In a world where technological advancements and AI content production are colliding, resilient and adaptive storytelling has never been more essential within the screen industry. It's leading to big questions, like how screen creatives can best stay abreast of innovation, and how AI can be responsibly and ethically used.
Guest Speakers Kate Armstrong-Smith, CEO and Co-Founder of Othelia, Jessie Hughes, Senior Creative Technologist at generative AI leader Leonardo.Ai, and Scott Dickson, a content specialist, filmmaker and storyteller with 20 years experience, will present their perspectives on the use of AI, introduce their AI programs and workflows, discuss the role of AI in storytelling, and the pivotal shifts we're seeing in creative technology.
They'll be joined by Lin Tam, Executive Producer and Chief Creative AI Officer at Immix Studios, and Andy Barclay, Manager of Business & Legal Affairs at Screen Producers Australia, via zoom, for an insightful panel discussion later in the day covering ethics, policies and the many uses of AI.
In this workshop, we'll explore the landscape of storytelling and AI, looking at how artificial intelligence is changing the creative process, from ideation to final edit.
Kate will talk about how studios are integrating AI tools into their workflows and how to decrease the cost of production while protecting the chain of title and IP. With AI tools becoming increasingly intuitive, storytellers can now harness powerful applications for everything from narrative structure to world-building, often completing work that used to require entire teams in a fraction of the time. Kate will update on current tools that are gaining traction, including advancements in AI-driven story development, and editing platforms that are reshaping our approach to narrative.
Jessie will run a live demonstration showing how to leverage AI for the screen industry, and explore the ways generative AI has shaken things up. With the speed, breadth and expansive capabilities afforded by these new technologies, Jessie will look at how creatives are racing to learn how to leverage these tools. As the Senior Creative Technologist at Australian-founded generative AI leader Leonardo.Ai - earlier this year acquired by Canva - Jessie will discuss how companies like Leonardi.Ai continue to democratise creativity for the masses - and what that means for our creative specialists.
Scott will cover potential future uses of AI, including why it isn't the end for creatives, before deep diving into its more practical uses, such as for pitch development, concepting and how it can be potentially used across different stages of the overall production process.
Following the day's workshop, attendees are invited to join Kate, Jessie, Scott and the Screenworks team for networking drinks.
Speakers
Kate
Armstrong-Smith
Kate Armstrong-Smith is the Co-Founder and CEO of Othelia, a storytelling research lab that champions human creativity in the age of intelligent technologies. Othelia works with some of the top storytellers and studios globally to model and protect story IP while allowing creatives to harness new intelligent tools.
With over 15 years of experience across dynamic content development and media asset management, Kate’s portfolio spans collaborations with ABC, Sydney Festival, TEDxSydney, Belvoir Theatre, and Amazon Studios. A Churchill Fellow and advocate for new audience engagement with new technologies, she remains deeply committed to connecting creators with today’s evolving audiences and advancing storytelling for new generations.
Andy Barclay
Andy Barclay is the Manager of Business & Legal Affairs at Screen Producers Australia, where he provides members with industrial and commercial advice along all stages of development and production. Prior to joining SPA, he practised as an entertainment lawyer, at Cole Media & Entertainment Law, specialising in film and television production.
Scott
Dickson
Scott Dickson is a content specialist, filmmaker and storyteller passionate about high-quality content creation and story through using AI tools to find efficiencies, simplify production, and improve output. His mission is to help businesses and creatives unlock the power of AI while keeping the process accessible, engaging, and even fun.
With 20 years of experience in content creation and information technology support and solutions across telecommunications, broadcast television, live events and education industries, he’s learned how to blend technical know-how with creative problem-solving.
In short: Scott’s here to help you integrate AI into your workflows so you can focus on what matters most—telling your story, whether that’s through marketing, content creation, or filmmaking.
Jessie
Hughes
An internationally-recognised new media artist, technologist, scholar and screenwriter, Jessie Hughes' works have exhibited most notably at Sundance, SXSW, Cannes and the Tate Modern. She’s collaborated with the likes of Meta, Oculus and Adobe across a decade of leading imaginative emerging technologies. Jessie is now the Senior Creative Technologist at generative AI leader Leonardo.Ai.
Lin Tam
Lin Tam is an award-winning director, producer and writer celebrated for her pioneering work in animation and technology. A trailblazer in AI animation, Lin pushes the boundaries of what's possible in the animation industry. As the Executive Producer and Chief Creative AI Officer at Immix Studios, she has propelled the studio to new heights, producing internationally acclaimed content that masterfully blends AI technology with animation.
Her acclaimed short film, FRIENDSHIP, has garnered international recognition and featured in over 25 esteemed film festivals worldwide. Under her leadership, Immix Studios has significantly boosted its output, setting new benchmarks for AI-integrated content creation.
Lin's expertise extends across complex product and content development projects. Her portfolio includes cutting-edge work in Generative AI, AR/VR, mobile gaming, and interactive content. Initiatives like Village Roadshow’s Xperience Program and ACMI X underscore her role as an innovator who utilises emerging technologies to redefine animation and entertainment.
Sponsors and Partners
Partner
Screen NSW
Screen NSW is established to assist, promote and strengthen the screen industry in NSW so as to promote Australia’s cultural identity, encourage employment in all aspects of screen production, encourage investment in the industry, enhance the industry’s export potential, encourage innovation and enhance quality in the industry.
Through its funding programs and skilled staff Screen NSW:
- supports the screen production sector to make quality projects that create jobs and grow stable businesses in the State;
- provides advice and information to improve capability in the sector and enable industry practitioners to participate in the global industry;
- funds and promotes new forms of screen content and use of technology;
- collaborates with industry to create opportunities; and
- facilitates all aspects of filming in NSW to make it the most attractive State for screen production.
Partner
TAFE NSW
TAFE Bryon Bay Connected Learning Centre
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/locations/north-coast/byron-bayTickets
Creating with AI - SCREENWORKS MEMBER TICKET
A$50.-
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Creating with AI - NON-MEMBER TICKET
A$85.-
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