Variety Summit Explores Impact of AI on Film, TV

Entertainment and technology convergence: Variety’s Entertainment and Technology Summit aims to explore the intersection of advancing technology and various entertainment sectors, highlighting the transformative impact on the industry.

• The one-day event, presented by City National Bank, will take place on September 26 at The London West Hollywood.
• Industry leaders will discuss how technology is reshaping TV, film, gaming, music, digital media, and consumer brands.

AI’s creative potential: Eli Collins, Google DeepMind Vice President of Product Management, anticipates AI becoming a creative collaborator in the entertainment industry.

• Collins will participate in the “Generative AI – Succeeding With the Genie Out of the Bottle” panel, discussing the foundations of the current Generative AI boom.
• He envisions AI-powered tools that can adapt films based on viewer moods and create personalized music playlists.
• Collins also foresees AI transforming personal video footage into imaginative storytelling experiences.

Streaming innovation: Annie Luo, EVP of Global Partnerships and Strategic Development at Peacock, will share insights on optimizing streaming business models and partnerships.

• Luo will be featured on the “Perfecting the Business of Streaming” panel, highlighting Peacock’s innovative partnerships with companies like InstaCart and JetBlue.
• She emphasizes Peacock’s focus on virtual and mixed reality experiences through collaborations with Meta, aiming to attract younger audiences.

Podcasting strategies: Jesse Tyler Ferguson, former “Modern Family” star and podcast host, will discuss audience engagement tactics for podcasts.

• Ferguson will participate in the “Podcast All-Stars” panel, sharing his approach to promoting podcast conversations through social media.
• He emphasizes the importance of visual content to complement the audio experience and strengthen connections with listeners.

Industry leadership insights: Top executives from major entertainment companies will share their perspectives on the evolving landscape.

• Warner Bros. TV’s Channing Dungey and DC Studios’ Peter Safran are keynote speakers, offering insider knowledge on technology’s impact on entertainment.
• Pinterest CCO Malik Ducard and NBCUniversal president Lisa Katz will discuss new strategies for audience engagement in the “Entertainment Content Visionaries” panel.

Financial operations in media: Erin Oremland from AgilLink will address the challenges of managing financial infrastructure in an uncertain media marketplace.

• The panel “Advancing Financial Operations in an Uncertain Media Marketplace” will explore how entertainment companies are adapting their financial strategies.

Entrepreneurship and entertainment: Industry leaders will discuss innovative approaches to driving growth in the entertainment sector.

• The “Power Couple: Entrepreneurship + Entertainment” panel will focus on finding new ideas to propel the industry forward.

Digital creators and travel: Lauri Metrose from Expedia Group will highlight a new initiative involving influencer collaborations in the travel industry.

• The “Expedia Group Brands: Empowering Digital Creators and Commerce” panel will showcase the intersection of digital content creation and travel experiences.

Cross-platform storytelling: Marketing experts will share strategies for effective storytelling across various media platforms.

• The “Marketer Renaissance – Masters of Storytelling Across Platforms” panel will explore techniques for creating impactful narratives across outdoor, online, TV, print, and merchandise channels.

Gaming industry transformation: Tim O’Brien, CRO of Scopely, will discuss the impact of major deals and mergers on both traditional entertainment and the video game industry.

• The “Game Changing Deals” panel will examine how these transactions are reshaping the entertainment landscape.

Global streaming and cultural diversity: Amazon leaders will address the role of streaming media in expanding audience reach and promoting equity.

• The “Building Cultural Bridges in the Global Streaming Entertainment Era” panel will explore how streaming platforms can serve as conduits for diversifying content and audiences.

Broader implications: As technology continues to reshape the entertainment industry, the summit highlights the need for adaptation and innovation across all sectors. The convergence of AI, virtual reality, and traditional media platforms presents both challenges and opportunities for content creators, distributors, and marketers. As these technologies evolve, industry players must remain agile, embracing new tools and strategies to engage audiences in an increasingly competitive and dynamic landscape.