AI Audio in Entertainment: Key Takeaways from LA #TechWeek 2024

At LA #TechWeek 2024 on Thursday, Oct. 17, the session "AI Audio in Entertainment" brought together thought leaders in media and technology to explore the future of AI in Hollywood.

Panelists discussed how AI is revolutionizing the entertainment industry, from voice generation and dubbing to AI-powered sound effects, and the incredible opportunities these advancements bring.

Below are the key moments and insights from the session.

Panelists:

• Kate Lonczak, Agent, Digital Strategy at William Morris Endeavor (WME)
• Joel Kuwahara, Founder at Bentobox
• Jordan Newman, Head of Content Partnerships at Spotify
• Mati Staniszewski, Co-founder at ElevenLabs
• Moderator: Dustin Blank, Head of Partnerships at ElevenLabs

Key Insights & Panelist Highlights:

Kate Lonczak, Agent, Digital Strategy at WME

“AI opens up new creative possibilities, but it also presents challenges, especially around IP protection.” - Kate Lonczak, WME

• Kate emphasized that while AI creates numerous opportunities for content localization and brand expansion, ensuring that AI respects intellectual property rights is a top priority. AI tools, particularly in dubbing and audio translation, are helping talent and studios reach new markets and unlock fresh revenue streams.

Jordan Newman, Head of Content Partnerships at Spotify

“AI has been foundational for Spotify, allowing us to deliver personalized content experiences like never before.” - Jordan Newman, Spotify

• Jordan discussed Spotify's use of AI to power music and podcast recommendations. AI-generated chapters, transcripts, and smart clips have transformed the podcasting world, helping creators streamline their content while providing listeners with more tailored experiences. He also teased the exciting future of AI-powered digital personas in podcasts, hinting at deeper interactivity between hosts and listeners.

Mati Staniszewski, Co-founder at ElevenLabs

The biggest challenge for AI in audio is maintaining emotional authenticity. It’s critical that synthetic voices feel real.” - Mati Staniszewski, Co-founder at ElevenLabs

• Mati described how ElevenLabs is pushing the boundaries of synthetic voice technologies, ensuring AI can replicate the emotional tone and depth of human voices. The ability to create immersive, multilingual experiences without losing the emotional impact is a core focus for ElevenLabs. Mati also touched on the potential for conversational AI, where dynamic, interactive audio experiences could take entertainment to new heights.

Joel Kuwahara, Founder at Bentobox

“AI is revolutionizing every step of the animation process, but integrating it into existing workflows remains a challenge.” - Joel Kuwahara, BentoBox

• Joel highlighted how AI is improving efficiency in animation production, from script reading to voice recordings and post-production edits. He discussed the benefits of AI in simplifying workflows, especially in animation, where projects can take months to complete. However, he noted the need for continued testing to ensure AI tools maintain high-quality standards, particularly in artistic fields where human creativity is paramount.

Dustin Blank, Moderator, Head of Partnerships at ElevenLabs

“AI’s ability to iterate quickly is invaluable, especially when it comes to improving production quality.” - Dustin Blank, ElevenLabs

• Dustin underscored the importance of AI's rapid iteration cycles, which allow creatives to experiment, pivot, and refine content quickly. He believes AI is an opportunity for reinvention in the entertainment industry, enabling teams to explore new creative directions that would have been impossible in traditional workflows.

AI’s Impact on the Future of Entertainment:

As the session wrapped up, panelists agreed on a common theme: AI is not replacing creativity but amplifying it. With AI already transforming production processes, particularly in audio and animation, its role in shaping future media experiences is clear.

AI is not just a trend; it’s fundamentally transforming how content is created and consumed. From Spotify’s personalized playlists and AI DJs to ElevenLabs’ innovations in synthetic voices, the panelists agreed that AI is enhancing creativity, not replacing it. By automating labor-intensive processes and opening up new markets, AI is helping creators focus more on storytelling and less on production hurdles.

However, as discussed during the session, AI comes with challenges. Maintaining the emotional authenticity of AI-generated voices and ensuring intellectual property rights are upheld remain critical concerns. Yet, the future looks promising as AI technologies continue to mature, offering exciting opportunities for creatives, studios, and tech companies alike.

Stay tuned—AI in entertainment is just getting started, and its impact is bound to grow in the years ahead.

#TechWeek #AIAudio #EntertainmentInnovation #Spotify #ElevenLabs #WME #Bentobox