SMPTE's President Rich Welsh and Executive Director Sally Ann D'Amato are joined by Barco's Dan Huerta for an overview of the day.

  Sally-Ann D’Amato

As artificial intelligence reshapes every corner of the media and entertainment landscape, this panel dives straight into the practical realities of implementation—no hype, no fluff, just real stories from the builders on the front lines.

Hear from industry veterans and innovators who are actively using AI and machine learning across cinematic production, animation, and trend forecasting to transform how studios create and manage content. Panelists will share their successes (and failures), discuss the emergent roles AI is creating, and reveal which jobs might be at risk.

We’ll also take on the urgent copyright challenges posed by generative models, with insights into how studios, creators, and the broader community are addressing these high-stakes questions. Whether you’re a filmmaker, technologist, or content strategist, expect candid dialogue, actionable takeaways, and a clear-eyed glimpse into the exciting—and sometimes daunting—future of AI in cinema.

  Yves Bergquist

  Program Director, AI in Media

  Entertainment Technology Center

  Albert Bozesan

  Creative Director, AI Media

  Storybook Studios

  Eric Shamlin

  CEO

  Secret Level

How can AI transform filmmaking, and how should creators adapt to this evolving landscape? In this session we explore the Film Institute’s three-pillar approach: Empowering Filmmakers with AI-driven workflows that free storytellers from tedious tasks; Partnering with AI to guide its development toward ethical, creative solutions; and Rethinking Education to equip rising professionals with crucial technical skills and ethical perspectives.

Through real-world case studies, we’ll reveal how practical AI tools can streamline production, inspire innovation, and enhance collaboration between artists and technologists for cinematic storytelling.

  Chaitanya Chinchlikar

  Vice President, Business Head & Chief Technology Officer

  Whistling Woods International

Discover the latest breakthroughs in HDR cinema projection with Lightsteering technology, featuring real-world content, conversion workflows, and leading industry tools like ACES, Resolve, Baselight, and Colorfront. This session covers insightful case studies, pilot program findings, and essential education on topics such as Rec. 2020 vs. P3 color spaces, brightness levels, and contrast handling. We’ll also address critical considerations for energy efficiency, sustainability, and evolving building codes. Expect compelling visuals, hands-on demonstrations, and an exclusive preview of next-generation cinema experiences

  Anders Ballestad

  Head of Content & Studio Relations

  Barco

  Dan Huerta

  Vice President of Studio Relations and Technology Insights

  Barco

  Joachim Zell

  Head of HDR Content Workflow

  Barco

  Iris Wu

  HDR Workflow Expert

  Barco

The rate of change in M&E, especially with regard to content creation, is always increasing.  We’ve gone from working with film to file-based workflows to collaboration with third-party vendors to cloud-based processing, and now just-in-time customization and delivery.  Soon, we will be creating and delivering content in real-time.  How do AI and other adaptive technologies factor in?
 
What comes after that?
 
One aspect that seems to always lag change is how to produce and deliver content safely and securely.  In this session, we will explore the technologies that will facilitate the next epoch in creation while maintaining enough control and ownership of our content. 
 
What do we need to anticipate to keep us in the game?

  Marc Zorn

  Content Protection and Production Security

  Marvel Studios

Creating large-format content for the world’s highest resolution LED display is now a daily practice for the Sphere technical and creative teams.

Since opening in 2023, Sphere has featured content across a wide range of events, from concerts and cinematic experiences to corporate and sporting events. And it has been a continuous journey of experimentation, discovery, and groundbreaking innovation across the camera to screen process. 

The development of the Big Sky camera system has allowed the production and post teams to work and deliver content in a ‘Sphere Native’ 16K x 16k format, but how do you create an efficient production and post pipeline for this unprecedented canvas?

The team from Sphere Studios discusses their pioneering work and how they built a repeatable workflow that helps them deliver the challenges of everything from concept design, shot production, dailies, VFX, and QC.

  Carolyn Giardina

  Senior Entertainment Technology and Crafts Editor

  Variety

  Richard Welsh

  Senior Vice President of Innovation

  Deluxe

  Toby Gallo

  Digital Intermediate Pipeline Supervisor

  Sphere Entertainment Company

  Katie Hinsen

  Senior Vice President, Post Production

  Sphere Entertainment Company

The hype for AI seems to peak higher every day, and the landscape for AI in creativity is evolving at lightning speeds. Join us for a dynamic and insightful look at how the latest developments are being deployed in moviemaking from script to screen.

The session will feature a round of demos with new tools used in various phases, from pre-production to post and focuses on the efficiency and creative gains being made in almost every phase of cinema content.

This will be followed by a panel of experts who will discuss the evolution of AI in cinema and what they see as the challenges, opportunities and what might be next.

  Richard Welsh

  Senior Vice President of Innovation

  Deluxe

  Peter Busch

  SVP, Customer Success

  Flawless

  Soyoung Lee

  Co-Founder & Head of GTM

  Twelve Labs

  Alan Pao

  President and Co-Founder

  Scriptini

  Callum Rex Reid

  CEO

  Volustor

Building on insights from the previous session—and drawing on both their triumphs and trials—our panelists will delve into the rapid evolution of AI in cinema. Together, they’ll explore the opportunities and challenges presented by these emerging technologies and shed light on what the future may hold as AI continues to transform the industry at breakneck speed.

Join us for a dynamic and insightful conversation as the panel shares firsthand accounts of how cutting-edge tools are revolutionizing every phase of the production process—from scriptwriting and pre-production planning to visual effects and post-production. Witness how these innovations are boosting efficiency, unlocking new creative possibilities, and driving the art of moviemaking from concept to final cut.

  Richard Welsh

  Senior Vice President of Innovation

  Deluxe

  Peter Busch

  SVP, Customer Success

  Flawless

  Soyoung Lee

  Co-Founder & Head of GTM

  Twelve Labs

  Alan Pao

  President and Co-Founder

  Scriptini

  Callum Rex Reid

  CEO

  Volustor

Grab a drink and connect with your industry peers.

As artificial intelligence permeates every aspect of our life and industry, media professionals must adapt to stay ahead of rapidly evolving market demands. This forward-looking SMPTE session explores how today’s AI-driven breakthroughs—such as real-time translation and dubbing, automated content generation, and context-aware interactive experiences—are transforming live broadcasting. Learn what industry leaders are working on, with examples ranging from multilingual news delivery to immersive viewer engagement strategies, consider the possibilities and pitfalls of integrating these tools, and listen to fresh approaches that keep your broadcasts relevant and compelling in today’s world.

  Andre Roelofs

  Founder and CTO

  Eurora Labs

  Jan Weigner

  President

  Cinegy

  Tab Butler

  M&E Advisor

  Cinegy

  Lewis Kirkaldie

  CTO

 Tyranite

  Anoop Thomas

  Director of Technology

  EMAM Inc.