concept to Franchise and Make Your Story Last For Generations, has been a go-to manual for creative professionals on how to leverage a variety of media platforms, maximizes revenue potential and engages audiences in new and innovative ways. Learn more about how Houston builds projects that exist at the intersection of branding and entertainment at http://superstory.works/.