Madrid Audiovisual Cluster Explores New Business Models, AI, and Emerging Technologies at Iberseries & Platino Industria

Unlocking the Future: Innovation, AI, and New Paradigms in Audiovisual Production

Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Audiovisual Innovation

While artificial intelligence remains a central theme, this year's program aims to delve deeper, moving beyond surface-level discussions. It will feature eight in-depth industry case studies, each meticulously examining innovation across various facets of the audiovisual value chain. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of how AI is reshaping the industry.

Innovation Beyond AI: Embracing New Technologies and Workflows

Teresa Azcona, the managing director of the Madrid Audiovisual Cluster, highlights that the sessions will adopt a broad perspective on innovation. Beyond AI, discussions will encompass novel business models, groundbreaking emerging technologies, and evolving production and creative workflows. These elements collectively demonstrate the industry's transformation and the new avenues it opens across the entire value chain.

Balancing Technology and Creativity: The Human Element in Storytelling

Samuel Castro, co-director of Iberseries & Platino Industria, underscores a crucial point: the essence of storytelling should always originate from human creativity and authorship. He emphasizes that AI should serve as an enabling tool, not as the ultimate goal itself. This perspective ensures that technological advancements enhance, rather than replace, the fundamental human aspect of artistic creation.

Showcasing Practical Applications: Case Studies in Audiovisual Technology

Under the thematic umbrella of 'Innovation Case Studies in the Audiovisual Industry: New Business Models, AI, and Emerging Technologies,' the program will present eight distinct case studies. These studies will illustrate how various companies are strategically deploying technology to overcome practical challenges encountered throughout the industry. Each presentation, approximately 12 minutes in length, will run from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on September 29.

Insights from Industry Leaders: A Conversation on Global Platforms

The following day, September 30, will feature an engaging conversation between acclaimed producer Rosa Bosch and Tanja Meissner, the Director of Berlinale Pro. Berlinale Pro oversees significant industry platforms including the European Film Market, Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents, and the World Cinema Fund. This discussion promises to offer valuable insights into global industry trends and collaborations.

PLIA: Revolutionizing Script-to-Production Workflow with AI

PLIA, an AI-driven production platform, has developed a comprehensive solution for film and audiovisual projects. This platform integrates all information generated during the creative and production phases into a single system. Its application on the feature film "Playback" will demonstrate how it streamlines script breakdown, pre-production planning, and production tracking, consolidating scripts, notes, budgets, and location data to enhance information management.

TBS: Bridging Physical and Virtual Production Environments

TBS – Tech Brand Stories, formerly Telefónica Broadcast Services, is Telefónica Group's creative production arm. This case study will explore the fusion of virtual production, augmented reality (AR), motion graphics, and AI, and how these technologies are being integrated into modern production settings. The presentation will showcase the convergence of creative and technical capabilities in live production, broadcast services, and content creation.

Hark Media – Go Global: Hybrid Dubbing for International Reach

Go Global specializes in localization for the entertainment sector, providing translation, subtitling, dubbing, and voice-over services to streaming platforms and production companies. The company will discuss the evolving role of AI in dubbing and how a hybrid approach, combining technology with human expertise, can facilitate the effective localization of content for global audiences.

Xpost Studios: Advancements in VFX and Post-Production Workflows

Xpost Studios, a part of Secuoya Content Group located in Madrid Content City, is a leading post-production and VFX facility. This session will highlight the application of new technologies to VFX and post-production processes, illustrating how innovation is transforming content processing and delivery. The studio offers comprehensive infrastructure for editing, color grading, sound post-production, and digital workflows.

Story Pitcher: Connecting Creators and Producers Digitally

Story Pitcher has developed an innovative digital platform designed to link screenwriters, directors, and other audiovisual creators with production companies and content platforms. This model utilizes AI-powered matching alongside legal protection tools, aiming to foster more direct connections between creative talent and key industry decision-makers, thereby streamlining the project development process.

Mercedes Santalla: Navigating Creative and Technology Projects from Talent to Market

Mercedes Santalla, a creative strategist and talent manager, focuses on projects and individuals at the intersection of creative endeavors and technology. Her session will explore the commercial and strategic aspects of bringing creative and technology-driven projects from conception to market, alongside the evolving dynamics between talent, technology, and business strategies.

Scoutters – Scout & Film: A Digital Solution for Location Scouting

Scoutters, a digital platform for location search and management by Spanish company Scout & Film, is built on extensive experience in managing locations for film and advertising. This platform connects location scouts, agencies, production companies, and film commissions with suitable filming locations. The case study will examine how digital tools are reshaping the traditional, location-based process of finding, managing, and presenting filming sites.

HaMo – Paramotion Films: Real-Time Animation and Digital Puppetry

Developed by Paramotion Films through the Next Lab Generation R&D initiative, HaMo is a real-time motion-capture system for 3D animation and digital puppetry. The system uses inertial sensors to capture an operator's physical movements, transferring them in real time to a CGI character via Unreal Engine. This technology enables virtual characters to perform live with human presenters and audiences, showcasing its potential for studios, live events, and social media, and illustrating the progression from prototype to production-ready technology.