AI Cafe: AI and the Truth
Exploring the state of AI as a tool for storytelling in the arenas of non-fiction content: documentaries, unscripted content.
Where has this been, where is it going, what are we learning so far, good and bad? What thrilling things are on the horizons?
Agenda
8:45 - 10 am • Coffee and Socialize
10 - 11 am • Talk and Presentation
August 28th, 2025
About: Fred Grinstein
Fred Grinstein is a creative executive/ media strategist based in Playa Vista, CA. With a seasoned background in premium film/ TV and new ventures in emergent technologies like AI, XR, and Web3, his goal is to build bridges between traditional content and the modern creator economy.
With two decades working in non-fiction media, he is keenly focused on the intersection of authentic storytelling and new innovative emergent technologies. Grinstein is a Fellow with Starling Labs and Stanford University, researching new prototypes for spatial storytelling and historical archival content via Gaussian splats. He consults with major unscripted production companies and non-fiction broadcasters like History and A&E, assisting their evolution into emergent technologies like AI. He also serves as lead instructor and co-creator for Curious Refuge’s “AI for Documentaries” online course.
He is an active member of the Los Angeles Gen AI community, he and his business partner, Minh Do co-founded the collective and creator community resource Machine Cinema that has been throwing “Gen Jam” events, workshops and day-long summits in LA, SF, and NY and beyond bringing together creatives and builders as well as the AI-curious. He’s also a keynote speaker and educator, having participated in major industry conferences, festivals, and universities.
Previously he served as Head of Non-Fiction Programming at Steve Golin’s Anonymous Content where projects include “Undercurrent: The Disappearance of Kim Wall”, directed by Erin Lee Carr for HBO, “At the Ready” from filmmaker Maisie Crow, (2021 Sundance), and "Murders Before the Marathon" a 3x60 for Hulu. As an independent, he recently served as Consulting Producer on "How I Faked My Life with AI" (2024 Tribeca Film Fest), "Hidden Letters" directed by Violet du Feng (Oscar’s shortlist 2023), and Executive Producer on “Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power” co-directed by Geeta Gandbhir and Sam Pollard (2022 Tribeca Film Fest).
Grinstein was VP of Development during the launch of Viceland, collaborating with the youth-skewing digital publishing team and Creative Director Spike Jonze; projects include ”Weediquette”, ”Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia”,and Ondi Timoner's “Jungletown“. He was also a Senior Director of Programming at A&E for 5 years where he was responsible for hit series “Storage Wars”, ”Dogs of War”, ”Dog the Bounty Hunter”, "Crazy Hearts: Nashville”, and ”Psychic Kids”. Prior to network life, his early producing credits include Discovery's "Cash Cab", PBS's "History Detectives", and Bravo's "Make Me a Supermodel".
About The KINN
The KINN is a membership network, accelerator, and collaborative workspace for conscious entrepreneurs, based in Venice, CA. Running tailored inner development and business accelerator programs for startups, providing executive coaching, accountability, and access to a top tier LA-based community of conscious entrepreneurs, creatives, intrapreneurs, and investors. If you're interested in learning more about KINN Membership please visit http://thekinn.co/apply
About Startup Coil
Networking for innovators to connect with like-minded individuals, startups and entrepreneurs. startupcoil.com
About Nerds of LA
Join Nerds of LA—where LA’s most innovative minds collide! We’re building the ultimate network by connecting with other powerhouse groups in the area, expanding our reach across the city. If you’re ready to link up with founders, VCs, AI visionaries, and innovators shaping the future, this is the group you’ve been looking for.
Pick your platform and join the conversation with LA’s tech community. 🤝 🦾
Highlights from previous special guests
Building Businesses from the Heart with Lavinia Errico, Co-Founder of Equinox
How to Scale Consciously with Ryan Blair
Founder Mental Health Pledge with Brad Baum
Art Show with Denise Di Novi
Operating Incubators with Reuben Vollmer
Malibu Love Affair with Brigitte Londo
Live Through Love with Ruben Rojas
Finding Stillness with Henry Mitchell
Smarter with Science! with Science Stanley and Zen Zachary
The Science of Charisma: The 7 Secrets of Public Speaking with Richard Greene
Unveiling the Human Experience with Paul Vincent
Note: By attending this event, I hereby give my permission to the Horizon House LLC, their Releases, and to the photographer, my free and unlimited consent and permission to publish/broadcast, republish/rebroadcast or exhibit in the furtherance of their work, with or without identification of me by name, any photographs, videos or audios of myself, that have been obtained from my participation in KINN or Horizon Studio activities. I furthermore waive any and all claims for any compensation by reason thereof or for damages for reasons thereof.