by Chaos Labs
This podcast is part of the Chaos Group Labs. In this podcast, we talk to our friends, find out what they are doing, talk about what we are doing, and generally look at all things that interest us including CGI, VFX, Design, Rendering, Raytracing, an d any other CG Nerdy stuff.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
2/22/2022
Email Addresses
1 available
Phone Numbers
0 available
April 14, 2025
<p dir="ltr">Sebastian Sylwan has a wealth of experience, having been CTO at Weta Digital, Scanline, and Felix & Paul Studios, as well as Director of Technology at Digital Domain. He’s spent his career at the intersection of art and technology, helping world-class teams push the boundaries of visual effects, immersive media, and real-time workflows. In this episode, he reflects on the challenges of innovating in production environments—where the pressure to deliver can often stifle meaningful experimentation—and offers a thoughtful look at how our industry might evolve if we rethink our relationship with technology.</p> <p dir="ltr">We talk about what it means to be truly innovative, how to design systems that scale while still empowering artists, and why creative industries so often fall into patterns of short-term thinking. Sebastian also shares some candid thoughts on how leadership, culture, and communication play a critical role in making or breaking new ideas. If you’ve ever struggled to bring a great tool or pipeline into a legacy studio, or wondered why some groundbreaking tech never catches on, this episode is for you.</p>
March 31, 2025
<p dir="ltr">Scott Ross, legendary VFX executive and co-founder of Digital Domain, joins the podcast for an unfiltered conversation about the state of the film industry and the visual effects business. With decades of experience and a reputation for telling it like it is, Scott digs into the systemic challenges facing Hollywood—from broken economic models in studio filmmaking to the relentless pressure on VFX vendors. He reflects on his time building Digital Domain alongside James Cameron and shares insights from his new book, UPSTART: The Digital Film Revolution – Managing the Unmanageable, which chronicles his journey through the chaos and creativity that have defined modern filmmaking.</p> <p dir="ltr">While Scott doesn’t sugarcoat the industry’s issues, he also sees glimmers of hope. He highlights the rise of global talent and a shift toward more authentic, filmmaker-driven storytelling. The conversation touches on the role of AI, the decline of theatrical experiences, and the urgent need for systemic change—while still holding onto the belief that the future of cinema is worth fighting for. With honesty, insight, and passion, Scott offers a rare perspective from someone who’s been at the center of the digital revolution and still has something to say.</p>
March 24, 2025
<p dir="ltr">Joshua Lastine, an entertainment lawyer, returns to the podcast to break down the rapidly changing legal and business landscape of the film industry. As AI tools reshape content creation, streaming platforms redefine distribution, and independent filmmakers leverage new technology, Joshua explains how contracts, intellectual property, and revenue models are evolving. He dives into the legal implications of AI in filmmaking, from WGA and SAG-AFTRA’s new protections to the ethical and financial risks of content licensing for AI training. He also discusses how major studios are adapting to these shifts and what it means for the future of traditional and independent production.</p> <p dir="ltr">The conversation highlights how cutting-edge technology is empowering low-budget filmmakers to create studio-quality content without massive resources. Joshua explores the impact of real-time rendering, virtual production, and AI-driven tools on independent filmmaking, making it easier than ever to produce high-end visuals on a fraction of the budget. He also breaks down the shifting economics of streaming vs. theatrical releases, how tax incentives influence production locations, and why smart distribution strategies are more critical than ever. Packed with expert legal insights and industry analysis, this episode offers a roadmap for navigating the intersection of law, technology, and the evolving film industry.</p>
Emmy Award Winner | Speaker | Mentor | Visual Effects Expert
Mike Seymour, John Montgomery
Christopher Nichols
fxguide
Ian Failes
James Ellis Deakins, Roger Deakins
Corridor Digital LLC
Tom Merritt
Lex Fridman
NPR
NPR
Bigtooth Studios
iHeartPodcasts
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