AI'S ACCELERATION: EVALUATING ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FILM INDUSTRY

The Hollywood Reporter Newspaper reported in February about the invention of Sora. OpenAI has unveiled a generative artificial intelligence tool capable of creating hyper-realistic videos, marking the San Francisco startup’s first major encroachment onto Hollywood. The system can seemingly produce videos of complex scenes with multiple characters, an array of shots, and mostly accurate details of subjects in relation to their backgrounds.

SPEAKERS:

Eric Edem Dzeha - AI Education Research Engineer/Specialist

Eric Edem Dzeha is a seasoned computer engineer with over five years of hands-on experience in applying machine learning and Python programming across various domains, including Artificial Intelligence, Computational Data Science, Analytics, and Cybersecurity.

As a Research Assistant at Cyber Range Research Group, Eric spearheaded the development of a machine learning system aimed at enhancing social media security. His contributions led to the creation of robust models with a 98% precision rate in detecting malicious activities on Twitter. He also published a paper on advancing social media security, showcasing his expertise in machine learning, cybersecurity, and software engineering.

Eric's professional journey also includes roles such as Software Developer at Moloks Technologies Inc, where he engineered mobile applications and web platforms for clients and Teaching and Research Assistant at the University of Ottawa, where he instructed students in software design principles and supported AI research initiatives. Prior to his academic pursuits, Eric served as a DevOps Analyst at Rancard Solutions Ltd where he played a pivotal role in building innovative modules and APIs for mobile applications. Additionally, he served as the Organizing Secretary at the African Union demonstrating exceptional leadership and organizational skills in coordinating major events and securing sponsorships.

Eric holds a Master's degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Applied Artificial Intelligence from the University of Ottawa, where he also received his Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering with first-class honors. His academic achievements include being a valedictorian, receiving engineering merit scholarships, and presenting papers at prestigious conferences.

With a diverse skill set encompassing Python programming, Big Data analysis, full-stack development, database administration, and penetration testing, Eric is well-equipped to excel in roles focused on applied machine learning and AI education. He is eager to leverage his analytical abilities and technical expertise to contribute to the development of cutting-edge AI technologies and bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Teddy Dumont - BBIC Alumni, Model, Actor and Film Director

Teddy Dumont is a Haitian-Canadian model, actor, writer and film director. Over the past few years, he has been featured in commercials, short films, print campaigns and a documentary. His latest short documentary 'Kouraj' has been selected at the Los Angeles Queer Film Festival. He's eager to use film-making as another vehicle to share stories.

Sandrine Pechels De Saint Sardos - Film Commissioner, Ottawa Film Office

Sandrine has an extensive career in entertainment, production, co-production, creative development, and distribution with impressive global relationships and deep experience in deals and negotiations in children's and family programming. Most recently, she was working in sales and distribution at Radio Canada/CBC growing their kids’ catalogue Offering. At Rocket Launch Media and Sanden Media, Sandrine created kids’ content from published book properties and distributed content domestically and internationally. From 2016 to 2019, she worked at TFO, a Franco-Canadian public broadcaster, as Director, Acquisition and Co-production, handling co-production, creative development,programming/scheduling, gaming, sales, and acquisition.

Before TFO, Sandrine spent nine years with Bejuba! Entertainment as EVP of Sales & Acquisitions putting together an impressive list of acquisitions and WW show sales to build a catalog of over 600 half-hours of kids’ TV, and securing co-development and co-production deals. Prior to Bejuba, Sandrine worked in NYC for an array of major entertainment companies in creative development, co-production, and distribution for Sunbow Entertainment (Transformers, My Little Pony, G.I. Joe, etc.), Sony Wonder/Sony Music, TV-Loonland, Hallmark, and Classic Media/Dreamworks. While at Classic Media/Dreamworks, Sandrine spearheaded WW sales and co-productions on Casper, George of the Jungle, and other titles. Sandrine is also very much involved in the industry as she regularly participates in various festivals and organizations as a juror, mentor, panelist, and research adviser.

Ernest White II - CEO and Founder of Presidio Pictures

Ernest White II is a world-builder, CEO and founder of Presidio Pictures. He is the executive producer and host of award-winning television travel docu-series "FLY BROTHER with Ernest White II," and writer and executive producer of the award-winning podcast, "Deadman’s Curse: Slumach's Gold." A former journalist, educator and graduate of Florida A&M University, Ernest holds an MFA in Creative Writing and a Certificate in the Business and Management of Entertainment from the University of California, Los Angeles. He currently lives in Vancouver.