In this episode of RealmIQ Sessions, Curt Doty interviews Oscar-winning Scott Ross, co-founder of Digital Domain alongside James Cameron and Stan Winston. Ross discusses his experiences in the visual effects (VFX) industry, Hollywood’s reluctance to embrace AI, and the broader impact of AI on filmmaking and creative industries.
They explore the disruptive potential of AI, particularly in VFX, how AI is reshaping creative roles, and whether AI-driven storytelling can match human creativity. Ross shares insights on Hollywood’s cost-cutting tendencies and speculates on a future where AI-generated content could surpass human-directed films in efficiency.
Ross also discusses his new book, "Upstart: The Digital Film Revolution from T2 to Titanic," where he chronicles the digital transformation of the film industry from his unique perspective. The conversation touches on generational shifts in technology adoption, the potential obsolescence of traditional filmmaking roles, and how creatives must adapt to AI-driven tools while retaining human ingenuity.
Topics Covered
- Scott Ross’ Background
- Co-founder of Digital Domain (with James Cameron & Stan Winston)
- Oscar-winning VFX work on Titanic, What Dreams May Come, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Experience in advertising and Clio award recognition
- Membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and Television Arts & Sciences
- AI and Hollywood’s Reluctance
- Fear of AI in the entertainment industry (writers, unions, deep fakes)
- How AI adoption is inevitable despite resistance
- James Cameron’s involvement in AI-driven filmmaking
- AI’s Disruption in Visual Effects (VFX)
- How AI will eliminate jobs in VFX from the bottom up
- Offshoring to India and China and the rise of AI automation in VFX
- AI’s impact on storytelling and creative decision-making
- The challenge of AI-generated visuals lacking narrative depth
- Hollywood’s Industry Shift
- Cost-cutting and consolidation in the film industry
- Fewer movies and TV shows being made
- Increased reliance on AI for budget efficiency
- The rise of AI-driven advertising content
- The Role of AI in Future Filmmaking
- Will AI-generated directors replace human filmmakers?
- The importance of maintaining a creative-centered AI approach
- The potential for AI to replicate the decision-making of top directors
- Generational & Cultural Shifts in Media Consumption
- Younger generations rejecting technology (flip phones, less drinking, avoiding screens)
- The rise of short-form AI-generated content vs. traditional filmmaking
- Trends in China: User-generated AI video content platforms
- Scott Ross’ Book – Upstart
- A personal memoir of the digital revolution in film
Sponsor our show - https://www.realmiq.com/sponsors
Receive our weekly newsletter: Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7024758748661391360
Sign up for one of our workshops: https://www.realmiq.com/workshops
Are you an AI Founder? Learn about our AIccelerator: https://www.realmiq.com/startups
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtdoty/
Need branding or marketing? Visit: ht
Popular Podcasts
Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes present: Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial
Introducing… Aubrey O’Day Diddy’s former protege, television personality, platinum selling music artist, Danity Kane alum Aubrey O’Day joins veteran journalists Amy Robach and TJ Holmes to provide a unique perspective on the trial that has captivated the attention of the nation. Join them throughout the trial as they discuss, debate, and dissect every detail, every aspect of the proceedings. Aubrey will offer her opinions and expertise, as only she is qualified to do given her first-hand knowledge. From her days on Making the Band, as she emerged as the breakout star, the truth of the situation would be the opposite of the glitz and glamour. Listen throughout every minute of the trial, for this exclusive coverage. Amy Robach and TJ Holmes present Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial, an iHeartRadio podcast.
Betrayal: Season 4
Karoline Borega married a man of honor – a respected Colorado Springs Police officer. She knew there would be sacrifices to accommodate her husband’s career. But she had no idea that he was using his badge to fool everyone. This season, we expose a man who swore two sacred oaths—one to his badge, one to his bride—and broke them both. We follow Karoline as she questions everything she thought she knew about her partner of over 20 years. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-3 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.