RealmIQ: SESSIONS with SCOTT ROSS

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

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. Scott Ross’ Book – Upstart
   • A personal memoir of the digital revolution in film