The Rise of Creative-Centered AI
Seedream: Curt Doty
How Hollywood's Future Depends on the Innovators, Not the Algorithms
The entertainment industry is no stranger to disruption. But few forces have struck Hollywood with the same level of anxiety—and promise—as artificial intelligence. For Renard T. Jenkins, President and CEO of I2A2 Technologies, Studios, and Labs, the rise of AI isn't a doomsday scenario—it's a creative renaissance waiting to happen.
“I’m a creative first and a curious engineer second,” Jenkins tells Curt Doty in the latest episode of RealmIQ: SESSIONS. It’s this unique hybrid of imagination and innovation that defines Jenkins’ outlook on AI, and it’s exactly what the industry needs right now.
From Fear to Function
Just a year ago, the film industry was gripped by fear. Writers, actors, and artists rallied against the unknowns of AI—from job loss to IP theft. But according to Jenkins, the mood is shifting. “We’re seeing more curiosity and adoption,” he explains. “There’s less talk about AI replacing jobs, and more focus on the jobs being created by it”.
Curt agrees, noting that “VFX and animation will push AI adoption forward more than any other sector in Hollywood.” And he’s right. Animation pipelines are evolving. VFX workflows are becoming hybrid systems. Even voice acting—one of the more ethically fraught areas—is facing the challenge of synthetic voices with creative pragmatism rather than panic.
The Rise of the AI Studio
Studios like Promise and Staircase are leading the charge, proving that AI isn’t just a toy for techies—it’s a powerful extension of storytelling. “They’re showing that AI is a viable tool for creation,” says Jenkins. But it’s not about eliminating humans from the process. It’s about enhancing creativity through collaboration—with machines as partners, not replacements.
Curt adds a sharp observation: “True creatives need to take the reins of AI, or we'll stay stuck in this AI slop era.” In other words, the real innovation won't come from AI startups or big tech—it’ll come from seasoned filmmakers who know how to use these tools to tell better stories.
AI Isn’t Cheap—Or Easy
There’s a persistent myth that AI will make production cheaper. Jenkins is quick to dismiss it. “It’s a CFO’s fever dream,” he laughs. “Studios think they can save money with AI, but quality storytelling is still a human endeavor. You can’t cut your way to profitability.”
Instead, what’s needed is what Jenkins calls “inclusive innovation”—building tools with creatives at the center of the design process. “We don’t just build tech for tech’s sake,” he explains. “We build with purpose, and always with the user in mind”.
The Independent Studio Reboot
As traditional studios contract, Jenkins sees opportunity for independent creators. “The big studios are going to shift from content creators to content distributors,” he predicts. That means the rise of smaller, more agile studios capable of pushing boundaries and experimenting in ways that corporate giants simply can’t.
And it’s already happening. Jenkins points to projects like “Chickaboom,” a hybrid AI and traditional animation short that took over a thousand prompts to create a single character. “This isn’t one-click filmmaking,” he reminds us. “It’s tedious, iterative, and requires real artistic skill.”
Blockchain, DRM, and Ownership
Beyond creation, AI is also forcing a rethink of rights management. Jenkins sees blockchain as part of the solution. “It’s not just about piracy,” he says. “It’s about renumerating the creators every step of the way.” Imagine content with contracts baked into the pixels—where every view, remix, or adaptation sends royalties to the original artists. “That’s the promise of blockchain in entertainment,” he adds.
Not AI-First. Creative-First.
While many companies race to slap “AI-first” on their branding, Jenkins urges caution. “We’re not AI-first. We’re creative-first,” he says. The technology is the tool—not the star. And for Jenkins, the future belongs to those who remember that.
“I’ve seen too many people get enamored with the shiny object,” he warns. “But real value comes when creatives drive the innovation, not when engineers build in a vacuum”.
The Path Ahead
Hollywood is at a crossroads. The old systems—bloated, risk-averse, and profit-driven—are crumbling. But Jenkins believes that out of this chaos, a new model will emerge: one driven by individual creators, powered by AI, and built on collaboration, inclusivity, and imagination.
“AI alone won’t save Hollywood,” he concludes. “But independent studios will rise and redefine the industry”.
That’s not just a prediction. It’s a call to action.
About the Author
Curt Doty is a former studio executive and award-winning creative director with deep leadership experience across the entertainment and branding industries. Ten years in Television. Ten Years in Movies.
As the founder of CurtDoty.co, a creative consultancy, Curt has led integrated marketing, multi-channel storytelling, branding, identity, and user experience initiatives for a diverse roster of clients.
Over the past 15 years, Curt has leaned into innovation—leading R&D projects at Apple, Toshiba, and Microsoft, and pioneering interactive content for mobile, Blu-ray, and multi-touch eBooks at Trailer Park and Bemis Balkind.
Today, Curt’s work also explores the intersection of AI and entertainment. A sought-after fractional leader (CCO, CMO), speaker, and AI educator, he focuses on demystifying AI for creatives and executives alike. Speaker Kit is here.
He also hosts RealmIQ: Sessions, a podcast spotlighting thought leaders in tech, content, and design—continuing his role as a visionary voice in the future of creativity.
