The AI/XR Podcast February 21st, 2025 ft. Naeem Talukdar, CEO Moonvalley AI
Feb 21, 2025
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Join Naeem Talukdar, CEO of Moonvalley AI and a veteran of DeepMind and OpenAI, as he dives into the creation of a revolutionary 'clean' generative video model. He discusses the impact of licensed content on AI in filmmaking and how it can transform high-definition CGI pipelines. The conversation also touches on Niantic selling its Pokémon Go business and the complexities of intellectual property in XR. Plus, Talukdar sheds light on the importance of balancing data quality with innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of generative video technology.
Naeem Talukdar's Moonvalley AI is pioneering a clean generative video model that emphasizes ethical content sourcing and licensing standards.
The sale of Niantic's Pokémon Go highlights the challenges of profitability in licensed IP gaming and the need for strategic adaptation.
Deep dives
Zapper's Role in XR and Accessible Technology
Zapper is a leading company in the XR (extended reality) space, recognized for democratizing augmented reality (AR) through affordable tools and SDKs. Their latest innovation, AccessibleQR, is designed to enhance accessibility for blind and partially sighted individuals by creating interactive packaging that speaks to them. This groundbreaking technology exemplifies the potential of AR to transform everyday experiences for marginalized communities. Zapper's commitment to social impact while delivering cutting-edge technology positions them as a front-runner in the XR industry.
Niantic's Major Business Shift
Niantic has announced the sale of its Pokémon Go business for $3.5 billion, which represents a significant turning point for the company. This decision reflects the challenges of maintaining profitability in a market heavily reliant on licensed intellectual properties, as Niantic navigates the complexities of profit-sharing agreements with IP owners. The move raises questions about the sustainability of Niantic's other projects and its ability to pivot towards innovative technologies. The sale highlights the tough realities of the gaming industry and the need for companies to adapt their business strategies in response to market pressures.
The Future of Generative AI in Film Production
The emergence of generative AI is set to revolutionize video production by enabling high-quality, controlled video creation that rivals traditional filmmaking. Moon Valley, led by its CEO Naeem Talukdar, aims to bridge the gap between generative video technology and the needs of content creators, providing tools focused on production-grade output. This shift towards integrating technology with human creativity suggests a future where filmmakers can enhance their workflow while maintaining artistic control. The progress in generative video could redefine cinematic practices, making advanced media production more accessible.
The Challenges of Clean Data in AI Models
Moon Valley is working on developing a clean generative video model, focusing on ethical standards regarding the content used in training their models. By sourcing data from independent creators and ensuring licensing agreements, they aim to address the industry concerns around the use of unlicensed data. The conversation underscores the importance of ethical considerations and the potential ramifications for studios and creators utilizing generative AI in their projects. As the industry moves towards more responsible practices, the future of generative AI will likely hinge on the integrity of data sourcing and the relationships between technology companies and creative professionals.
This week we welcome Naeem Talukdar, CEO Moonvalley AI, whose company is building a "clean" generative video model, trained exclusively on licensed video content. In the news, Niantic is selling its Pokemon Go business. The failed Humane Pin, a great idea with shockingly bad execution, is sold to HP for $116M for parts and patents, and Microsoft introduced Majorana 1, a new quantum computing technology it is developing with academic researchers. Naeem Talukdar, CEO Moonvalley AI, explains the fascinating quest he and his colleagues, many veterans of Deepmind and OpenAI, seek to build a video model that can supercharge CGI high-definition video pipelines for the film industry. Moonvalley is in the process of refining their model with sister company Aesteria Studios, for release in the next few months. Aesteria is led by Bryn Mooser, founder of RYOT (sold to Verizon) and streaming service XTR. They helped source the licensed video content the Moonvalley AI model is trained on, and are developing advanced workflows for its use.
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