As Hollywood stands on the cusp of a major technological revolution, a select group of AI influencers quietly shapes the future of entertainment. Even if not openly acknowledged, industry leaders and creatives are tuning in to the insights of Matt Wolfe, Rowan Cheung, Tim Simmons, Matthew Hallberg, and Kris Kashtanova. These pioneers are not just participants in the dialogue about AI in entertainment—they are setting the agenda.
Matt Wolfe – Matt Wolfe is a communications professional based in New Orleans, LA, whose career spans various sectors including retail, IT, financial services, and entertainment. Over the last two years, Matt has significantly focused on the realm of AI technology, becoming a prominent figure in this space. He manages and creates content for his YouTube channel “@mreflow,” which has become a must-follow in the AI community for its insightful coverage on the latest in future tech. His interests are diverse, including technology, music, travel, food, amateur carpentry, beer, film, and dogs. Matt is known for his hands-on approach in exploring and demonstrating new AI tools and technologies, effectively bridging the gap between complex tech concepts and practical applications. This deep dive into AI has established him as a trusted voice, guiding both enthusiasts and professionals through the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
Follow Matt Wolfe on his youtube channel
Rowan Cheung – Rowan Cheung is recognized as a prominent figure in the AI community, particularly noted for his role as the founder of one of the largest AI newsletters, The Rundown, boasting over 500,000 subscribers. He has made significant contributions to the field by disseminating knowledge and insights on AI advancements. Recently, he showcased an impressive feat at TED2024 with a video that was entirely generated using OpenAI’s Sora, an unreleased text-to-video model. This project, titled “What will TED look like in 40 years?” highlights the revolutionary potential of AI in transforming film production and media creation. Cheung’s work is pivotal in pushing the boundaries of how AI technologies can be integrated into creative and informative content, offering a glimpse into a future where AI dramatically enhances media production. Explore Rowan’s Insights on X.
Tim Simmons – Tim Simmons, through his popular YouTube channel “TheoreticallyMedia,” deeply explores the impact of AI on media and creativity. His channel is a crucial resource for understanding the nuances of AI tools in filmmaking and media production. Tim provides rapid and in-depth analyses of new AI tools, typically sharing his expert commentary within 24 hours of their release. His ability to simplify complex concepts and predict future trends in AI tools makes his content invaluable for both enthusiasts and professionals in the media industry.
Watch TheoreticallyMedia on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/KxEbfVmI67o?si=IqV4BtKpA0kH9B5k
Matthew Hallberg – On his channel “Matt Vid Pro,” Matthew showcases the cutting-edge use of AI in video production. His practical demonstrations highlight how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency, making his content highly valuable for tech-savvy filmmakers.
Check out Matt Vid Pro on Youtube:
Kris Kashtanova – Kris Kashtanova is active under the handle @icreatelife on X (formerly Twitter), where she combines her interests in community, art, and technology. Describing herself as an AI Evangelist and Educator at Adobe, Kris is deeply involved in the intersection of science, technology, and creative expression. She has a substantial following, with over 97,700 followers, reflecting her influence and reach in the digital space. Her content largely revolves around advancements in AI and its application in artistic and educational contexts, emphasizing how these tools can enhance creativity and engagement within tech communities.
Connect with Kris Kashtanova on X:
This elite group is about a year ahead of the curve, and their work is a beacon for Hollywood’s elite, even if it’s in the quiet corridors of backstage influence. As the industry slowly embraces these advancements, the contributions of these five thought leaders provide invaluable frameworks and foresight, helping to shape an industry that is increasingly reliant on AI not just for efficiency, but for the very essence of creativity.
Engaging with the content and ideas of these influencers is more than just keeping up with trends—it’s about staying ahead in an ever-evolving landscape and ensuring that the future of Hollywood remains as dynamic and groundbreaking as its past.