The Digital Hollywood Summer Summit

Monday, July 21st - Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

The Defining Event: The Future of Entertainment, Media & Technology

A Virtual Event • Registration is Free - An Expected Audience of 12,000

• Speakers Note: Some Sessions will be Taped Prior to the Event - Please check with your moderator

Music & the AI Experience: Creativity & Artists Rights

The Evening Keynote Roundtables

Monday, July 21st, 2025

8:00 PM – 8:50 PM:  Eastern Time Zone

Session I:

21st Century Hollywood: The Creative Mind Without Boundaries

If ever there was an industry, emblematic of an ethos of creativity, it is Hollywood. From the indie brilliance and idiosyncrasy of “Being John Malkovich” to the blockbuster genius and visualization of “Oppenheimer,” brilliant minds and expression unleashed is the core ideal of the industry. And today, a new technology has arrived that may unleash another layer of creative invention, Artificial Intelligence. While some may fear its arrival and implications, others are experimenting and discovering that the most creative among us are able to harness AI as a “Mental Collaborator,” perhaps a McLuhan or Leary-like accelerator to reach beyond a heretofore unavailable creative boundary. Similarly, AI is able to augment the complexities of VFX and CGI and serve as a tool of discovery in the creation of blockbusters and indie projects alike.

Session II:

The Spatial Strategy: From Enhanced Eyewear, AI & AR to Full Immersion
We live in a world of platforms and technologies, a mobile, AI, XR and accelerated lifestyle of visual, audio and immersive experiences. Apple Vision Pro has been countered with the Meta eyewear short-term and long-term technologies. And every major player, Google, Amazon, Samsung, even chip players, NVIDIA and Qualcomm not to mention the AIs, OpenAI, Microsoft and the Adobes and Autodesk. In this session, we have assembled some of the greatest creative minds to help us make sense of the rate of innovation, change and the meaning of it all. This is about our technology and the way we live and will live our lives.

The Evening Keynote Roundtables

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

9:00 PM - 9:50 PM: Eastern Time Zone

Session II:

The Deepfake Dilemma: Protecting & Preserving Image, Voice & Likeness – The Taylor Swift Law & Scarlett Johansson Lawsuits

“Deep Fakes” are not only a theft of property rights and a concern of Musicians and Hollywood personalities, bad-actors are scheming new, inventive and technologically bizarre ways to invade our privacy, our computer data and ultimately our electronic wallets. This is not a false alarm. While a “Taylor Swift Law” is needed to protect the personage of a pop star or the “Voice & Audio Likeness of Scarlett Johansson, it may be even more important to secure the personal electronic rights of everyday citizens. Recently in Hong Kong, a “Deep Fake” scheme successfully defrauded an investment company of $25 Million in a fraudulent Zoom call with visual impersonators representing colleagues. That Zoom call might have been you and a “Deep Faked” family member.

The Evening Keynote Roundtables

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

8:00 PM - 8:50 PM: Eastern Time Zone

Session I:

The Actor vs The Terminator: Synthetic Actors & Performers vs. Human Creativity

Imagine a great Hollywood screenwriter, imagine a plotline to transform characters into a world of cinematic magic and then utilize and embrace technologies, new generative AI technologies to bring life, anthropomorphize the language and phrases and manifest that imagery into a “Terminator” on the big screen that will ultimately beat-down an otherwise heroic “Human Actor.”  Does that represent the creative competition in the Hollywood of our future. Does Hollywood ultimately face the choice of Synthetic Movie Stars vs. Human Actors and Human writers? That is the question of the day.

Session II:

The Musician & the AI Experience: Expansive Creativity vs Artists’ Rights – The Ethical Dilemma

“AI Music & Creativity” is breaking the sound barrier—no question about it. With AI tools, a universe of synthesizers, and unprecedented speed, musicians and composers can “create”—if that’s the word—musical complexity, from film scores to pop riffs, love songs to country ballads, in mere moments. The results? Lightning-fast production, often with stunning outcomes. But beneath this sonic revolution lies a dilemma: where does inspiration end and imitation begin? In this roundtable we will dive into the clash between AI’s expansive potential and the rights of human artists. Can machines truly create, or are they remixing the soul of music itself? Join us to explore the ethical tightrope of innovation versus ownership, as industry experts, musicians, and technologists debate the future of artistry in an AI-driven world. Creativity’s new frontier awaits—but at what cost?

9:00 PM - 9:50 PM: Eastern Time Zone

Session II:

Blockchain, Crypto & the Next Hollywood Economy: A “MetaVision” of Platforms , Studios & Networks

While Hollywood will always be the innovation engine, creating feature films, games, immersive content and now, leading the way in AI produced technology and content, next level “Hollywood Economy Strategies” will lead the way in the development and deployment of blockchain and Web3 applications.  With a faster and fully integrated “Cloud-Based Economy,” “Multiplatform Apps” will not only secure the monetization of content globally, the Hollywood and advertising communities will lead the way in creating new direct to consumer trust relationships and innovative content and product categories. A few years ago, the “Metaverse” came into common usage, now we might be entering its successor, to be called, “The MetaVision.”

The Complete Conference Agenda (The Daytime Events)

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

Noon – 12:50 PM : Eastern Time Zone

Session II:

The AI Data Royalty Marketplace: Licensing, Monetization & Rev-Share

For the past two years, there has been massive technology proliferation across industries. Users have totally embraced the idea of AI as a content creation platform, from creative writing to image, music and entire film score creation. But how are the AIs “Trained” to provide these unique and even revolutionary services? The entertainment and technology industries are in a classic struggle to figure out the balance between innovation and compensation for rights and services. And without belaboring the question of “Legal Remedy,” a robust industry of AI Data Royalty, licensing, monetization and Rev-Share possibilities is emerging. The industry appears to be in the first stages of exploration and negotiation, and as with all vital industry challenges, the marketplace for AI Data is another fascinating journey in the world of innovation.

1 PM – 1:50 PM: Eastern Time Zone

Session I:

As Johnny Rotten Might Say: AI Music – Bollocks Sí or Bollocks No? 

Some say, AI is different. This technology may be black magic and maybe they’re right. But what about Sampling and Looping, Sequencers, Drum Machines and Beat Makers, Software synths and the Moog. How about the first time you became aware of the Wah Wah pedal? Does the music of Hendrix, Clapton or Zappa come to mind? The magical world of “Music and Technology” has enabled and enhanced the greatest of our popular musicians and producers for more than half a century. What is the role of the “Recorder Producer?” What about “The Wall of Sound?” What are the Beatles without George Martin, the master of “Audio Wizardry!” What would Johnny Rotten say about “Music and AI.” Let’s discuss.

Session III:

The Virtual Production Studio: Revolutionary Experience – Revolutionized Industry

It’s almost impossible to exaggerate how much has changed in the past five or six years in the world of visual creativity and film production. What started out as an already impressive world of “Green Screens” and CGI has emerged as a universe of Gen AI video, prompted 3D images and full audio tracks, plus a vast war-chest of pre-visualization tools, all placed in the hands of our greatest storytellers. The industry is revolutionizing before our eyes. Filmmakers are transforming the ideation process, a world of AI and Virtual Production and in a matter of days, weeks and months, bringing it to life as a fully realized feature films, TV shows, advertisements and YouTube videos. In this session, we examine the phenomenon.

2 PM – 2:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Session IV:

AI & the Law: A “Deep Dive” - Fair Use, Copyright and the Doctrine of Innovation

Even with the successful resolution of the Entertainment industry “Guilds” strike of 2023, there remains an ongoing fear that "artificial intelligence poses an existential threat to creative professions." The core AI issue sparking debate in Hollywood is not only based on compensation, data training and ownership but the creative control of the ultimate production itself. Additionally, “Deep Fake” technology has raised concern about potential harmful uses, such as political disinformation, revenge porn, and misuse of intellectual property. At the same time, many “creatives” tout the game changing benefits and innovation this technology can bring to artistic and other endeavors, such as educational opportunities, enhanced freedom of expression and reduced barriers to entry. This panel will discuss these competing concerns and whether existing legal frameworks, such as right of publicity, copyright, and existing regulations, are sufficient to address this powerful technology.

3 PM – 3:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Session I:

Synthetic Performance, Games, Characters, Action & Athletic Champions

Video games have thrived for fifty years, but 2025’s “Virtual Characters” in action and sports titles aren’t just realistic—they’re stunningly real. Beyond pixels, AI’s “Virtual Human Animation” transforms them into “Interactive Entertainment,” opening the door to a new realm. These aren’t “Video Games” anymore, this is a revolution of “Synthetic Performance” a triumph of creativity with eerie precision. We’re dissecting the craft—motion capture reinventing each movement, physics engines exploring and embracing chaos, real-time rendering birthing virtual champions who breathe human-like air. This is the world of game creators, animators, and AI architects bringing to life an amazing new world.

Session IV:

Cinematic AI & Virtual Production: A World of Tools and Technology – Layers of Innovation

While the operative words remain “Creativity and Storytelling” the advances in technology are breaking new ground to accelerate that process. Starting with the scriptwriting and storyboarding process, AI and a host of visual tools provide breakthrough options. And virtual production workflows are leveraging real-time game engines, motion capture, and LED volume technology to create immersive, interactive environments that blur the lines between physical and digital production. Real-time rendering and ray tracing are also unlocking unprecedented levels of visual fidelity, allowing filmmakers to achieve photorealistic results without the need for costly post-production processes. By integrating these innovations into their pipelines, filmmakers can unlock new levels of creative control, flexibility, and efficiency.

4 PM – 4:40 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Session I:

Deep Fakes + Human Intelligence & Talent = Virtual Influencers, Synths, Performers & AI Companions

Imagine a world where social media influencers are no longer just human, but also virtual. Where AI-powered performers can entertain, educate, and engage audiences with unprecedented precision. Welcome to the future of digital platforms, where Deep Fakes meet human intelligence and talent to create a new generation of influencers, synths, and performers. This technology is poised to revolutionize YouTube and TikTok, all social media platforms, as well as sectors of advertising and entertainment. Virtual influencers will enable brands to reach targeted audiences with unprecedented accuracy, using AI-driven engagement tools to maximize ROI. Meanwhile, social media platforms will be able to offer new, immersive experiences that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. Is there a breaking point that consumers will reject? This may be the moment to discover a new cultural balance.

Session II:

AI Data Royalties & Creative Partnerships: From Licensing to Micro-Payment & Rev Share

The intersection of AI and creative content has sparked intense debate among content owners, artists, and trade groups. As these stakeholders navigate the complexities law and legislation, at the same time, AI data royalty contracts and innovative solutions are emerging. In this conversation, our roundtable will explore the evolution of content licensing, including groundbreaking concepts in micro-payments and revenue sharing models. Join us as we delve into the future of creative partnerships and the potential for AI-driven royalty agreements to empower artists and content creators. Discover how these pioneering approaches can redefine the entertainment industry's relationship with AI and ensure fair compensation for creative contributions.

Session III:

AI & the Creative Community – Representing the Interest of the Artist - This is a Far from Settled Question

While the Hollywood strikes of yesteryear may now be old news, the concerns of the Guild membership, the writers and actors are far from settled. And the news of “AI Lawsuit Progress,” may simply be disconcerting. After all, creative concerns cannot always be resolved through arbitration and legal settlement. AI at its best may prove to be a fantastic aide, speeding up the “Create Process,” but perhaps an artist doesn’t want the process accelerated, even if the product is a little better. The underlying issues of Artificial Intelligence, from Deep Fakes, Image Provenance, Virtual Humans and the ultimate ability of the AI to reason, think and author creative works is far from settled fact. Who among us can say what the future might hold. For those of you who have tried AI or perhaps have even become “Expert” in AI application, you are aware of the problems it may present. AI can as easily violate copyright of everything from image to story to voice as it can enhance the creativity of the most sophisticated artist. This our world to explore.

5:00 PM – 5:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Session II:

State by State: The Illinois & Ohio AI Laws - The Tennessee Elvis Act – The California Act

AI Regulation is arriving or soon on its way. As the many “AI Lawsuits” make their way through the courts and with Federal legislation still up in the air, many states have taken the AI Regulation plunge or are expected to do so. In this session we will look at the specifics put forward by the regulation or pending regulation in three states, California, Illinois and Tennessee. Each are different, each are complicated, and each represent their own unique ways of approaching the future of AI. Tennessee regulation is directed specifically toward “Deep Fakes” and the protection of Recording Artists and others impacted by “Voice Cloning,” and is known as the “The Elvis Act.” California is an expansive piece of legislation that ranges from deepfake technology and data privacy to the regulation of the “Training of AI Frontier Models. The Illinois act expands the AI issue into the fields of AI privacy and employee discrimination and into voice recordings and robocalls. With fifty states, a world of special interest and citizen groups as well as “Industry and Government” concern, this might be thought of as the “Canary in the Coal Mine.”

Wednesday, July 24th, 2025

Noon – 12:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Session I:

AI Filmmakers Make Movies: AIs Do Not – Creativity to the Next Level

In this session we bring together filmmakers, artists who have brought a lifetime of “Creative Experience” forward in their experimentation with the latest in AI technology. The question is, for better or worse, how is their vision impacted? Is there a difference between an AI enhanced filmmaker or an artist untouched by the technology. This of course is an age-old question since new technologies endlessly arrive as Moviolas or Selectric typewriters are replaced by new and improved gadgets, but the work basically stays the same. Is AI simply another iteration of Moviola or is it something else. Is advanced AI in the hands of “Creative Human,” an “Accelerator to Another Dimension,” an Aldus Huxley device, or simply another interesting tool?

Session IV:

“Is AI Music the Piracy Machine? As Brian May has Stated, “It’s Gonna Get Very Weird Very Quick”

 Let's take an AI Music test. Google “Best in AI Music Deep Fakes” and you will be taken on an amazing tour of “Music Imposters,” including “Deep Fakes” of Britney Spears, Frank Sinatra singing obscene Rap Lyrics; the infamous Drake/The Weeknd, “Heart on My Sleeve” having become a massive hit in a few days and Freddie Mercury singing "All I Want for Christmas,” a “Perfect Clone” of a Queen performance. And the technology behind AI song generators are becoming dangerously professional. It’s no wonder that Brian May, Queen’s lead guitarist and song writer is quoted having said, “It’s Gonna Get Very Weird Very Quick.” Music is always the artform first impacted by the combination of technology and the Internet because it does not require extensive bandwidth. In this session we bring together some of the best in the music business.

1 PM – 1:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Session I:

Synthetic Performance – Deep Dive in Personality and Human Emotion

Virtual humans don’t just move—they feel. This panel dives headfirst into 2025’s emotional frontier: AI-driven personalities that laugh, rage, or cry on cue. We’re cracking the code—modeling quirks, wiring empathy, scripting souls that hit you in the gut. Think shrinks meets coders: emotional intelligence in silicon, not scripts. Experts—AI architects, psychologists, storytellers—unravel how synthetic stars mirror us, from quiet doubts to loud breakdowns. My Digital Hollywood lens amps it—entertainment’s heart, not cold tech. Can they love you back—or fake it ‘til you break? It’s raw, messy, human—virtual or not.

Session II:

The Monetization Matrix: Where Brand, Consumer, and Technology Intersect – Dynamics of AI and Immersion

The seismic shift in “Monetization” has arrived and is being activated by the conversion of multiple technologies impacting multiple devices. What begins with the concept of “Digital Commerce,” arrives on mobile devices as Immersive Interaction at “Arena Events” or with AI creating “Celebrity Twins/Deep Fakes” with consumer interaction. We might call this “The Monetization Matrix,” where brand, consumer, and technology intersect in the “Dynamics of Immersion.” It may be a mouthful, but it might be a significant part of our future. And these opportunities will be opportunities on the playing field of major agencies and brands, major sports leagues and major TV networks. Welcome to the future.

2 PM – 2:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Session IV:

Music, Brands and AI! Live Performance • AI/XR/Immersive • Gateway to the Future

The music industry literally never sleeps, and as AI, brands, and immersive technologies kick-in, we’re seeing all kinds of innovative takes, it’s a future where live performance transcends traditional boundaries. Today, AI not only composes and remixes music but also powers XR environments, where fans can experience concerts in fully immersive 3D spaces, blurring the lines between virtual and real. Brands are seizing this opportunity, partnering with musicians to create branded experiences that are part performance, part digital exploration. This synergy is setting the stage for a new era where music festivals might occur in the metaverse, with AI-driven avatars performing alongside human artists. As we approach this gateway to the future, we're witnessing a transformation where music, technology, and branding dance together, creating an unparalleled experience that promises to redefine entertainment. Join us to explore how these elements are harmonizing to shape the next wave of musical innovation.

3 PM – 3:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Session IV:

The State of Generative AI Law: The Precedents – The Cases Currently in Progress

 The illustrious history of copyright infringement lawsuits are filled with fascinating results. Most recently, the Supreme Court ruled that Andy Warhol infringed on photographer Lynn Goldsmith's copyright when he created a series of his famous silk screen images based on a photograph Goldsmith shot of the late musician Prince in 1981. So it is with great interest that the “AI Training Data” lawsuits make their way through the courts, The NY Times vs. OpenAI and Microsoft; Getty Images against Stability AI; a Class Action lawsuit filed against Stability AI, Midjourney and DeviantArt; a Programmers’ Class Action against Github among others. In this session, discuss status of “Copyright Law.”

4 PM – 4:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Session II:

The Legal Implications: Chatbots & Virtual Human Engagement – Peaking Over the Legal Horizon

As chatbots and virtual humans become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, a complex web of legal implications arise. In this session, we will explore the legal considerations surrounding the development, deployment, and interaction with these AI-powered entities. Our panel will delve into topics such as data privacy, intellectual property, liability for AI-generated content, and the ethical consequences of human-AI interaction. While our current legal landscape may be more focused on customer service and retail advice, the future of human to virtual human interaction suggests an increasingly complex world of personal dependance, relationship in the form of AI girl and boyfriends, personal healthcare advice beyond “WebMD” and Virtual Humans providing psychological care. In time, complex Virtual Human services will be commonplace, and its legal implications will be exceedingly interesting.

5 PM – 5:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone
Session II:

Synthetic Performance: Tools & Technique – The Software of Virtual Humans

Virtual humans thrive on precision—an advanced software arsenal shapes their essence. In 2025, we’re probing the tools at work: Unreal Engine fuels real-time rendering, Unity commands physics-based motion, specialized platforms craft expressive faces and fluid forms. This session gathers visual effects masters, developers, and innovators to unpack the craft—motion capture systems capturing nuance, animation frameworks aligning voice and gesture, and the pipelines powering synthetic performance. From Digital Hollywood’s lens, it’s entertainment’s next frontier—virtual athletes, actors, companions ready to shift the stage. Can these systems match our boldest visions? Join us to analyze their reach, weigh their impact, and chart how they’ll redefine the industry—a focused exchange for those driving its evolution.