In this episode of RealmIQ: Sessions, Curt Doty hosts Evan Shapiro, the "official cartographer of the media universe." Shapiro, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning media strategist, discusses AI’s increasing politicization, its impact on media and technology, and how creatives can embrace AI to stay ahead. The conversation touches on AI’s role in filmmaking, job market shifts, and the transformation of traditional and digital media landscapes. Shapiro also highlights the rise of independent creators and the importance of understanding new media distribution models.
Topics Discussed
1. AI and Politics – How AI has become politicized and its implications.
2. Big Tech and AI – The monopolization of AI by companies like Meta, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA.
3. Regulation vs. Deregulation – The debate around AI governance, Section 230, and misinformation.
4. AI’s Effect on the Workforce – Job displacement, creation, and the necessity of AI skills.
5. AI in Filmmaking – Hollywood's slow adoption, cost reductions, and new creative possibilities.
6. AI in Advertising – AI-driven agencies and the impact on Madison Avenue.
7. The Creator Economy – The rise of independent creators and new media monetization.
8. The Transformation of Media – The decline of mainstream journalism and the rise of independent media.
9. The Future of Streaming – How traditional studios miscalculated the streaming wars.
10. The Role of Education – How younger generations are more adaptable to AI.
Quotes
1. "Everything we keep thinking is going to democratize technology winds up solidifying the moat around big tech companies." – Evan Shapiro
2. "AI is only as safe and unbiased as the people who design it." – Evan Shapiro
3. "AI is a fast-moving train—either get on or get run over by it." – Curt Doty
4. "If you refuse to engage with AI now, you'll be overwhelmed by it later." – Evan Shapiro
5. "The most important aspect of AI in filmmaking will be its ability to help emerging artists level up their production values." – Evan Shapiro
6. "Technology should have no dogma, yet here we are, seeing AI being politicized like everything else." – Evan Shapiro
7. "The news division used to be separate from the entertainment division. Now, it's all about profit, and that’s a big part of the problem." – Evan Shapiro
8. "The rise of independent news outlets and newsletters is one of the most encouraging trends in media today."– Evan Shapiro
9. "What brush are you going to use today? AI is just another tool for creatives to innovate." – Evan Shapiro
10. "Embrace the creator economy—Hollywood is circling the drain, and new media is where the future lies." – Evan Shapiro
Curt Doty