Ben Erwin

StubHub has postponed its IPO to autumn due to "stagnant market conditions," amid rising calls for tighter regulation of secondary ticketing in the US. The delay follows a surge in advocacy, with artists and fans sending 65,000 messages to lawmakers for more regulation. StubHub's IPO, managed by JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, aims for a $16.5 billion valuation. The company faces increasing scrutiny, particularly from the Fix the Tix campaign, urging Congress to address fake tickets and deceptive practices. In the UK, Labour plans a 10% price cap on ticket resale, which could influence US market regulation. https://lnkd.in/d7Q3s755 #StubHub #livemusic

Fascinating to watch how film programs are going to integrate AI into their curriculum. Schools like USC, Loyola and Chapman leaning into teaching this is a big move. While it is of the utmost importance that creatives are protected (and this is a massive concern for the creative community!), it's also important to acknowledge that AI is an inevitable part of our future. By educating university students on AI, we can empower them to seamlessly incorporate it into their creative workflows, enhancing their innovation and artistry. https://lnkd.in/e6EzJgRu

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In Q1 2024, Netflix and Amazon accounted for 53% of all global SVOD commissions. In the first quarter, the number of Netflix commissions out of Western Europe, led by originals from the U.K., Spain, and Germany, nearly matched that of North America, and Asia Pacific titles also saw a notable uptick. Amazon also upped its game in Asia, particularly in India, where the streamer ordered a record slate of 37 new titles, more than the previous six quarters combined, setting a new record for quarterly commissions. Both continue reaffirming their leadership in the streaming market through aggressive commissioning of original content, particularly outside the U.S. This aligns with their growing need to tap into new subscriber bases in regions with higher growth potential than the saturated North American market. The shift towards international productions is a smart move for Netflix and Amazon. It broadens their appeal across diverse markets and keeps them competitive in the ever-evolving and challenging streaming landscape. By understanding and catering to local preferences, these streaming giants are building a loyal subscriber base, which is essential for long-term growth and stability. The strategic focus on cost-effective productions also highlights the importance of financial diplomacy in sustaining high volumes of original content. For more detailed read check out the article below. #streamingwars #netflixoriginals #amazonprimevideo #svod #contentstrategy #internationalproductions #localizedcontent #entertainmentindustry #contentstrategy #streaming

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Recent developments in generative A.I. have led many professionals to integrate it into their daily work to boost productivity and streamline processes. The usage of A.I. in the audiovisual industry, particularly through synthetic voices, has sparked an important discussion about the 𝑎𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 of these contents (as reminded by Questioni d'orecchio in the last 6th of June issue). But how are synthetic voices perceived by the audience? In this article, Audacy, Inc. explores this issue, highlighting a crucial aspect that should not be underestimated: trust! #ai #podcasting #audiocontent #audiosafety #trust

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The big movie studios are not that interested to license their content for the big AI firms but we at film AI are perfectly willing to license our 6,000 Hollywood films for scanning. here is a copy of the latest news *Google and Meta offered tens of millions for the use of films and series to train AI, Disney and Netflix refuse* The tech giants are trying to compete with OpenAI's Sora and are developing an AI model that will create realistic videos based on a text command. For this purpose, they offered tens of millions of dollars to Hollywood studios. Warner Bros. Discovery has expressed interest in licensing some of its content to train the models, but only those of select divisions and not its entire content library. Disney and Netflix, the most influential studios in Hollywood today, are not ready to grant a usage license at all, but have expressed interest in other collaborations.*🪙 www.filmai.tech

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“We need to rediscover the origins of journalism which was based on news, to find out something that was not supposed to be found out. Every real journalist is driven by that, not wanting to aggregate information that is out there anyway. Reporting, coming up with something new, unknown, is the essence of the business.” Yeah, ok great. But then, what happens once you've succeeded at that mission and published something new? Thanks to your open funnel sending that info to OpenAI, they can now regurgitate it on their own platform(s). I would love to know if these deals include mandates for a link back to the actual source and limitations around how the content can be reshaped, retold and reshared. Are there any protection preventing your data from third parties who use OpenAI technology to create junk AI sites that create pink slime copies of a copy of a copy. I get publishers may look at the "pact with the devil" as a better alternative to the devil just taking what he wants with no pact. But, we need to be smart here. Our future depends on it. #ai #media #journalism #artificialintelligence #openai #genai

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Here are your TOP 10 Generative AI Headlines of the Week for the Media & Entertainment Industry (this week ending 7/19/24): (1) IATSE members voted and r-AI-tified! #Hollywood’s below-the-line union voted this week to ratify two new 3-year contracts - both with surprisingly more than 85% of the vote. But not all were on board. Some guild members urged “no” votes, saying that the contract’s AI language “allows our combined crafts ... to be put at direct risk of an emerging technology not designed to enhance creativity but instead to learn from and ultimately replace us.” (2) It’s the smoking gun all creators have been looking for! WIRED proved that major genAI players like NVIDIA, Anthropic and Apple (yes, THAT purportedly "artist friendly" Apple!) scraped at least 173,536 YouTube videos to train their AI. All without consent or compensation, of course. (3) If this is what genAI video can do now, just imagine the next 6 months! The next 1-5 years? David Usher shared an incredible video that showed how much genAI video evolved in just the last few months. How much will genAI transform the Arts in the next few years? Talk amongst yourselves as you lift a drink. Or several. (4) From the “No, Duh!” department. #AI is THE key selling point for new smartphones, reports Axios. (5) Animate this! In this week’s quarterly earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos highlighted the current use (and power) of genAI in the animation sector. (6) “Tu lista de reproducción perfecta!” Yes, Spotify’s new Spanish speaking generative AI-powered DJ feature says it can create your perfect playlist for you. (7) Mickey’s mouse ears hear the AI sound too! The Walt Disney Company’s music group just struck a deal with genAI music startup AudioShake to “unlock new listening and fan engagement experiences” for its catalog of music. And if IP-king Mickey is doing it, everyone will be doing it. (8) But you can’t just set it and forget it. TheWrap’s Alex Kantrowitz spent a week with Amazon’s AI team and concluded that genAI’s initial hype cycle is bumping into reality. My “take” is that the hype is real - and justified. GenAI will transform our creative lives more than we think. It just takes time to see the forest from the trees. (9) Meanwhile the Zuck is doing the unthinkable - he’s holding back! I know, it’s shocking that Meta’s CEO would hold back on anything that can generate massive revenues and overall stock “pops.” But #Meta is withholding its multimodal AI models from the European Union over concerns about the EU's AI regulations. (10) Land your next great gig with the help of your new genAI executive coach whispering in your ear! It’s your new interview “hack” to land your next dream entertainment gig as you bluff your way through your next interview. Want More (plus real analysis and insights to go with it?) SUBSCRIBE TO MY WEEKLY AI-FOCUSED NEWSLETTER VIA THIS LINK https://lnkd.in/gtsk8AH8 #media #entertainment #hollywood #music #tech

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Ray Kurzweil's 2005 seminal book "The Singularity Is Near" predicted that in 2045, computers would become smarter and more capable than humans, His new book "The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI" jumpstarts this timeline, forecasting that 2029 is the point when humans will reach longevity and escape velocity. Learn more about this concept of escape velocity when "The Singularity is Nearer" hits bookshelves on Tuesday, June 25. But if you can't wait that long to hear his insights on the future, then watch the video of Kurzweil's on-stage conversation with Nick Thomson of the Atlantic from SXSW 2024. https://lnkd.in/geyVkvyV How soon do you think artificial intelligence will meaningfully change human lifespans? What indications are you seeing in 2024 that confirm 2029 will be a major tipping point for our species? Or do you disagree with the entire premise of the singularity? Your thoughts on this topic belong in the PanelPicker! This interface opens for speaking proposals for SXSW 2025 on June 25 (the same day as the Kurzweil release). The speaking proposal entry window closes at the end of the day on Sunday, July 21. Click on the link below for more information on the PanelPicker. panelpicker.sxsw.com/about #sxsw, #sxsw2024, #sxsw2025, #MarchMagic, #PanelPicker, Ray Kurzweil, Kurzweil Technologies Inc., Nicholas Thompson, #singularity, #artificialintelligence, #ai, #future, #tomorrow, #escapevelocity, #lifeextension, #longevity, #creative, #innovation, #Austin, #speakignproposals, #books, The Atlantic, Singularity University

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The music industry has already been decimated by technology and streaming services making it more than hard for artists to earn an income from anything other than live performances. It is now confronted with the battle for it's life & so are many other industries / businesses with the advent & continuing evolution of AI. Many believe developers of AI software should not be allowed to source arrangements, instrumentation, sounds or vocals from artists who's work is protected under copyright laws. Check out this great insight from #ColdFusion featuring Rick Beato. #AI #Musicbiz #EntertainmentNews #Artists #Singers #Songwriters #Entertainers #Creators #Gamers #Filmakers

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Join me at Digital Hollywood - The AI Entertainment Summit July 22 - 24, 2024! I’m honored to be participating in this essential conversation about "Virtual Humans & AI: Advanced Design + Intelligence = Unique Levels of Complexity" on July 24th at 2 p.m. ET with a distinguished panel of thought leaders: Matthias Wittmann, John Son, Abran Maldonado, Pat Pataranutaporn, and Louisa Spring. ‘In this session we will address the Intelligence and Design functions in the development of Virtual Humans. While other panels will focus on “Virtual Humans as Performers and Internet Personalities,” in this session we will explore the more profound issues of “Computer Intelligence” and “The Machine’s” ability to mimic human emotion and personality, verbal and vocal expression and respond in conversational interaction. Once a “Virtual Human” becomes “Conversant” as a mature human might, the role of this technology will quickly find a way into our daily life, from Virtual Human Co-Pilot as Educator, Colleague at work to companion in research and creative endeavors. The possibilities are quite frankly, limitless.’ Special thanks to Digital Hollywood Co., Ltd. for providing this virtual event for free. Sign up with this link: https://lnkd.in/eDYGVjhF #ai #innovation #virtualhumans HYPERREAL®

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My next "the brAIn" newsletter comes out early tomorrow, Monday, morning - all about how generative AI is transforming the #media and #entertainment industry (and all creatives in it). Think you will like this one. Packed with "news you can use" (and my detailed analysis of a key issue that virtually no one is talking about ... but should be). SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR FREE https://lnkd.in/gtsk8AH8 #music #hollywood #generativeAI #AI #tech #thebrainnewsletter

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Introducing our first edit that uses AI to lip sync dialogue of our choosing. As it evolves, this is going to be a game changer for the likes of Getty, Shutterstock et al if they add as part of their offering. #videocontent #ai #storytelling

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🚨IAC and Dotdash Meredith just made a deal with OpenAI that could reshape the future of media and advertising... 🔺 In a groundbreaking move, digital media powerhouse Dotdash Meredith has struck a strategic partnership and licensing deal with OpenAI.  🔺Through this deal, content from Dotdash Meredith's publications, which are owned by #IAC, will be accessible on OpenAI's ChatGPT platform. This includes content from popular brands like People, Food & Wine, Better Homes & Gardens, InStyle, Southern Living, and Real Simple. 🔻 But the implications go far beyond just content sharing. The partnership also involves integrating OpenAI's technology into Dotdash Meredith's cookieless ad-targeting solution, D/Cipher. This is expected to enhance the precision and effectiveness of Dotdash Meredith's ad targeting capabilities. 🔻 "We have not been shy about the fact that AI platforms should pay publishers for their content and that content must be appropriately attributed," said Dotdash Meredith CEO Neil Vogel. The deal represents the evolving relationship between major media companies and AI platforms, as they navigate the changing digital content and advertising landscape. It will be interesting to see how it plays out, particularly around issues of fair compensation, attribution, privacy, and the broader impact on the publishing space. #DotdashMeredith #OpenAI #MediaDisruption #AIInnovation #FutureOfDigitalContent #DigitalAdvertising https://lnkd.in/g76aqW3j

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The eerie nexus of #Ásatrú, #HPLovecraft, and #AI, where ancient beliefs meet modern tech fears and fictional horrors, once again sparks debates on AI's impact on creativity and existential angst. #ArtificialIntelligence https://lnkd.in/gm6bE3rE

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A data key to unlock widespread emobility take-up with interoperability, discussed in this important EY webinar with Sara Ganowski and Andrew Horstead. Interoperability was, and continues to be, a key narrative at the EV SUMMIT, which EY are an ongoing partner of. #emobility #electricvehicles #evs #sustainability Marc Coltelli

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Here's Ethan's NEW commercial demo written, directed and produced by me at https://lnkd.in/eQe2AkK New York based Ethan worked with me entirely remotely to record 8 commercial tracks and 6 corporate tracks. What you see here is the commercial voicereel (compilation) presented as a FREE custom AUDIOGRAM. #voiceoverartist #voicelessons #voicereels #voiceovers #voicereel #voiceacting #actingskills #actors #performers #performer #vocal #voiceactor #actingclass #actingcoach #voicetalent #vocalcoach

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This week's Apple World Wide Developer's Conference has produced so much news about the company's approach to artificial intelligence. The focus of WWDC 2024 is certainly very different than a year ago, when much of the agenda was directed to the possibilities of the not-yet-released Apple Vision Pro. Has the hype about this device from a year ago been warranted? Moreover, how has the Apple Vision Pro changed (or not so much) the immersive experience landscape? Such were some of the questions addressed in the SXSW 2024 session "XR In The Age Of Vision Pro." This panel featured the expertise of Charlie Fink (author of he weekly Forbes column "This Week in XR" and co-host of the companion podcast), Rony Abovitz (founder and CEO of Sun and Thunder), Joanna Popper (formerly the Chief Metaverse Officer at Creative Artists Agency) and Ted Schilowitz (Futurist at Paramount Global). Watch the full video of "XR In The Age Of Vision Pro" via this link from the SXSW YouTube page https://lnkd.in/ggtpK-5e Do you agree or disagree with the insights of these speakers on the current state of XR and other immersive technologies? Or (more broadly) do you agree or disagree with Apple's current shift to a greater emphasis on AI, as exhibited at WWDC? Either way, enter a speaking proposal about your thoughts in the 2025 SXSW PanelPicker. This interface opens for all your forward-thinking ideas about current and future technology innovation beginning Tuesday, June 25. Speaking proposals are accepted via the PanelPicker through Sunday, July 21. panelpicker.sxsw.com #sxsw, #sxsw2024, #sxsw2025, #apple, #WWDC, #applevisionpro, #immersive, #XR, #VR, #MR, #creativity, #innovation, Charlie Fink, Rony Abovitz, Joanna Popper, Ted Schilowitz, #artificialintelligence, #AI, #future, #virtualreality, #augmentedreality, #Austin, Blake Kammerdiener

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