I had the privilege of attending CES 2025 and the Digital Hollywood conference in Las Vegas January 7-10, 2025 which reshaped my perspective on AI and other technical innovations, as they apply to media production. Attending in person was truly valuable, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the future of media and entertainment. The events showcased groundbreaking technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), which are reshaping content creation, distribution, and the media production landscape.
From automated video editing and 3D animation, to personalized viewer experiences, CES 2025 was a central meeting place for innovations. The thought-provoking panels at Digital Hollywood provided lively interchanges among industry experts.
Far from being a comprehensive review, here are a few key takeaways. I tried to tailor them for Annex Pro’s Canadian customers in film, television, music, animation, VFX, gaming, and adjacent sectors.
The Power of AI: Transforming Media Production
AI’s Growing Influence on Media Production
AI is no longer a buzzword—it’s a transformative force in the media and entertainment sectors. Panels like “AI Entertainment & Consumer Technology Visionaries” revealed how AI is being leveraged across pre-production, production, and post-production processes.
- Key Players Leading the AI Revolution
- Metaphysic Studios: Robert Zemeckis’ “Here” showcased AI’s potential to de-age actors (in this case Tom Hanks and Robin Wright), pushing the boundaries of VFX.
- NVIDIA’s Vision for Media2: Collaborations with companies like Sky in the UK are pioneering new ways to enhance live sports and entertainment accessibility through voice-activated commands and contextual content delivery.
Impact on Workforce and Productivity
AI isn’t about replacing jobs but redefining them.
- Richard Kerris of NVIDIA contended that while fewer artists might be needed per project, the industry is expanding which means increased opportunities for creators.
- Studios could potentially handle multiple projects simultaneously, thanks to AI-enabled efficiencies. According to Ed Ulbrich of Metaphysic “Yes, it takes fewer people to do a project, but that just means people can do more projects.”
Adjacent Sectors Seeing Growth
The rise of corporate video, marketing, advertising, and live events is fueling demand for creative professionals. AI tools are enabling high-quality content production beyond Hollywood’s borders.
Democratization of Filmmaking: Empowering Indie Creators
Affordable and Accessible Technology
CES 2025 emphasized that AI and affordable tech are leveling the playing field for independent filmmakers.
- Tools like Blackmagic Design’s Ursa Cine Immersive camera and Avid’s AI-enhanced editing software (e.g., Avid Ada) make professional-grade production accessible to small teams.
- Autodesk’s acquisition of Wonder Dynamics highlights its commitment to providing tools like Wonder Studio, which automates character animation and VFX workflows, empowering creators at every budget level.
Expanded Opportunities for Diverse Voices
With reduced costs and advanced distribution models, indie creators can now compete on a global stage. Platforms like Sora, although still in development, offer creators a space to test ambitious ideas with lower risks.
The Next Frontier: Immersive Technologies
AI, XR, and Spatial Computing
The “AI, Cinematic, Spatial and XR: The Next Level of Creativity” panel, led by industry luminary Ted Schilowitz, explored how AI and extended reality (XR) are enabling unparalleled storytelling.
- These tools offer personalized viewer experiences and enhance creative possibilities through spatial computing.
Balancing Creativity with Ethical Responsibility
Schilowitz emphasized the importance of ethical AI use, ensuring technology augments rather than replaces human creativity.
Ethics and Legal Challenges in AI
The rapid integration of AI in media production raises pressing ethical and legal questions.
- The “AI and the Crisis of Creative Rights” panel addressed concerns about deepfakes, intellectual property violations, and the need for stringent guidelines to protect creators.
- Annex Pro partners with companies that put ethical and legal considerations first and we avoid fringe suppliers that may not have a strong focus on responsible AI integration.
Strategic Takeaways for Annex Pro Customers
1. Embrace AI Tools for Efficiency and Creativity
AI-driven tools offer unparalleled efficiency and creative potential.
- Annex Pro’s partnerships with Autodesk, Avid, Dolby, Adobe, Dell, Apple and others ensure Canadian creators access cutting-edge solutions.
- Live and online events hosted by Annex Pro provide hands-on experience with these technologies. Here’s a video recap of a recent AI-focused event we hosted in Toronto
2. Support Independent Creators
Affordable, high-quality tools empower independent storytellers across industries, from corporate communications to esports and live events. Annex Pro is committed to supporting these creators with technical expertise and resources.
3. Address Ethical and Legal Implications
As AI becomes ubiquitous, ethical considerations are paramount. Annex Pro aligns with partners that prioritize responsible AI use, guiding customers through potential challenges.
Pivotal Industry Shifts: The Need for Agility
The insights from CES 2025 underline a critical need for adaptability:
- For Annex Pro, this means expanding into adjacent markets such as advertising, corporate communications, and industrial design. We of course continue to specialize in traditional media production sectors like VFX and animation.
- For creators, leveraging AI and embracing democratized technologies will be key to staying competitive.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Media Production
The innovations at CES 2025 showcase a promising future for media production—a future where technology amplifies creativity and provides tools for everyone to bring their visions to life.
Annex Pro is dedicated to helping customers navigate this evolving landscape, offering expert guidance, innovative tools, and reliable support. Whether you’re looking to integrate AI solutions or explore new opportunities, we’re here to help you succeed.
Get Started with Annex Pro
To explore AI-driven solutions or address specific challenges in your media production workflows, contact Annex Pro today.
Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in the film “Here”
Jensen Hwang’s NVIDIA keynote at CES2025
Kerry Corlett and Rachael Appleton, Autodesk Senior Director of Business Strategy for Media & Entertainment
Kerry Corlett and Ted Schilowitz
