In this conversation, Fred and Minh meet Doug Shapiro to explore the evolving landscape of the media business, emphasizing the shift from an attention economy to an action economy where trust becomes paramount. They discuss the implications of AI on content creation and consumption, the original sin of the internet, and the importance of authenticity in building trust with audiences. The dialogue also touches on the challenges and opportunities for creators in a rapidly changing environment, highlighting the need for innovation and adaptability.

In this episode, Fred Grinstein talks with Max Einhorn and Matt Wenhart, co-founders of Gennie, the generative production company behind the AI-powered recreations in Killer Kings—a new historical true crime series now airing on Sky History (part of the Hearst and A+E UK network). Max and Matt share how Gennie is using generative tools not as gimmicks, but as production-grade solutions to one of nonfiction TV’s longest-standing limitations: cost-effective, believable reenactments. They also dig into their scalable workflow, legal guardrails, and plans to build genre-focused IP beyond client work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gennie and Its Founders

02:51 Max Einhorn's Journey in Film and Television

05:46 The Role of Generative AI in Production

08:59 Adapting to Rapid Technological Changes

11:49 Announcing Killer Kings: A New Series

14:40 Creative Challenges in AI-Driven Storytelling

17:11 The Entrepreneurial Journey in AI and Media

24:05 Navigating the Evolving Media Landscape

26:23 Innovations in Production and Budgeting

29:57 Legal Considerations in AI and Media

31:19 The Impact of Generative AI on Creativity

38:29 Future Visions for Content Creation

41:04 The Role of Technology in Shaping Media

In this conversation, Fred and Minh explore the evolving landscape of AI in the creative industries, particularly focusing on filmmaking and music. They discuss the parallels between the music industry's transformation due to digitalization and the current shifts in filmmaking brought about by AI. The conversation delves into the importance of live experiences, the trust economy, and the potential for empathy and connection through new media. They also reflect on the future of art and creativity in a digital world, emphasizing the need for active participation and the evolving role of audiences.

Takeaways

AI is reshaping the creative landscape in filmmaking and music.

The music industry faced significant changes with the advent of digitalization, similar to what filmmaking is experiencing now.

Live experiences are becoming increasingly valuable in a digital age.

The trust economy is crucial in determining the authenticity of AI-generated content.

Empathy and connection are essential in storytelling and media creation.

The evolution of art is influenced by the speed and accessibility of digital tools.

AI can facilitate new forms of creativity and expression.

The audience's role is shifting from passive consumption to active participation.

The future of media may involve more personalized and interactive experiences.

Understanding the impact of AI on creativity requires a balance between innovation and tradition.

Chapters

00:00 The Buzz of AI in 2025

02:32 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Workforce

05:32 Lessons from the Music Industry's Digital Shift

08:32 The Future of Film and Music Intersections

11:29 The Evolution of Monetization in Creative Industries

14:32 The Role of Community in the Creator Economy

17:37 The New Era of Audience Engagement

20:28 Exploring the Future of Interactive Cinema

26:06 The Evolution of Media and Audience Engagement

31:37 The Intersection of Music and AI

38:53 AI Counterculture and Trust in Content

45:07 Empathy and Connection in

In this conversation, Blvckl!ght shares his journey as a creator in the evolving landscape of AI and digital art. He discusses the importance of community building, the challenges and opportunities within the creator economy, and his unique approach to storytelling through horror and surrealism. Blvckl!ght emphasizes the significance of engagement with audiences and the need for creators to adapt to changing media consumption habits. He also highlights the tools and techniques that have shaped his creative process and the collaborative nature of the AI art community. In this conversation, Blvckl!ght explores the evolving landscape of creativity in the age of AI. They discuss the importance of iteration in the creative process, the value of community and welcoming new talent, and the complexities of pricing AI-generated content. The conversation also delves into the concept of 'slop' in creative expression and the significance of collaboration in producing innovative work. Blvckl!ght shares insights from his journey as a creator and emphasizes the need for a supportive community in the rapidly changing creative industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blvckl!ght and Community Building

03:11 The Artistic Journey of Blvckl!ght

06:00 Exploring AI in Creative Work

09:01 The Evolution of Horror in Media

12:01 Navigating the Creator Economy

15:04 Creating Long-Form Content in a Short-Form World

17:52 Engagement and Community in the Digital Age

20:53 The Future of AI and Creative Collaboration

23:53 Tools and Techniques for Creative Success

29:29 The Journey of Creation and Iteration

35:16 Embracing Community and New Talent

40:27 Understanding Value and Pricing in AI Content

46:40 The Role of Slop in Creative Expression

50:43 Collaborative Opportunities and Future Aspirations

In this conversation, Anatola discusses her journey as a futurist and new media artist, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in shaping positive visions for the future. She explores the intersection of AI and ancient wisdom, the significance of Afrofuturism as a framework for liberation, and the role of education in the age of AI. The conversation also delves into the ethical implications of technology and the need for community and connection in a rapidly changing world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Futurism and New Media Art

02:48 The Intersection of Ancient Practices and Modern Technology

04:44 Afrofuturism: A Framework for Liberation and Imagination

06:58 The Role of Storytelling in Shaping Futures

09:48 The Power of Visionary Fiction

12:43 Imagining a Sustainable Future with AI

15:56 The Impact of AI on Education and Future Generations

24:15 Empowering Education Through AI

28:13 Navigating the Future of Learning

34:16 The Role of History in Shaping the Future

42:23 Values and Ethics in AI Development

In this episode, Fred and Minh meet with Dr. Jamar Montgomery, a polymath who evolved from being the youngest weapons engineer in Navy history to a lawyer and Senate candidate. Together they explore the surprising paradox of how AI democratizes expertise while simultaneously elevating masters who truly understand how to leverage these powerful tools.

In this episode of Machine Cinema, Minh and Fred interview Trisha Code—a pink-haired AI avatar with a human voice—about the art of AI-powered performance, the rise of virtual influencers, co-creative storytelling in the “Trishaverse,” and what happens when audiences become collaborators in a digital stage.

This conversation explores the evolving landscape of the creative industry, particularly in relation to AI's impact on film, education, and storytelling. The speakers share their personal journeys, insights on student sentiment towards AI, and the potential for AI to democratize content creation. They discuss the balance between human creativity and technological advancement, the role of institutions, and the future of storytelling in a rapidly changing world.