How tech is changing creativity and story telling in the film industry
Is ok to park in Tesla lot across the street, we just need to make sure not to leave any cars overnight.
Ignites Studios proudly hosts our fantastic panel featuring Jarom Sidwell, Lucas McGraw, Shona Kay and Matthew Havertz. They will discuss how AI and other technologies are changing the film industry and production process.
Jarom Sidwell is a Hollywood visual effects producer known for his work on blockbuster films such as The Avengers, Avatar, The Hobbit, The Adventures of TinTin, Man of Steel and Transformers, among others. The highlight of his career though, was being an especially ugly Gundabad Orc in the The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies.
Lucas James McGraw is a filmmaker, producer, and storyteller with over 20 years of experience in content creation. With certifications in VR and generative AI from MIT and Oxford, Lucas has integrated emerging technologies as essential tools in his creative process. Since delving into AI, he has produced numerous AI-driven short films and promotional spots for clients, earned 6th place in an AI Christmas Short Film Festival, and adopted AI as his primary previsualization tool. As the co-founder of the Community Film Project, Lucas is dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation, leveraging all technology to make high-quality storytelling accessible and inspiring for creators of all levels. Recently honored with multiple Utah Best of State Awards for short films, Lucas continues to explore how AI can push the boundaries of what’s possible in filmmaking.
Shona Kay is a British actress, producer, and inspirational speaker whose passion for storytelling and creativity has left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. Born Shona Krekelberg to an English mother and Dutch father, she began her career as a sought-after model, working with international agencies in San Francisco and London. Quickly rising as one of her agency’s most-booked talents, she transitioned into acting after discovering her love for the craft.
Shona earned an AS in Performing Arts from South East Essex College before moving to the U.S. at age 19 to attend Brigham Young University and immerse herself in the world of film. She is best known for her performances in Beautiful Beast (2013), Cyborg X (2016), and Austentatious (2015). Beyond acting, Shona’s passion for storytelling extends behind the camera as a producer and onto the stage as a speaker, inspiring audiences with her journey of reinvention and resilience.
Shona currently lives a full and joyful life with her husband, Todd Moyer, whom she married in 2009, and their four children. Whether on screen, behind the scenes, or delivering powerful messages, Shona is dedicated to uplifting others and encouraging them to embrace their own creative potential.
Matthew Havertz works professionally to discover how to use artificial intelligence to save time or decrease costs for the Publishing Services Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This includes AI audio, chatbots, translation projects, and more. He also uses several AI tools personally every day.
Co-Host: Tesla