​Back by popular demand: ​Building on the overwhelming success of our recent panel event, 1985 Capital is excited to present another high-impact discussion focused on the future of storytelling. This time, we’re diving into the timely topic of AI’s role in entertainment. 

​About this Event

​​AI is fundamentally reshaping the entertainment industry - revolutionizing creative development, streamlining production, and transforming how content is personalized and distributed. As AI's capabilities and influence exponentially grow, industry leaders and executives must determine how to integrate this technology effectively, balancing innovation with creative integrity.

​​This invite-only event will examine the most pressing questions facing the industry:

• ​​AI 101: What is AI’s current and future role in entertainment? What are its real capabilities and what is just hype?

• ​Innovation & Strategy: How are top media and tech companies integrating AI into content creation and business models and workflows?

• ​Opportunities & Risks: What are the biggest wins, bets, challenges, and ethical dilemmas in AI-powered entertainment?

• ​Creativity in the AI Age: Can AI augment and enhance human creativity and originality?

​​Come for a compelling discussion exploring AI’s real impact on entertainment - beyond the buzz. Stay for high-level networking with top executives shaping the industry's future.

​Our panelists & co-moderators

​​Meet our powerhouse lineup of AI experts, top technologists, and entertainment executives who will break down AI’s impact on the industry—sharing bold insights, real-world applications, and predictions of what’s next.

​Chad Nelson is an acclaimed creative director, technology strategist, and creative specialist at OpenAI. His projects include launching the award-winning, AI-based animated short, CRITTERZ, creating the first AI-based Vogue cover, and collaborating on OpenAI’s research of its text-to-video model, Sora. With over 25 years in interactive design and entertainment, Chad’s experience spans video games, social media, TV, and mobile applications, where he has worked with companies such as Intel, Microsoft, Sky, Sony, and Virgin.

​Dylan Leiner is Executive Vice President of Acquisitions, Production & Business Affairs at Sony Pictures Classics, overseeing acquisitions, production and business affairs. He has played a key role in bringing acclaimed films like THE FATHER, WHIPLASH, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME and the recent BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN to global audiences. Under his tenure, Sony Classics has earned over 150 Academy Award nominations and over 30 Oscar wins, including I'M STILL HERE's recent Academy Award win for Best International Feature. Dylan is also a co-founder of the Marcie Bloom Fellowship in Film, a mentorship program, and NYFEST, a film and entertainment soccer tournament benefiting underserved youth.

​John Jelley serves as SVP, Product & User Experience, Global Streaming, NBCUniversal. Jelley is responsible for the product and design of the platform’s viewing experience in the U.S. and international territories. Most recently, he spearheaded Peacock’s user experience for the 2024 Paris Olympics, creating innovative features which helped fans navigate over 5,000 hours of Olympics coverage.

​Kit Colbert is a technology advisor and investor, focusing on early-stage technology startups. He was formerly Chief Technology Officer for VMware, driving technical strategy, innovation, and platform engineering for the company. He coordinated VMware's AI and Generate AI efforts, including new product incubation.

​Co-moderators:

• ​Hayden Goldblatt is a Partner and Co-Chair of the Entertainment Group at Frankfurt Kurnit. He represents a wide range of industry clients and specializes in entertainment financing, offering valuable perspectives on the evolving media landscape.

• ​Jeremy S. Goldman is a partner in the Litigation Group and Co-Chair of the Emerging Technology Group, specializing in entertainment, media, intellectual property, commercial, and privacy law. A recognized thought leader on AI-related legal issues, he has served as an expert witness in high-profile cases and litigated landmark fair use cases that stand as the key precedent in the ongoing AI and copyright disputes.

​Event timeline

​​6:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Doors open & networking over light refreshments

​​6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Panel discussion and audience Q&A

​​7:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Closing networking

​Frankfurt Kurnit is one of the most respected media and entertainment law firms in the United States with offices in New York and Los Angeles. The firm represents clients in the film, television, theater, podcast, fashion and music industries, including actors, writers, directors, producers, and other talent. Frankfurt Kurnit also represents financing, production, distribution, broadcast, and media companies - as well as high level corporate executives at these companies.

​​About 1985 Capital: Founded by Matthew Sun-Jin Rodriguez, 1985 Capital is where leaders and executives connect, ideas collide, and the future of media, entertainment and tech takes shape. We curate conversations and gatherings at the highest levels - while also investing and championing early tech founders and storytellers from underserved communities. If interested in collaborating or learning more, reach out to matt@1985capital.com