AI on the Lot 2026 — 4th Annual AI & Media Conference, May 27–28, Culver City CA

Paul Schrader will comment on how AI is changing the way films are made and what that means for auteur filmmakers. Paul will reflect on his own prolific career, the practical challenges filmmakers of his generation faced, how he directs AI within his departments, and what AI means for the next generation.

From Sir Michael Caine to Darth Vader to Hasbro, ElevenLabs has facilitated the industry's largest AI voice deals. A new legendary figure from Media & Entertainment will now join ElevenLabs' Iconic Marketplace. Join our global premiere of this groundbreaking deal.

More and more production houses are vibe-coding bespoke, production-ready tools. In this session, one of Hollywood's most in-demand vibe coders contracted by several major studios will walk attendees through planning and creating their own tools using AI. No technical experience required. Laptops highly recommended. Attendees will leave with their own personal tool and the ability to keep building more.

A live, improvisational workshop using Suno to score a real film scene. A filmmaker will bring in a finished scene with no music and we'll work with live musicians and Suno to build an epic cinematic score in real time, showing how directors can move from instinct to reference to finished music fast. Laptops encouraged, but necessary. Warning: attendees may be asked to sing.

The Startup Showcase

Ten startups serving film and entertainment pitch for six minutes each to a room of investors, studio execs, and top technical talent. Companies range from video creation platforms to copyright flagging to fandom data layers. A panel of studio venture and media investors reacts.

Playable IP: The New Economics of Fandoms

AI is turning fans into creators and marketing engines inside existing story worlds. Demand is clear; economics, IP dilution, and the tech required for studios to engage are not. A map of the landscape.

Inside the AI Studios

Six of the most talented AI-forward production houses give lightning presentations on business model, process, and house style. A fast tour of six different approaches to the current market.

The Economics of AI Influencers

Synthetic characters are pulling millions of followers. Hollywood wants to know: what are they, do people actually like them, and do they make money? Creators behind the top accounts talk with creator-economy investors.

What’s the User Interface for Creativity?

How should AI tools look and behave so filmmakers can actually use them? Designers from market-leading products discuss life beyond chat and node graphs, current paradigms in agentic filmmaking, and where the next two years are headed.