Exclusive: Dominic Hughes, an expert in algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence who led AI initiatives at Apple for more than a decade, has been named chief scientific officer at AGBO.
In the newly created position, Hughes will work with AGBO’s internal teams to guide the development and implementation of AI, with the goal of harnessing the potential of AI to enhance the creative process.
Founded in 2017 by filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is a multifaceted production company behind feature films such as Netflix’s The Gray Man and Extraction and series such as Prime Video’s Citadel. It’s a company. The company is also increasing its capabilities in areas such as virtual production and gaming. Earlier this year, the company created an innovation division and staffed it with pedigree executives.
Hughes has decades of academic and applied experience in developing machine learning technologies and models at leading research institutions and leading companies. He received his Ph.D. He received his PhD from the University of Oxford and held research positions in the Computer Science and Mathematics departments at Stanford University.
After co-founding and serving as principal investigator for the personalized audio news app Swell, he led the development and implementation of Apple’s AI and language models for Apple News after Apple acquired Swell in 2014.
Hughes is currently a visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley.
“The entertainment industry is evolving at breakneck speed, and we have never felt more energized by its possibilities,” the Russos said in a statement. “At AGBO, we are relentlessly focused on a creative-led approach to technology and innovation. Dr. Hughes works with writers, directors, crew and technicians to help artists tell their boldest and most ambitious stories. It helps us imagine new ways to do things.”
Hollywood’s creative community is still processing the emergence of more sophisticated forms of AI in recent years. This will be a key issue for the 2023 dual strike, and the WGA and SAG-AFTRA have finally secured some important protections on this front. While some concerns remain, a wide range of companies are exploring the benefits of this technology.
“This is an exciting time to partner with creative visionaries to develop the next generation of filmmaking technology,” Hughes said. “AGBO’s long-standing approach to adopting and adapting technologically advanced filmmaking techniques positions us well in this era of discovery. Working with their wide range of creators, artists shaping the future of storytelling We look forward to developing AI-driven solutions.”
AGBO partner Chris Brearton said Hughes “adds valuable perspective and academic rigor to our exploratory approach to emerging technologies and innovation.”
Angela Russo-Ottostott, AGBO’s chief creative officer, worked closely with Hughes to ensure the company developed and leveraged the appropriate proprietary, third-party, and public technologies. I will.
“As a company of writers, directors and staff, AGBO is determined to ensure that new technologies are developed by the creative community,” Russo-Ottstot said. “We are excited to work with Dr. Hughes to develop tools and processes that allow artists to be more precise, more streamlined, and even more creative.”
