Denoised
VP Land
When it comes to AI and the film industry, noise is everywhere. We cut through it.Denoised is your twice-weekly deep dive into the most interesting and relevant topics in media, entertainment, and creative technology. Hosted by Addy Ghani (Media Industry Analyst) and Joey Daoud (media producer and founder of VP Land), this podcast unpacks the latest trends shaping the industry—from Generative AI, Virtual Production, Hardware & Software innovations, Cloud workflows, Filmmaking, TV, and Hollywood industry news.Each episode delivers a fast-paced, no-BS breakdown of the biggest developments, featuring insightful analysis, under-the-radar insights, and practical takeaways for filmmakers, content creators, and M&E professionals. Whether you’re pushing pixels in post, managing a production pipeline, or just trying to keep up with the future of storytelling, Denoised keeps you ahead of the curve.New episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Listen in, stay informed, and cut through the noise.Produced by VP Land. Get the free VP Land newsletter in your inbox to stay on top of the latest news and tools in creative technology: https://ntm.link/l45xWQ
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 14, 2025 • 33min
How Feastables Funds MrBeast's Million-Dollar Videos
How a chocolate bar turned MrBeast into a $5 billion business while his YouTube videos actually lose money. Joey and Addy break down the financial strategies driving today's biggest creators, from Emma Chamberlain's coffee empire to Logan Paul's Prime energy drink dominance. We also explore YouTube's upfront events challenging traditional TV ad sales, and examine Netflix's experimental move into podcasting with Kill Tony. #############The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their respective employers or organizations. This show is independently produced by VP Land without the use of any outside company resources, confidential information, or affiliations.
Mar 11, 2025 • 37min
Will $10 million movie budgets be the new normal? Plus Manus AI & Mac Studio Ultra Upgrades
The Oscars signaled a major shift for indie filmmaking this year, with Anora's $6M budget dominating the Academy Awards with only a $6M budget, The Brutalist sweeping up behind with only a $10M budget, and Flow's $3.7M Blender-created animated feature beating out Pixar and Dreamworks. In this episode of Denoised, we analyze what this means for the future of film production, how small-budget projects are redefining Hollywood, and how AI tools might find a sweet spot to help smaller-budget films punch above their weight. Plus, we examine Manus, the sought-after AI agent causing a stir with its impressive capabilities, and break down Apple's latest Mac Studio update with the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips.#############The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their respective employers or organizations. This show is independently produced by VP Land without the use of any outside company resources, confidential information, or affiliations.
Mar 7, 2025 • 27min
California Falls to #6: What's Driving Film Production Elsewhere?
Is America losing its grip as a film production powerhouse? We break down surprising survey results revealing the top global production hubs - with the U.S. notably absent from the top five. We also dive into Promise AI's acquisition of Curious Refuge and what truly AI-native production studios might look like compared to traditional VFX pipelines. Plus, discover how a simple $70 RGB color sensor could become an essential problem-solving tool for virtual production sets.#############The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their respective employers or organizations. This show is independently produced by VP Land without the use of any outside company resources, confidential information, or affiliations.
Mar 4, 2025 • 29min
From VFX to Speech: Pika, Flora, Scribe, Wan2.1 and More AI Updates for Filmmakers
Addy and Joey break down the latest AI tools reshaping creative workflows. From Pika Labs' impressive video manipulation features to Flora's intelligent canvas connecting multiple AI models, they explore how these tools are changing VFX and content creation.Plus, insights on Midjourney mood boards, Alibaba's open-source video model, and ElevenLabs' new speech-to-text technology. Subscribe for more technical insights on the cutting edge of media production.#############The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their respective employers or organizations. This show is independently produced by VP Land without the use of any outside company resources, confidential information, or affiliations.
Feb 28, 2025 • 27min
Why Grok 3 should be on your radar. Plus RED's New Z-Mount & Oscar VFX Predictions
Joey and Addy break down three major stories this week: xAI's Grok 3 model emerges as a serious AI contender despite its meme origins, with impressive coding capabilities and real-time data integration via X. RED introduces game-changing Z-mount compatibility, opening up their cameras to Nikon glass and Sony lenses without sacrificing functionality—the first major development since Nikon's acquisition. Plus, Addy shares exclusive insights from his involvement in the 2025 Sci-Tech Awards, highlighting innovations like fire-resistant gel technology and advanced VFX denoising, before the hosts offer their Oscar predictions for Sunday's ceremony. A fast-paced, no-BS breakdown perfect for filmmakers and tech enthusiasts.#############The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their respective employers or organizations. This show is independently produced by VP Land without the use of any outside company resources, confidential information, or affiliations.
Feb 25, 2025 • 37min
Industry Shockwaves: Technicolor's Fall & The Battle for Tax Incentives
Joey and Addy tackle the breaking news of Technicolor's potential collapse and what it means for the 15,000 employees worldwide at iconic VFX houses like The Mill and MPC. They analyze how the future of VFX might shift toward smaller, specialized teams and discuss DNEG's strategic acquisition of Metaphysic AI. The conversation shifts to the escalating tax incentive battles keeping productions away from L.A., with the U.K. raising its relief to 40% and Netflix investing $1B in Mexico. Plus, they examine several AI products recently laid to rest, including the Humane Ai Pin and Skyglass's virtual production app. A sobering but essential episode on the rapidly evolving state of the film and tech industries.#############The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their respective employers or organizations. This show is independently produced by VP Land without the use of any outside company resources, confidential information, or affiliations.
Feb 22, 2025 • 46min
HPA Tech Retreat: AI Editing & Next-Gen Production Tools
In this episode of Denoised, Joey shares his first-hand experience at the Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) Tech Retreat, including his participation in a live AI-assisted editing challenge. Joey and Addy break down what makes HPA unique in the M&E space, the innovative AI editing tools Joey tested under pressure, and the cutting-edge tech on display in the Innovation Zone.Key topics covered:The unique networking environment at HPA Tech RetreatJoey's "Live without a Net" AI editing challengeAI tools tested: Claude, Perplexity, Strada, Eddie AI, ElevenLabsInnovation Zone highlights: Quickture, Strada's peer-to-peer technologyVirtual production updates from Lightcraft, B&H Studio, and PlatePros#############The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their respective employers or organizations. This show is independently produced by VP Land without the use of any outside company resources, confidential information, or affiliations.
Feb 18, 2025 • 51min
From Europe to Hollywood: Inside VFX Production with TRIXTER's Christina Caspers
Join us for an insightful conversation with Christina Caspers, General Manager of TRIXTER, one of Europe's leading VFX companies. Christina shares her unique perspective on industry changes, technological innovation, and the future of visual effects.In this episode, we explore:✅ The evolution of virtual production in Europe✅ How VFX companies are adapting to smaller budgets✅ The impact of AI and machine learning on VFX workflows✅ Cultural differences between European and American production✅ The challenges of being a female leader in tech#############The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their respective employers or organizations. This show is independently produced by VP Land without the use of any outside company resources, confidential information, or affiliations.
Feb 15, 2025 • 45min
AI Filmmaking Hackathon, Reuters' AI Copyright Victory & Stability AI’s Hollywood Move
In this episode of Denoised, Joey Daoud and Addy Ghani break down an AI-powered hackathon tackling camera control, scene consistency, and AI-generated actors. From real-time cinematography to innovative AI filmmaking tools, we explore the groundbreaking developments that could change Hollywood forever.Plus, we discuss:✅ The latest on Thomson Reuters' copyright lawsuit against AI✅ Stability AI joining the Academy Software Foundation & what it means for the industry#############The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their respective employers or organizations. This show is independently produced by VP Land without the use of any outside company resources, confidential information, or affiliations.
Feb 12, 2025 • 47min
The Best (and Worst) AI Commercials at the Super Bowl. Plus, Will the Oscars Require AI Disclosure?
Joey Daoud and Addy Ghani discuss all the AI focused Super Bowl commercials, analyzing ads from OpenAI, Google, Meta, GoDaddy, and Salesforce. Plus, will the Oscars require films to disclose AI use in 2026?#############The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their respective employers or organizations. This show is independently produced by VP Land without the use of any outside company resources, confidential information, or affiliations.
