Culture & Code

How do you unite a fragmented AI creative industry and bring it into the mainstream? Matty Shimura, Creator Competitions Lead at ElevenLabs and Partnerships, Strategy and Operations Lead at the Chroma Awards, shares his journey from filmmaker to competition organizer. We explore how large-scale creative competitions can bridge the gap between AI tool makers and artists. Learn about the judging process, building fan culture, and why "green lighting yourself" matters more than ever in the age of AI creativity.

Culture & Code speaks with Asa Bailey, founder of Bailey Creative Group and the architect behind the Digital Acquisition Verification Engine (DAVE). Specially designed for filmmakers bringing AI into their workflows, the DAVE system automatically tracks creative human inputs and AI inputs side by side, documenting provenance and providing an audit trail filmmakers need to turn creative ideas and performances into protected, monetizable IP. From live-action shoots to AI-generated scenes, Bailey shows how to use technology to lock in authorship and ownership in real time. We cover virtual production workflows, copyright life before and after Gen AI, plus the shift toward entertainment properties built as living, expandable worlds more than discrete titles or volumes. Essential listening for creators and technologists shaping the future of storytelling and intellectual property.

In August 2023, Culture & Code launched with a manifesto declaring AI as a new creative medium. Two years later, we examine what predictions came true and what surprised us. Drawing parallels between AI creativity and the underground music scenes that birthed hip-hop and electronic music, we explore why AI storytelling feels like punk rock—raw, accessible, hated by establishments, and unstoppable. We dive into the concept of "creative democracy," the hard truth that democratizing creation doesn't guarantee audiences, and why the real scarcity in AI media is taste, trust, and community. Plus insights on building creative scenes through the Seattle AI Film Festival and practical advice for creators and organizations navigating this technological shift.

How do you protect creative work when AI can perfectly replicate your artistic style? IP attorney Adam Philipp, founder of Aeon Law, reveals the legal blind spots emerging as AI reshapes creativity. This deep dive covers real cases like Anthropic's controversial book scanning, why Getty Images sued over AI-generated watermarks, and the Studio Ghibli avatar phenomenon that highlighted style protection gaps. Philipp introduces his concept of "derived style" as a new form of intellectual property and provides actionable advice for creators navigating this uncertain landscape. From copyright registration requirements for AI-assisted works to documentation best practices, this episode equips creators, entrepreneurs, and AI developers with frameworks for thinking about creative rights in 2025. Essential listening for anyone creating with—or competing against—AI tools.

Exploring the intersection of AI and creative storytelling with Jagger Waters of Escape.ai. From theater to AI filmmaking, we discuss how technology is democratizing creativity, the evolution of immersive experiences, and what the future holds for creators navigating between analog and digital worlds.

In this engaging discussion, Kyle Roche, Co-founder and CEO of Griptape.ai, and Amaru Zeas Sigüenza, a multi-award-winning filmmaker and Creative Director, delve into the future of AI in creative production. They explore the vital differences between consumer AI and professional workflows, focusing on how node-based systems enhance collaboration. The duo discusses IP security challenges, quantifying creativity, and successfully onboarding traditional artists into tech-driven environments. Their insights reveal how AI democratizes creativity and reshapes artistic collaboration for tomorrow's industries.

A deep dive into the evolution of filmmaking technology and creative independence. From the Matrix trilogy's groundbreaking visual effects to today's AI-powered content creation, this episode traces how virtual cinematography, game engines, and generative AI are democratizing high-quality storytelling. Discover how creators are breaking free from traditional gatekeepers and what "Neo Cinema" means for the future of entertainment across all formats and platforms.

Emmy-nominated filmmaker Nik Kleverov discusses how AI tools are revolutionizing visual storytelling. From creating viral brand campaigns to developing feature films, Nik shares insights on working with major brands like Toys"R"Us and Virgin Voyages using cutting-edge AI technology. Learn about the creative process behind groundbreaking projects, the challenges of iteration and consistency, and practical advice for both newcomers and established professionals looking to integrate AI into their creative workflows.

Most creators see AI as a better tool—faster, cheaper, more efficient. But what if that's exactly backwards? This week's deep dive explores why the most successful AI creators won't be those who master the technology, but those who understand something far more elusive: their audience.

What if we've been thinking about AI all wrong? This episode challenges the prevailing mental models that frame Generative AI as merely a tool or assistant, proposing instead that AI functions more like a creative instrument—specifically, a drum machine. Drawing parallels to the Roland TR-808's journey from critical disappointment to cultural revolution, we explore how underground adoption of "imperfect" technology can reshape entire creative landscapes. From New York's block parties to Detroit's techno scene, the 808 didn't succeed by sounding like real drums—it created its own aesthetic identity. Similarly, today's AI creators are finding power in embracing artificial qualities rather than hiding them. We examine how this shift impacts creative judgment, audience participation, scene formation, and the fundamental nature of artistic authenticity in an age of algorithmic creativity.