Hollywood & Beyond…
Branch Out Productions has just opened the doors to a fully operational Skunk Works division — a bold new experiment in blending traditional filmmaking with the cutting edge of AI.
The goal? To supercharge creativity, lower production costs, and help storytellers do what they do best: tell unforgettable stories.
“We believe the future of film and TV isn’t about replacing people — it’s about empowering them,” says Matt Allen, co-founder of Branch Out Skunk Works and a well-known AI futurist and storyteller. “Skunk Works is where we test the latest AI tools and workflows to help artists, producers, and communities break barriers.”
💡 What Is Skunk Works?
In the tech and aerospace world, a “Skunk Works” team is where wild ideas get tested — fast. That’s exactly what Branch Out is doing, but for the film and TV industry.
From development and pre-production to art, music, editing, marketing, and even legal, the Skunk Works team uses AI to speed things up, save money, and put more of every dollar on screen.
And the best part? Branch Out’s entire approach is union-friendly and designed to enhance — not replace — human creativity.
🎥 Meet the Skunk Works Team
This powerhouse group includes:
- Matt Allen – Screenwriter, producer, and leading voice in the world of AI storytelling
- Lisa Mathis – Producer and community builder, known for creating inclusive spaces for creative work
- Krista Suh – Screenwriter, entrepreneur, and all-around creative disruptor
- Marvin Towns – Director and production guru who knows how to get big results on smart budgets
Together, they’re building new workflows that blend AI with the craft of filmmaking — helping emerging creators and underserved communities access tools that were once out of reach.
🌍 A Global Footprint with a Mission-Driven Heart
Branch Out is based in Hollywood and Michigan, but their work spans the globe. From traditional soundstage shoots to experimental AI-driven productions, the Skunk Works team is constantly testing, learning, and sharing what works.
One of their most impactful initiatives was “The New Dawn of Storytelling” in Grand Rapids, Michigan — a hybrid workshop and film lab that gave local storytellers access to AI tools and creative mentorship. This hands-on experience proved that with the right support, anyone can tell powerful stories.
Another milestone? The viral LTX Studio commercial “But What I Really Want Is to Direct,” which was ideated, AI-prepped, shot traditionally in Serbia, and edited — all in under five weeks. Check it out!
For co-founder Lisa Mathis, the mission goes beyond just making movies — it’s about training the next generation of filmmakers to harness these powerful new tools.
“This is how we level the playing field,” says Mathis. “With the right tech and the right mentorship, we can teach young creators how to compete with the big boys — and win.”
🎶 Original AI Artists with Global Reach
Branch Out’s Skunk Works isn’t just reinventing film and TV workflows — they’re also breaking ground in music. The team has created original AI-powered musicians who are fully realized characters with global audiences.
Artists like Miz Chief, King Rough, and Le-Etta Towns don’t just exist as marketing gimmicks — they release real music on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more. These digital performers are now gearing up to launch full motion picture soundtracks for upcoming Branch Out projects.
Every release is fully legal, published, and ASCAP-compliant — proving that AI music can be authentic, artistic, and above board.
With their own personalities, aesthetics, and fanbases, these AI-driven characters are part of a broader narrative universe that’s redefining what entertainment looks like in 2025 and beyond.
🔥 Receipts: Past Wins and Experiments
Branch Out’s Skunk Works builds on a deep bench of real-world AI experience, including:
- The Battle of the AI Bands — a cultural experiment and music competition now drawing creators from around the world
- Long-form AI-assisted storytelling — including The 12 Months of Scrooge, and Matterhorn
- The No Film School Challenge — where industry insiders couldn’t tell which screenplays were written by AI and which by humans
- AI Workflow Consulting — helping filmmakers, nonprofits, and studios rethink what’s possible creatively and operationally
🚀 The Future Starts Here
The Skunk Works division is already collaborating on new projects, pilot programs, and AI-powered campaigns that promise to shake things up — in the best way possible.
“We don’t just want to make better films. We want to make a better industry,” says co-founder Lisa Mathis.
So keep your eyes on Branch Out. Because the stories of tomorrow are being written, designed, imagined — and yes, sometimes generated — right now.