FEARLESS MEDIA: The Future Of Entertainment, Media & Tech

Interview with Character.AI CEO Karan Anand: From AI Companion Chatbot to AI Entertainment Company?

Sat, 09 May 2026 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I feature my exclusive interview with Karan Anand, CEO of Character.AI — the controversial “AI companion chatbot” company that has been at the center of the AI storm (including tragic stories of teens who commit suicide after having established deep relationships with their chatbots).

Likely surprising to many of you (it was to me), Character.AI is now pivoting to be first and foremost an AI entertainment company — courting major studios and creators alike to build and monetize fandom. This is Anand’s elevator pitch: “Think if Roblox, TikTok, and Wattpad had a baby ... this is what Character.AI is rapidly evolving into.”

But can Character.AI successfully make this pivot? And how credible and powerful is its new pitch, including on the critical issues of teen safety? Can the company gain the trust of major studios, IP owners and celebs/influencers from whom they'd like to license content for fandom?

I ask Anand the hard questions. And to his credit, he doesn’t shy away from any of them.

It’s an important, fascinating, and candid conversation — and Peter and Karan covered a lot of ground in 60 minutes, every minute of which is newsworthy.

NOTE: After our interview, Character.AI asked me to include its official response to the new litigation filed by the state of Pennsylvania. Here it is.

“We do not comment on pending litigation. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our users.

The user-created Characters on our site are fictional and intended for entertainment and roleplaying. We have taken robust steps to make that clear, including prominent disclaimers in every chat to remind users that a Character is not a real person and that everything a Character says should be treated as fiction. Also, we add robust disclaimers making it clear that users should not rely on Characters for any type of professional advice.

Character.ai prioritizes responsible product development and has robust internal reviews and red-teaming processes in place to assess relevant features.”

Reach out to host Peter Csathy at peter@creativemedia.biz, and check out Peter's entertainment, media, AI and tech-focused business advisory and legal services firm Creative Media. You can also sign up for his free generative AI-focused newsletter "the brAIn" on Substack (via this link) -- all about how generative AI is transforming the media and entertainment industry.

AI & Copyright: Latest Legal & Business Developments (Digital Hollywood Session)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700

This week I feature last week’s exclusive Digital Hollywood expert panel discussion about AI and copyright — the latest legal and business updates.

I moderated this great panel, which featured AI expert lawyers Lisa Oratz of Perkins Coie, Anthony Glukhov of the RAMO firm, and Jonathan Handel of Feig, Finkel — together with AI and marketing expert Albert Thompson of Walton Isaacson.

We covered a lot of ground in 50 minutes — and it’s worth listening to all of it. You’ll learn a lot, no matter what role you play in the worlds of media, entertainment, AI and tech.

Seedance 2.0 & Hollywood's New "AI Trade War"

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Just when you thought Hollywood’s increasingly open embrace of AI coincided with newly emerging AI economics and Big Tech norms of engagement, we have a major plot twist. TikTok’s owner from China, ByteDance, just re-launched largely guardrail-less Seedance 2.0 worldwide — and the Hollywood industry’s latest AI pariah is now readily available in the U.S.

Welcome to the new “AI Trade War!”

In this episode, the co-hosts discuss Peter Csathy's article of the same name which tackles the subject - and lays out the implications. (Peter generated the episode using Google NotebookLM - listened to it - and approves the content.)

Musicians: Yes, You CAN Recapture Your U.S. Copyrights Even If You Have a U.K. Contract

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0700

This episode features a "deep dive" discussion based on host Peter Csathy's recent article of the same name (here's the link), in which Csathy writes that Artists and Musicians can, in fact, recapture their U.S. copyrights to their songs, recordings and other creative works even if they originally signed publishing and recording agreements under U.K. law (or other international law).

It's conventional wisdom in the music industry that the now infamous U.K. "Duran Duran" court case blocks a Musician's recapture of their U.S. copyrights. But Csathy debunks that conclusion, and lays out why Section 203 of the U.S. Copyright Act (the relevant reversion right) is an absolute right that cannot be taken away by U.K. or any other contractual law.

Csathy represents Musicians in music catalog deals, and has negotiated and facilitated deals on behalf of music icons and legends that include Devo, Prince, A Flock of Seagulls, Boston, Air Supply, Sheila E., Count Basie, Sarah McLachlan, Half Pint, and Wailing Souls.

His Artist-first music catalog representation and advisory firm is DEEP CUTS MEDIA (deepcutsmedia.com), and Csathy can be reached either at peter@deepcutsmedia.com or peter@creativemedia.biz.

"AI Meets Hollywood" Business & Legal Summit at the Television Academy

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700

A few weeks ago, I joined a panel of experts at the Television Academy for a packed house Academy-only “AI Summit” weekend session. We discussed the latest business, legal, and regulatory AI issues and developments that impact Hollywood and the overall media and entertainment community. I tackled many of the business issues — including the latest licensing news and business models.

For the first time, non-Academy members can listen to this closed door session here on my podcast.

So, sit back. Grab your popcorn. And enjoy. Think you’ll get a lot out of it.

Audio courtesy of the Television Academy. Special thanks to the Academy and to our great moderator at the event, Holly Leff-Pressman.

OpenAI's $1 Billion Reality Check: AI Compute Costs Crush Sora's Video Dreams

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I feature a fascinating "deep dive" of my newsletter with the same title - generated using Google NotebookLM (all prompts were mine, and I approve the episode's content).

Here’s the headline: OpenAI killed Sora and its $1 billion deal with Disney due to the sheer economics of boundless consumer generative AI video, not AI tech. Enterprise use is in focus.

Here are the top 5 takeaways:

The "Compute Tax" is Unaffordable: High-quality video requires massive electricity and infrastructure; even for OpenAI, the cost of consumer-scale video generation is currently unsustainable.
Pivot from Toys to Utility: The industry is shifting from flashy consumer "toys" (like Sora) toward "Agentic AI" that handles high-value enterprise tasks like coding and logistics.
Rise of "Invisible" Professional AI: AI isn't disappearing; it’s moving into "unseen" professional workflows to solve specific production friction and VFX bottlenecks rather than replacing creators.
Prioritizing IPO-Ready Revenue: As OpenAI nears an IPO, it is abandoning costly consumer experiments in favor of scalable, enterprise-grade tools that offer clearer returns.
A Reality Check for Human Artistry: The dream of "prompting" a blockbuster from a couch has failed, reaffirming that human taste, skill, and creative effort remain essential.

Market Substitution: Generative AI's "Fair Use" Fail

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I feature a fascinating "deep dive" of my newsletter titled "Market Substitution: Generative AI's 'Fair Use' Fail" that I generated using Google NotebookLM (all prompts were mine, and I approve the episode's content).

Here’s the headline: the Creative Community now has AI on its copyright litigation heels. That means that the “3 C’s” of so-called “ethical AI” — Consent, Credit and Compensation — are now taking hold via accelerating licensing deals and emerging “usage based” business models.

Here are the Key Take-Aways:

3 “fair use” decisions so far (Bartz v. Anthropic, Kadrey v. Meta, Thomson Reuters v. Ross Intelligence). Anthropic settled for $1.5 Billion due to court pressure. Other two cases pending (Thomson Reuters’ decision is on appeal).
Both Judges in Kadrey & Thomson Reuters focused on “market substitution” as the key rationale to beat back AI’s “fair use” defense, following the Supreme Court’s most recent copyright case (Andy Warhol Foundation v. Goldsmith).
Meta prevailed on “fair use,” but the Judge made it clear that Meta would have lost if plaintiffs’ lawyers made the right “market substitution” arguments.
Courts’ increased skepticism of AI’s “fair use” defense is fueling accelerating AI settlements and content licensing activity, which is good for both AI and media.
New “usage based” AI content licensing models are being defined right now, following the same pattern as we’ve seen in past massive technology shifts impacting the entertainment industry. Napster’s music theft led to new streaming royalties. YouTube’s content IP theft led to its ContentID system.

Maybe AI WILL Save the World? The "Forced Utopia" Paradox

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0800

Occasionally, I'll take a break from my exlusive 1-1 interviews with top movers and shakers in the AI and media/entertainment worlds to feature fascinating "deeper dives" of my articles (that I generate, and approve, via Google NotebookLM).

This is one such "deep dive" - based on my recent newsletter article titled, "Maybe AI WILL Save the World? Join My Journey of Unbridled AI Optimism." I handled all the prompting - listened to the entire episode before posting it - and stand behind its contents (which accurately reflect my article and the issues surrounding it - including my vision of an inevitable "forced Utopia" even under the rosiest of AI "Accelerationist" scenarios).

I think you'll find engaging, thought-provoking, and enlightening. But let me know what you think. Send me a note to peter@creativemedia.biz.

AI Regulation Isn't Dead In D.C. (But It's Damn Close): Moiya McTier Discusses The Latest

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0800

What happens when the chief spokesperson and lobbyist for the Human Artistry Campaign (the coalition of 180+ creative and Artist organizations worldwide) sits down to discuss the state of AI regulation and legislation in D.C.? You get a fascinating conversation with Dr. Moiya McTier. Moiya has spent time on Capitol Hill with members of Congress in support of the creative community’s interests.

Here are some highlights of our discussion:

Legislative Progress: Federal legislation isn’t dead. But it’s certainly not moving fast, although bi-partisan support isgrowing for the NO FAKES Act (digital replicas) and the TRAIN Act (data transparency).
“Stealing Isn’t Innovation”: Moiya discusses the Human Artistry Campaign’s recently launched “Stealing Isn’t Innovation” campaign, which educates the public on how AI models are trained using unlicensed data without permission.
Ethical AI Standards: True ethical AI requires a framework of consent, credit, and compensation.
Identity Protection: AI is uniquely dangerous because it can mimic an artist’s voice, likeness, and style, threatening their professional identity.
Intrinsic Value of Art: Over-reliance on AI risks “creative atrophy” by removing the essential human struggle of expression.

35 minutes. Zero fluff. Total insight.

AI Revenue Sharing for Content: It Works (& ProRata.ai Shows the Way)

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode, I revisit my conversation with Josh Freeman, VP of Business Development of "must watch" company ProRata.ai, which sits at the center of the generative AI/content divide. The company recently raised an additional $40 million (bringing its total haul to over $70 million). Its vision is to solve one of the most challenging issues at the center of generative AI — i.e., the use of IP/content without consent, compensation and attribution.

Josh tells me that the company's proprietary tech can do three critical things: (1) identify “proportionate attribution” to content sources used for generative AI training purposes, based on each source’s relative contribution to the ultimate GenAI output/display; (2) enable reporting of that attribution/contribution; and (3) enable ongoing payments to the relevant rights-holders.

Since this episode first posted one year ago, ProRata also launched its own AI search chatbot, Gist Answers, to compete directly with Perplexity, Gemini, ChatGPT and others in AI search. But unlike those AI chatbots, ProRata.ai says it does it “ethically” — training its AI models on — and then outputting/displaying — only licensed content sources.

The company counts 1,500+ media partners, including The Atlantic, The Guardian, Sky News and Vox. And here’s the fascinating part. The company gives its partners an ongoing 50/50 revenue split on any revenues generated by Gist Answers (not just a single up-front licensing payment).

Beyond The Swipe: Your New 24/7 AI Dating Coach (Just In Time for Valentine's Day)

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800

What happens when an entrepreneur looking for love finds dating perils instead? She builds a new AI dating App to spot those relationship red flags and deliver real-time coaching and safety. My interview today is with Blair Golden, Founder & CEO of Pair — your always-on personal AI dating coach that just launched in the App Store last week.

Blair & I Discuss:

The “Dating Jungle” Inspiration. Blair’s motivation came from her personal return to dating after her divorce, an experience she describes as an “unsupervised and unsafe circus.”
Bridging the Gap Between Therapy and Dating. She realized that professional dating advice is too expensive or unavailable when dating “disasters” actually occur. “As we all know, dating disasters don’t wait for Tuesday at 3 PM!”
The Need for a Real-Time Confidant. “What if I had a wise, calm, judgment-free coach and confidant in my pocket? Someone I could ask, in real time, ‘Is this a red flag, or am I overthinking?’”
Safety and Empowerment. “Desiring to help empower women and provide a new level of safety to all daters.”
Trusting Your Intuition. “Pair is built to help singles trust their gut when spotting red flags and cut ties with toxic people faster.”

30 minutes. Zero fluff. Total insight. Just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Advertising's Top AI Disruptor PJ Ace: Rewriting The Rules (& Turning Down Super Bowl Ads)

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800

What happens when the top AI disruptor in the world of advertising, PJ Accetturo (aka PJ Ace, the “Viral AI Ad Madman”) — founder and CEO of leading AI creative studio and agency Genre AI — sits down to talk shop? You get a fascinating, blunt discussion of how AI is fundamentally transforming the world of big brand and Hollywood studio advertising and production.

PJ and I discuss:

How Genre AI broke out with its AI-hyper fueled ad for prediction market, Kalshi – an ad that was viewed tens of millions of times. Since then, Oracle, Popeyes, Qatar Airlines have chosen Genre – and now, so do major Hollywood studios. You’ll learn why (hint: it’s a race to quality; not to the bottom).
Why PJ turned down the opportunity to produce a massive Super Bowl ad.
AI’s power to slash production costs & time-frames, without sacrificing quality. PJ walks us through the overall production process. Where AI shines. And where AI has limitations.
The unchallenged power of human creativity for high quality ideation, pre and post-production. PJ’s team includes top directors and talent from film & television — critical differentiators from other AI studios. And he doesn’t expect that to change.

45 minutes. Zero fluff. Total insight.

Google's Head of Content: On AI, Hollywood & AI's 4th Dimension of Storytelling

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800

What happens when Google’s head of entertainment content & platforms, Jon Zepp, sits down to talk shop? You get one of Big Tech’s leading AI “insiders” whose focus is to work with the creative community — and to overcome friction, and focus instead on unlocking new creative possibilities.

I interview Jon about it all in this episode. He deeply respects Artists — is one of the sharpest minds I know — and is a true lover of the world of entertainment and content.

Jon and I discuss:

Google’s Creative Partnership with Filmmakers Darren Aronofsky and Doug Liman: Why those Auteurs behind classic films like “Black Swan” and “Swingers” chose to work with the biggest AI/Tech company on the planet — and how they overcame understandable Artist trepidation.
Google’s New 100 ZEROS Project: It’s an eye-opening new creative direction for Google. And just in time for the Academy Awards, 100 ZEROS has a small co-production role in 9-time Oscar nominated film “Sentimental Value” — a relationship that, interestingly, has nothing to do with AI.
AI’s Unlock of a New 4th Dimension of Storytelling: Jon lays out an “a-ha” moment for me, in terms of understanding new creative possibilities unlocked with AI (which still keeps human artists/creatives firmly in control).

45 minutes. Zero fluff. Total insight.

AI & Creative Control - A Conversation with Andy Beach, former CTO Microsoft (M&E)

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800

Creative Media's Peter Csathy and Andy Beach, former Microsoft CTO and Head of AI Strategy (Media & Entertainment), discuss: (1) Disney's $1 billion investment into OpenAI; (2) Apple's decision to partner with Google for Apple Intelligence; (3) Microsoft's new AI Publisher's Content Marketplace; (4) Matthew McConaughey's efforts to trademark himself for AI purposes (alright, alright, alright!); and (5) the true meaning (and ramifications) of creative "control" in an increasingly generative AI world.

You can learn more about Andy Beach via his Substack "Engines of Change: Technology, Media, and the Attention Economy."

Series Debut: AI Media Masterclass: CES Expert Panel - Content Licensing/Pricing, Copyright/Fair Use

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800

In this debut episode 1 of the brAIn for 2026, Creative Media's Peter Csathy moderates an expert panel at CES 2026, featuring Rebecca Grossman-Cohen (The New York Times), Emi Wayner (formerly of Google AI), Dave Davis (AI content licensing firm Protege), renowned Artist/DJ BT, and Jason Henderson (IP/licensing expert). The panel discusses the latest developments in copyright and fair use; the latest AI content licensing deals (pricing, how they're structured); Disney's $1 billion deal with OpenAI; and much more in a fascinating rapid fire 40 minute session.

5 Predictions for AI, Media & Entertainment in 2026

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0800

This episode discusses expert Peter Csathy's 5 predictions for AI, media and entertainment in 2026. It is based on Csathy's just published annual predictions, which you can find here via his "the brAIn" newsletter.

NOTE: Peter has listened to this episode and believes it accurately represents his predictions and perspectives - and that it is an insightful discussion of those predictions.

What Does Disney's $1 Billion OpenAI Deal Mean? My "Hot Take"

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0800

Aussie tech expert Ricky Sutton interviews me in our "hot take" session about what Disney's new $1 billion deal with OpenAI means - and why Disney would license its most beloved and valuable characters for use in Sora. Check it out.

Generative AI & Copyright: Infringement or Fair Use? Expert Panel Discussion

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

In this special episode, Peter moderates a compelling Digital Hollywood virtual session focused on AI and the law (in the world of media and entertainment). It's called "Generative AI Law: Let's Get Real - Is Copyright a Right or Does it Have Temporary Legal Status?" Panelists include Karen Chesley (Senior Litigation Counsel at The New York Times), Avery Williams (Partner at McKool Smith), and Sky Moore (Partner at Greenberg Glusker LLP).

It's an engaging, energetic deep and efficient discussion about all the legal issues - where they are right now (including the latest on "fair use" decisions) - and where things are heading.

The AI Content Royalty Marketplace: Licensing & Rev Sharing (Expert "Insider" Discussion)

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0700

In this special episode, Peter moderatea a panel of all-star "insiders" at Digital Hollywood's virtual event - in a session titled "The AI Royalty Marketplace: Licensing, Monetization & Revenue Share". It is a panel that discusses critical "insider" information not available elsewhere, including pricing for video used for AI training. Panelists include Rebecca Grossman-Cohen of The New York Times, Dave Davis of Protege, Howie Singer of New York University, and Mickey Maher of Vermillio.

H.I. v. A.I. - One Emotes, The Other Mimics

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0700

This episode discusses Peter Csathy's latest musing about H.I. v. A.I. in the Arts and overall creative process -- with H.I. referring to Human Intelligence and the critical role of moment-in-time human emotion in the Artist's creative journey and resulting creative works (emotion that AI may be able to mimic, but never authentically capture). H.I. captures the Artist's emotional state of mind at the moment of creation -- whereas AI can only create based on past data (a historical record).

Csathy generated this episode using Google NotebookLM (with direction given relating to his article).

EMERGENCY POD: Kadrey v. Meta's "Fair Use" Decision - Don't Believe The Tech Bro Hype, Copyright Owners Are The Big Winners

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this emergency podcast episode, Peter Csathy's co-hosts discuss the second ground-breaking AI copyright "fair use" decision in the past two days - this time Judge Vince Chhabria's in Kadrey v. Meta (from the same federal district court in Northern California in which Judge William Alsup sits, and who decided "fair use" in Bartz v. Anthropic). This podcast - generated using Google NotebookLM - is based on Csathy's detailed written analysis of both cases. Csathy underscores that at first blush, both "fair use" decisions look like victories to AI developers. But he offers the convincing case as to why both decisions - especially the decision in Kadrey v. Meta - are actually huge wins for copyright owners. And he argues that these decisions will significantly heat up the AI licensing market.

On "AI & Entrepreneurship" - Interview with Peter Csathy

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Host Peter Csathy was recently interviewed by Robert Milazzo who is a professor, creator and founder of The Modern School of Film — an educational studio that has produced hundreds of masterclasses and educational events to explore the intersections of community, craft and culture. Our topic? “AI Entrepreneurship.”

It’s a wide-ranging discussion that bounced from the practical and pragmatic (getting a job in the creative industries, and best positioning yourself) to the more philosophical (how AI will transform the creative arts, and what it means for Art itself).

Emergency Pod: First "Fair Use" Ruling In GenAI Case - What It All Means

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0700

In this emergency episode, AI/media expert Peter Csathy's co-hosts discuss his just-posted written analysis of the first federal Judge's ruling on the critical issue of "fair use" in the context of generative AI. The decision was just handed down by Judge Alsup in the Northern District of California - and Csathy read and analyzed the full decision to see what it all means for both copyright owners and AI developers - and what comes next. Csathy generated this episode based on his article using Google NotebookLM - and Csathy approves the contents as being consistent with his perspectives, and also thoughtful and engaging.

New York's New AI "Synthetic Performer" Disclosure Law - Exposed!

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0700

Last week, just in time for Cannes Lions 2025 — the most important advertising industry soiree of the year — New York’s legislature passed a groundbreaking new law that requires advertisers (and those who create those ads) to conspicuously disclose when an AI-generated “synthetic human” is used in ads.

SAG-AFTRA called New York’s new law “a historic move marking a new era of transparency in artificial intelligence use in advertising … the first law in the country, and possibly in the world, to mandate disclaimers when consumers are being sold to by artificial intelligence-generated humans, or ‘synthetic performers.’” Now, as SAG-AFTRA pointed out in its statement, “If you are being sold to by a machine you will know it.”

But there’s more to this new law as well. It represents both an acceptance of this new AI reality in which we all live — AND a nod to humanity’s primacy in the order of things.

In this week's episode, based on Peter Csathy's related article in his "the brAIn" newsletter, Csathy's synthetic co-hosts discuss it all -- laying out what this new law means, what it represents, and how major advertisers and their agencies are thinking about their work and craft in this time of accelerated AI development.

Hollywood Finally Joins The AI Copyright Fight! (Disney & NBCU Sue Midjourney)

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:00:00 -0700

Last week, host Peter Csathy called for Hollywood studios to finally cast aside their silence and join the AI copyright fight - to loudly voice the creative community's concerns about AI developers using their copyrighted works without consent and compensation. And two days later, Disney and NBCUniversal finally did - they sued generative image AI company Midjourney.

In this episode, Csathy's synthetic co-hosts discuss Csathy's most recent article, update and analysis of it all from his "the brAIn" newsletter, titled "Hollywood Finally Enters the AI Copyright Fight!" It's a focused - yet far-ranging discussion - of all the relevant key business and legal issues surrounding Disney's and NBCU's new lawsuit against Midjourney, as well as a preview of what to expect next.

Csathy generated the episode using Google NotebookLM - and he approves its content (and believes the conversation is helpful, insightful, and engaging).

Hollywood's "Fair Use" AI Knockout Punch. Coming Soon?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0700

Peter Csathy's synthetic co-hosts discuss Csathy's most recent article that discusses and analyzes where things stand in the current AI copyright infringement / "fair use" battle royale that is playing out between media and big tech companies in the federal courts. Csathy lays out the current state of affairs -- how federal courts have already decided (or soon will decide the "fair use" issue) -- and what that means for the world of generative AI as it meets the Arts.

The discussion also focuses on Csathy's "call to arms" to the big Hollywood companies to take a firm and loud stand against the unlicensed "taking" of copyrighted works for AI training purposes -- and asks why major entertainment companies like Disney are staying silent amidst it all.

Finally, Csathy offers alternatives and solutions that should work for both media and tech -- while accelerating "ethical" AI adoption by reducing litigation friction.

Csathy generated the discussion using Google NotebookLM - and he approves its contents.

OpenAI & Studio Ghibli: Yes, "Style" Can Be Infringed

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0700

This episode features a discussion of the great debate that is front and center now about OpenAI's new image generator, and how it's being widely used by users around the world to create anime art based on the "style" of famed anime artist Hayao MIyazaki. Many creative artists find what OpenAI is enabling to be infringing Miyazaki's works. But OpenAI and Silicon Valley in general pushes back by saying that an artist's "style" is not copyrightable.

The discussion is based on Peter's most recent article about the subject, where he lays out precisely why OpenAI's actions here can, indeed, be copyright infringement for two separate reasons. It's a fascinating discussion that Peter approved as being faithful to his article - and to his perspectives.

AI Search: A "Code Red" for All Websites (96% Less Referrals!)

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Host Peter Csathy's "synthetic" co-hosts discuss a sobering reality that faces all websites (not just media publishers and entertainment companies). For general purpose search, consumers increasingly turn to conversational AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude — as well as to more utilitarian AI search engines like Perplexity — instead of traditional Google and Bing search. This new AI search reality poses a "Code Red" for traditional search. But it also poses a very real “Code Red” (perhaps even existential) threat for most websites in general and the advertisers that support them. That means all news, media and entertainment companies, of course. But it goes much deeper than that — to anyone and any business that is dependent on advertising and ad-driven traffic. This episode discusses it all, including the new data from TollBit that is the basis for these conclusions.

Peter generated this podcast based on his most recent newsletter using Google NotebookLM (and he listened to, and approved, this episode as being consistent with his discussion, helpful, and engaging).

Is Thomson Reuters' Copyright Win A Fatal Blow to "Fair Use"?

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Host Peter Csathy recently was a guest on Ricky Sutton's "Future Media" podcast to discuss the recent rejection of "fair use" as a defense to AI training infringement by the federal judge in Thomson Reuters v. Ross Intelligence. Peter discusses all the relevant business and legal issues that arise in the context of generative AI scraping of copyrighted works without consent and compensation -- and calls for a "win win" licensing scheme to benefit all. It's a fascinating discussion with Ricky Sutton and his co-host Alan Chapell.

Is 100% "Ethically Sourced" Generative AI Possible?

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Peter Csathy's "synthetic" co-hosts discuss his most recent article that asks the provocative question, "Is 100% ethically sourced generative AI even possible?" Csathy's article lays out both sides of the argument - those who say it is possible (and must be done via content licensing), and those who simply believe it's too daunting and too hard (whom Csathy calls "Fair Use Accelerationists"). Csathy spoke with several leading experts to give their perspectives.

It's an episode that covers all the related issues - and is entertaining at the same time. Csathy generated it using Google NotebookLM - and he approves the content.

Does AI Dumb Down Creativity?

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0700

This discussion focuses on host Peter Csathy's latest feature article of the same name, which explores whether AI can ever create truly "original" and groundbreaking Art without humans controlling it as a tool to their own human creation. The discussion focuses on what uniquely makes human "creation" divine and unmatchable by AI content generation. Csathy argues that left to its own devices, AI generated works will always lead to the mediocre and mundane. The discussion also focuses on AI as a tool to expand creative possibilities - but not to overtake humans at the forefront of the creative process.

Csathy generated this discussion using Google NotebookLM, which synthesized his article in line with his parameters. And Csathy approves its content and believes the overall discussion is both entertaining and enlightening.

Conversation with Eric Shamlin, Creator of Iconic AI-Generated "Holidays" Coke Ad

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0700

Host Peter Csathy recently was a featured speaker at ThinkLA’s big AI-focused event (ThinkLA serves marketing and media executives). Peter invited CEO Eric Shamlin of production company Secret Level to join him. Shamlin and his team created the iconic AI-generated “Holidays Are Coming” Coke ad that became THE marketing story this past December.

In this exclusive “fireside chat,” Peter and Eric discuss the story behind it all — i.e., how Shamlin and his team conceptualized and executed it — and how consumers and the creative community reacted to it. Suffice it to say that while consumers reacted overwhelmingly positively (the ad was a smash hit), not everyone in the creative community felt the same. According to AdWeek, the ad “went from praise to rage … signaling a wider industry dilemma.” It’s a fascinating discussion that was extremely well-received, enlightening, and entertaining.

How Courts Will Assess Damages In Generative AI Copyright Cases

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode, based on Peter Csathy's article of the same name, Peter's "synth" hosts discuss the central issue of remedies and damages for winning rights-holders in generative AI copyright cases -- and, relatedly, how the courts will even begin to assess monetary damages in a world where the relevant “harm” caused by an entire internet’s worth of unlicensed scraping has already been done (and can’t be undone unless existing LLMs are scrapped and AI training starts anew with licensed content only). Theoretical damage awards under copyright and related laws are downright astronomical.

The discussion flows from the court's recent rejection of “fair use” in the now notorious Thomson Reuters v. Ross Intelligence case — where it ruled that the scraping of copyrighted works without consent and compensation is infringement (not a defensible “fair use”) as a matter of law.

Peter generated this episode, based on his article, using Google NotebookLM (and he approves its content).

Court Rejects AI's "Fair Use": Now What?

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0800

This episode is a discussion of host Peter Csathy's new article titled, "Court Rejects AI's Fair Use: Now What?" (generated using Google NotebookLM). Csathy's article discusses all the issues raised by (and ramifications of) Judge Stephen Bibas's recent game-changing rejection of "fair use" as a defense to unlicensed AI scraping in the Thomson Reuters v. Ross Intelligence case: (1) now what will generative AI companies do (how will they act)?, (2) how would courts even begin to assess damages in this "horse is already out of the barn" scenario where the entire internet has already been scraped, (3) how would the Supreme Court rule when that AI training "fair use" issue inevitably reaches them?, and (4) would Congress itself create a new "fair use" exception to permit unlimited unlicensed AI training on copyrighted works (especially in the face of the new co-sheriffs in town, President Trump and Elon Musk)?

Csathy approves the contents of this episode, and believes it is an accurate reflection of the issues (and his overall analysis). BUT there is one part of the discussion near the end of the episode that focuses on training on "synthetic data" - and Csathy strongly disagrees on that point.

Bombshell AI "Fair Use" Court Win for Creators & Media: What It Means?

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0800

In this special episode, based on host Peter Csathy's most recent emergency newsletter about the recent bombshell Thomson Reuters court ruling, Csathy's synthetic co-hosts discuss the court's rejection of "fair use" as a defense to AI training on copyrighted works without consent and compensation. It's the first "fair use" decision in the world of copyright litigation filed by creators and media/entertainment against generative AI developers.

This episode was generated using Google NotebookLM (and Peter approved its content, believes it accurately summarizes his article, and is helpful and insightful).

DeepSeek: What It Means for Media & Entertainment

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0800

This episode discusses host Peter Csathy's latest article about DeepSeek and its potential massive implications on the media and entertainment industry (not to mention U.S. generative AI developers). The conversation is hosted by Google NotebookLM's synthetic co-hosts (but Csathy has listened to the generated podcast, and believes it is largely consistent with the perspectives he voices in his article).

Conversation with Andy Beach (fmr. CTO Microsoft): AI, DeepSeek & Hollywood

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0800

Host Peter Csathy of Creative Media sits down for a conversation with Andy Beach, former CTO of Microsoft's Media and Entertainment group, who just left his position after being with Microsoft for 10 years. The two discuss and debate how generative AI is impacting Hollywood and the entire creative community today, and where they believe it's all going in the years to come.

They also discuss how China's DeepSeek earthquake has changed Silicon Valley's generative AI game - and whether that's hype, or reality. Andy's and Peter's conversation and debate are frequently spirited (they certainly don't agree on everything), but they are also insightful and even entertaining. Andy was able to be particularly candid in his views since he is now fully "independent" and outside Microsoft. It's a fascinating discussion.

Volume Is Out, "Fine Tuning" Is In for GenAI Video Licensing

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0800

There was a time when “bulk” was the metric that mattered most to Big Tech for video content (“data”) needed for GenAI training purposes. In fact, those times were just months ago. “The more, the better!” was Silicon Valley’s mantra. But those times are over, and they aren’t coming back. Licensing’s life-cycle has moved on. Welcome to the brave new world of video licensing — GenAI “fine tuning” style.

Peter Csathy's synthetic co-hosts from Google NotebookLLM discuss Peter's latest newsletter about it all -- which lays out the parameters that matter most right now for the major generative AI developers in terms of what they want for video licensing purposes. Those parameters and needs have evolved significantly over the course of the past several months.

AI Litigation Tracker (for week ending 1/25/25)

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0800

This episode features a summary and discussion of the latest developments (as of January 25th, 2025) in 10 key litigations brought by media companies and individual creators against generative Ai developers (on the issues of copyright infringement and related legal claims). Partner Avery Williams of leading rights-holder law firm McKool Smith compiles, discusses and regularly updates the "AI Litigation Tracker" (and this summary and discussion was generated using Google NotebookLLM).

AI Litigation Tracker (for week ending 1/19/25)

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0800

This episode features a summary and discussion of the most recent major developments in 10 key litigations brought by media companies and individual creators against generative Ai developers (on the issues of copyright infringement and related legal claims). Partner Avery Williams of leading rights-holder law firm McKool Smith compiles the "AI Litigation Tracker" (and this summary and discussion was generating using Google NotebookLLM).

Generative AI & Copyright: Analysis of 10K+ Submissions on "Fair Use" (Key Themes, Sentiment)

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0800

Peter Csathy's synthetic co-hosts summarize and discuss the new exclusive analysis by NYU Professors Howie Singer, Joao Sedoc, and Foster Provost of the 10,000+ submissions to the U.S. Copyright Office commenting on the question of copyrightability and fair use in the context of generative AI. This analysis is the first comprehensive analysis of every single submission, which was able to be done leveraging the power of AI (but with human quality control all along the way). NOTE: this episode was generated using Google NotebookLLM (and Peter listened to it - and approves its content as being an accurate discussion of this new Analysis).

10 Predictions for AI, Media & Entertainment in 2025

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0800

Host and AI/media expert Peter Csathy, Chairman of Creative Media, lays out his closely-watched annual 10 predictions for how generative AI will impact the world of media and entertainment in 2025.

Interview with Will Kreth, CEO of HAND - The World's First "Talent ID" Database for AI

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 02:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Peter features his exclusive interview with founder and CEO Will Kreth of HAND (Human and Digital), a company focused on developing the world's first standardized "talent ID" system for generative AI and more -- i.e., the first global B2B Talent ID registry platform for efficient discoverability, royalty collection, and revenue tracking of notable legal and natural persons and control of consent-based digital replicas for thousands of major Hollywood celebrities and the most notable Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Football League (NFL) players.

How The OpenAI Court Got It Wrong

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Peter Csathy's co-hosts discuss his new article titled, "Raw Deal: The OpenAI Court Got It Wrong - Raw Story Media's Lawsuit Was Wrongly Dismissed on 'Standing' Grounds". In his article, Csathy discusses the recent dismissal by a federal judge of Raw Story Media's lawsuit against OpenAI on "standing" grounds. Raw Story had alleged that OpenAI included Raw Story's content in its LLM training data set without consent — and stripped out its copyright management information (CMI) in violation of the DMCA (specific copyright provisions related to the digital era). The Court dismissed the case, because the Judge concluded that Raw Story Media had failed to allege any actionable “harm” or “injury.”

Csathy writes that OpenAI’s “big win” is a fleeting one that will be reversed if it gets to that point, because the Judge simply got it wrong as a matter of law. And he lays out in detail why that is the case.

Peter generated this episode using Google NotebookLM - and "approves" its content (and believes it is comprehensive, compelling and consistent with his words).

$1 Trillion for GenAI: So Where Are the Content Dollars?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Peter Csathy's co-hosts discuss his article of the same title - including the key AI-related content licensing deals to date, and where things to be heading in the epic copyright infringement/"fair use" battles that increasingly fill the courts between major rights-holders and big tech.

Peter generated this episode using Google NotebookLM - and "approves" its content (and believes it is comprehensive, compelling and consistent with his words).

My Open Letter Response to Perplexity: A Discussion

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Last week, host Peter Csathy wrote not once but twice about Perplexity in his "the brAIn" newsletter (here's article 2). And for good reason. He first posted an analysis based on The New York Times’ recent “cease and desist” demand to Perplexity. And then News Corp actually filed formal litigation against Perplexity for similar reasons.

Perplexity responded to News Corp's litigation. Not in the actual courts. Rather, in the court of public opinion. It posted its response on its official blog. You can read its full response here. Suffice it to say, it’s exactly what you would expect it to be. And Peter gives his own response to Perplexity's response in this week's newsletter.

In this episode, our two synthetic co-hosts discuss Csathy's response in the overall context not only of the actual litigation, but in the overall Zeitgeist of generative AI and society. (Peter generated it by simply dropping the text of his "Open Letter" into Google's NotebookLM).

PETER'S NOTE: I "authorize" it. I've listened to the discussion. It is remarkably sophisticated in its discussion - and is worthwhile for listening.

Perplexity Showcases 3 Paths to Generative AI Copyright Infringement

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

This episode gives a comprehensive overview of host Peter Csathy's deep dive article of the same name (link to article below).

The discussion uses News Corp's new copyright infringement lawsuit and The New York Times' recent "cease and desist" demand against generative AI search tool Perplexity to discuss the concept of RAG processing - and why it matters in the context of GenAI copyright, infringement and "fair use."

Based on Csathy's article (simply dropped into NotebookLM), Csathy's AI co-hosts also discuss the Second Circuit Court of Appeal's critical new copyright decision in the Hachette v. Interactive Archive case -- which relies heavily on the Supreme Court's most recent major copyright ruling in the "Andy Warhol - Prince" case.

Article link here - https://themediabrain.substack.com/p/perplexitys-use-of-rag-opens-up-3

Are Tech's Generative AI "Fair Use" Dominoes Starting to Fall?

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0700

Excellent discussion of host Peter Csathy's deep dive article titled, "Are Tech's Generative AI 'Fair Use' Dominoes Starting to Fall?"

Based on Csathy's article (simply dropped into NotebookLM), Csathy's AI co-hosts discuss: (1) the ongoing debate about whether AI training on copyrighted works (without consent/compensation) is "fair use"; (2) how developments in the Courts are increasingly pointing in favor of rights-holders (and against "fair use"); and (3) the best possible solution for both GenAI developers and the content owners and creators.

Newsom's Hollywood/Silicon Valley GenAI Balancing Act: How California's 17 New GenAI Laws Impact Media & Entertainment

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Peter Csathy hands over the podcast to his Google NotebookLM "synthetic" AI-generated co-hosts to discuss his latest article, "Newsom's Hollywood/Silicon Valley Balancing Act: California's 17 New GenAI Laws May Become the Nation's De Facto Standards." The discussion is both surprisingly smart and surprisingly engaging. Csathy listened (and approved this message).

Here is the link to Csathy's article on which today's synthetic co-hosts riff - https://themediabrain.substack.com/p/newsom-in-the-middle-govs-genai-hollywood

The Great AI Copyright Debate: "Fair Use" or Not? (As Voiced by Google's NotebookLM)

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0700

In this part 3 of his Google NotebookLM podcast series, host Peter Csathy enables his "synthetic" AI-generated guest hosts to discuss "the great AI copyright debate: fair use, or not?" Csathy generated this episode by simply uploading the text of his recent article on the subject. The results are fascinating. The conversation smart. But very different than Csathy's original source material (which Google NotebookLM takes ... and runs with it).

Here is the link to Csathy's article on which today's synthetic co-hosts riff - https://themediabrain.substack.com/p/ai-and-infringement-how-the-supreme

Google's NotebookLM AI Hosts Discuss Themselves: The Results Are Fascinating (& Scary Good)

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 02:00:00 -0700

In this Part 2 to host Peter Csathy's Google NotebookLM generated podcast series, NotebookLM's "synthetic" AI-generated co-hosts discuss themselves - i.e., what their AI-generated personas mean for creativity, art and society. The result is fascinating. So good - the convers-AI-tion, so smart. It's scary.

Csathy generated the episode simply by pasting the link to his latest newsletter in this "wonder app" - no prompts or instruction of any kind needed. Here is the link to the newsletter itself - https://themediabrain.substack.com/p/googles-notebookllm-something-just

Google's New NotebookLM: AI Generated Podcast Demo Featuring Creative Media

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Google just launched NotebookLM, an amazing new content generating AI wunder-app that, in Google’s words, is designed to be “your personalized AI research assistant.” NotebookLM can do many things, but its audio podcast generating feature is what really stands out.

In this episode, rather than host Peter Csathy telling you about it, he let's the app speak for itself. Literally. Peter generated this podcast simply by typing in his Creative Media website's link -- no prompts or instructions of any kind. The result — generated in minutes — is this fully throated podcast that features two immensely likable, enthusiastic and deeply human sounding voices (one male, one female, both of whom are "synthetic"). Yes, the Synth co-hosts mispronounce Csathy's name (doesn't everybody?). But apart from that, it's remarkable.

The Google NotebookLM app experience is so good, in fact, that it inevitably begs the question: who needs humans anymore? Which begs the logical next question — what precisely is the goal here with all of this generative AI “stuff”? Which begs yet another question: how are we humans supposed to keep up with this endlessly accelerating pace of transformational technology innovation?

All of which begs my ultimate questions to all of you: shouldn’t we all at least step back and reflect upon what we are doing here? Why we are doing it? And at what creative and societal cost?

The Great AI Debate: Are We (Or Are We Not) In An AI Bubble? (Hosted by Streaming Media)

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0700

This week's episode features Creative Media's Peter Csathy participating in Streaming Media's recent "Great AI Debate" hosted and moderated by expert and media cartographer Evan Shapiro - and also featuring AI experts and entrepreneurs H. Schuster of HUSSLUP and Chris Giliberti of Avail.
The debate's central question was a simple one -- are we (or are we not) in an AI bubble right now?
As expected, the debate got spicy, especially when Shapiro and Csathy exchanged points from opposite sides of the fence. The results are both enlightening and entertaining.

Interview: Ben Gottdiener, CEO of Narrativ (& His New SAG-AFTRA Deal)

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0700

As part of his continuing generative AI and media-focused "the brAIn" series, Creative Media's Peter Csathy interviews CEO Ben Gottdiener, CEO of Narrativ - the company that enables users to create digital voice replicas (what some call "digital clones") using genAI. Narrativ's mission is to be the "marketplace for advertisers to license talent audio AI likenesses." And the big news is that the company just entered into a major agreement with SAG-AFTRA as part of its commitment to using only AI that has been "ethically trained." The two discuss it all in this exclusive interview.

Interview: Shara Senderoff, CEO Jen Music AI (& Why They Are "Ethically Sourced")

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

Peter interviews Shara Senderoff, Founder and CEO of Jen Music AI. The two discuss how Jen Music's "ethically sourced" music ethos is fundamentally different than the ethos of Silicon Valley-backed generative AI music services Suno and Udio. Neither of those companies chose to seek consent from -- or give compensation to -- the artists, musicians and teams that created the music on which they train their AI (and capture 100% of the value that is generated by it). Shara and Peter also discuss Jen Music's overall path and product differentiation, together with the overall path of generative music and art (and impact on the artists and creative community). It's an enlightening and fascinating discussion.

Media Companies: To Litig-AI-te or License? How to Decide in Generative AI Cases (& The State of the Law)

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0700

This episode features host Peter Csathy's recent roundtable discussion from Digital Hollywood's "AI Summer Summit" about the state and status of copyright law and litigation in the world of generative AI (and whether unlicensed scraping is infringement), the current status of the key cases, and how media companies and publishers should decide to litigate -- or to license their content instead.

Peter is joined by Chad Hummel of McKool Smith, perhaps the best and most successful IP and complex litigator on the planet, and by Dr. Moiya McTier, the spokesperson for the Human Artistry Campaign (an organization that represents over 200 media and entertainment organizations).

It's an important discussion for anyone in the creative and tech communities - and is both insightful and engaging.

EXCLUSIVE: Microsoft's CTO & Other Experts Discuss Where Generative AI Video Is Going

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0700

This week's episode features host Peter Csathy's exclusive roundtable discussion with many of the leading players, experts and voices in the world of generative AI and video (including Microsoft CTO Andy Beach). The roundtable for Digital Hollywood's "AI Summer Summit" took place last week and focused on the state (and sophistication) of generative AI video today — and where it’s going in the next year and beyond.

Peter organized and moderated the session, choosing a veritable “who’s who” of leading players driving this generative AI transformation of video: Andy Beach, CTO of Microsoft (Media & Entertainment), Paul Trillo (one of the leading generative AI filmmakers), Jen Hollingsworth (Chief Commercial Officer of Flawless AI, a leading genAI company serving Hollywood and Madison Avenue), Renard Jenkins (a leading AI expert and evangelist),and Phillip Fury (a respected AI innovator and entrepreneur).

The discussion is fascinating, candid, enlightening, and frequently mind-blowing!

25 Ways Media & Entertainment Use Generative AI Right Now

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0700

In this week's companion episode of Peter Csathy's "the brAIn" podcast, Peter discusses 25 significant ways that the media and entertainment industry is already using generative AI right now -- but doing it "quietly" so that it doesn't rattle legal sabers or attract too much creative community blowback. It's kind of like "25 Things You Always Wanted to Know About Generative AI, But Were Afraid to Ask! Many of these 25 will be entirely new to you, and likely may even surprise you. But all are powerful. And many of them are compelling.

As always, Peter also identifies the Top 10 key generative AI headlines of this past week that impact the media and entertainment industry -- and then talks about some "must attend" live or virtual AI-focused industry events. Finally, Peter lays out the latest updates on the key generative AI copyright infringement cases now winding their way through the courts. You can find more detail about those key AI cases on Peter's companion "the brAIn" newsletter that you can find on Substack.

Is Generative AI "Training" on Unlicensed Copyrighted Works Infringement (or Fair Use)? How the Supreme Court Will Decide

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0700

In this special bonus episode of Peter Csathy's companion "the brAIn" podcast, Peter tackles the fundamental issue now facing Big Tech and Big Media -- whether generative AI "training" on unlicensed copyrighted works is infringing (or is, instead, defensible fair use)? Peter gives a concise, non-legalese overview of the business and legal issues involved in the leading cases -- including The New York Times v. OpenAI -- that are currently winding their way in the courts. He then identifies and analyzes the key legal precedents cited by both sides -- including the landmark 2015 "Google Books" case and separate recent "Andy Warhol/Prince" Supreme Court case.

Peter also predicts, based on those precedents, how the Supreme Court would rule on these copyright infringement issues in the generative AI context if one of the relevant cases (like The New York Times) ultimately makes its way to the Supreme Court. It's an important discussion -- one that's on virtually everyone's minds in the worlds of media, entertainment, AI and tech. And Peter is the right person to lay it all out. He started his career as an IP lawyer and litigator in a major firm -- then became General Counsel of a multi-billion dollar operating division of Universal Studios -- but then became a serial CEO/President of several tech-forward media companies that achieved successful exits.

Content as AI "Seeds" with Endless Creative Possibilities: Point/Counterpoint

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0700

In this week's episode of Peter Csathy's new companion generative AI focused podcast "the brAIn" (episode 3), Peter first discusses the concept -- promoted by Black Eyed Peas auteur will.i.am -- of the new generative AI era of artists as being "seeders." Gone are the days of "traditional artists" in will.i.am's view, and he uses himself as an example of what he has in mind. Peter discusses both the significant merits of will.i.am's view (for at least some established artists and franchises) -- and the significant perils of his view for the rest.

As always, Peter also identifies the Top 10 key generative AI headlines of this past week that impact the media and entertainment industry -- and then lays out the latest updates on the key generative AI copyright infringement cases now winding their way through the courts.

Peter will post all future episodes of "the brAIn" here -- but you can find, follow and share that podcast directly via all major podcast platforms.

AI & NFT "Quick Takes" (for the week of 3/20/23)

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Welcome to host Peter Csathy's AI & NFT "Quick Takes" episode, where Peter lays out the most critical business and legal developments of the past week in the worlds of generative AI and Web3/NFTs that impact the creative community, media, entertainment and the Arts. Peter goes rapid fire in less than 10 minutes first with the headline AI and NFT stories of the past week - and then gives updates on other key AI and NFT developments that are worth tracking and knowing - because they define the rules of the game (and the winners and losers in it).

Peter is Chairman of Creative Media, a tech-forward media and entertainment legal services and business advisory firm - and works with leading companies and innovators at the cutting edge of AI and Web3. Check out his firm Creative Media, and reach out to peter at peter@creativemedia.biz.

Hollywood NFTs Done Right: Simon Fuller Releases Major Musical Film Exclusively on OP3N Web3 Chat "Super App"

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0700

In Peter's last episode, he discussed an example of what’s wrong in the NFT world from the creative community’s perspective - specifically, OpenSea’s prioritization of buyers and sellers over the Creators that built the value of its marketplace in the first place. But in this episode, Peter points to a major Hollywood example of what’s being done “right” and showcases the transformational possibilities uniquely enabled by Web3 and token-gated "digital tickets" (just don't call them "NFTs"!).

Specifically, today March 15th, 2023, token-gated tickets go on sale exclusively on Web3 “chat Super App” OP3N to American Idol creator Simon Fuller’s new motion picture musical titled “The Musical: Welcome To The Night Of Your Life!,” which features his international pop super group Now United. Now United’s rabid fans – significant numbers of whom live in Brazil - will be able to choose amongst three tiers of tickets, each of which unlocks different levels of additional value and experiences. Those fans will then exclusively access the film, soundtrack, and additional benefits exclusively on OP3N.

This is a big deal for the entertainment world of film, television and music for several reasons, which Peter lays out.

As always, you can reach out to Peter at peter@creativemedia.biz. Also check out his media-tech legal services and business advisory firm Creative Media. And follow him on Twitter @pcsathy.

Silicon Valley Bank Post-Mortem (& What Investors & CEOs Should Do Now)

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 17:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Peter's special “urgent” edition of "Fearless Media." We’ve all heard the Silicon Valley Bank headlines. But how did Silicon Valley respond and what does it all really mean now that the Feds have guaranteed all deposits? What should impacted investors and entrepreneurs do now? How can we understand how this happened - and steps each of us should take? And what does this mean for the entire banking and financial community (and all of us)?

Peter spoke with Silicon Valley-based finance expert James Gowers of finance and accounting services firm Matcha to find out. James has worked for decades with tech startups and is a graduate of Harvard Business School. Many of his clients banked with Silicon Valley Bank, so he has first-hand knowledge of all of it - in the belly of the beast, so to speak.

So take a listen - and reach out to Peter at peter@creativemedia.biz to connect you with James and get his great financial advice and counsel - and reach out to Peter on the legal side to help you navigate the legal waters. And check out his legal services and business advisory firm Creative Media.

OpenSea Responds to the Creator Resale Royalty Uproar (aka NFTs Hit Rough Water for Creators on the OpenSea)

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 02:00:00 -0800

In this special episode, Peter explores leading NFT platform OpenSea's significant recent changes to its resale royalty policy that left many Creators feeling betrayed. Locked in ongoing resale royalties are perhaps THE single most important draw of NFTs to the creative community. Yet, OpenSea changed its rules of the game while the players were still on the field when it announced it was moving to optional creator earnings for collections without on-chain enforcement due to competitive pressures.

OpenSea's abrupt decision means that many Creators who had invested their time and trust in OpenSea now find themselves dependent on the good graces of resellers to pay them their promised resale royalties. And in a nascent Web3 world populated by significant numbers of profit-maximizing speculators, “good graces” can be hard to come by. OpenSea became the villain, as many Creators concluded that OpenSea had reneged on a fundamental tenet of their deal.

Peter spoke with top executives at OpenSea to get their response to Creator criticisms - and he considers those responses, as well as the broader implications of OpenSeas' decision to prioritize its profit-seeking users over the Creators who create the value in NFT marketplaces in the first place.

As always, reach out to peter at peter@creativemedia.biz - and check out his tech-forward media and entertainment legal services and business advisory firm Creative Media.

AI & NFT "Quick Takes" (for the week of 3/6/23)

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0800

Welcome to host Peter Csathy's first AI & NFT "Quick Takes" episode, where Peter lays out the most critical business and legal developments of the past week in the worlds of generative AI and Web3/NFTs that impact the creative community, media, entertainment and the Arts. Peter goes rapid fire in less than 10 minutes first with the headline AI and NFT stories of the past week - and then gives updates on other key AI and NFT developments that are worth tracking and knowing - because they define the rules of the game (and the winners and losers in it).

Peter is Chairman of Creative Media, a tech-forward media and entertainment legal services and business advisory firm - and works with leading companies and innovators at the cutting edge of AI and Web3. Check out his firm Creative Media, and reach out to peter at peter@creativemedia.biz.

AI, Entertainment & the Creative Arts - The Real World Implications (A Round Table Discussion)

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0800

Welcome to my special 50th episode of my Fearless Media podcast - a special one indeed. I recently hosted an AI-focused round table with guests that included Grammy award-winning artist and musician Alex Ebert (Edward Sharpe), AI artist and data scientist Aya, metaverse creator and influencer Don Allen Stevensen III, and IP attorney and expert Mike Kasdan. The Q&A actually begins at the 6:44 mark after initial introductions.

We discussed the Artist, Creator, Business and Legal implications of it all - and perhaps most importantly, the "Human" implications of it all - in a lively discussion that gets very "real" about how AI impacts all of our jobs and our lives in the Creative Arts (not to mention life in general). Critically, the panel goes deep into the very meaning of "Art" and "Creativity" itself and whether AI ultimately de-values creativity and leads to a morass of artistic mediocrity and conformity.

Reach out to me, Peter Csathy, with your own stories about this topic - and check out my tech-forward legal and business advisory services firm at creativemedia.biz. I work with leading players in the brave new tech-forward media and entertainment worlds of AI and Web3, among others.

NFTs: Update & Overview of Key Legal and Business Issues - Peter Csathy, Creative Media

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0700

In this special episode, Peter gives an update and overview of the key legal and business issues in the complex and ever-evolving world of NFTs. He also discusses how best to solve for the complexity of international roll-outs where each territory plays by different rules of the game. This episode is for everyone who is in the web3/NFT ecosystem - creators, entrepreneurs, executives, partners, developers, publishers, service providers and platforms (or looking into, or interested in, the world of web3 and NFTs). Peter is a Harvard Law graduate and former General Counsel of a multi-billion dollar operating division of Universal Studios. He also practiced IP and entertainment law at major law firms. He works deeply in the world of web3 and NFTs, among others. Check out Peter's legal and business services firm Creative Media (and follow Peter on Twitter @pcsathy). Also - subscribe to Peter's "NFT Legal Update" newsletter - the first exclusively focused on the key legal issues in the world of NFTs.

Blockchain & NFT Enabled Physical Collectibles - Interview with CEO Mike Bebel of OOD (The First Blockchain-Enabled Marketplace for Physical Collectibles)

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0700

When we think of NFTs, we think of virtual art, collectibles and communities enabled, authenticated and verified on the blockchain. But NFTs can be tied to physical, tangible goods as well via the blockchain - to easily verify ownership of, and authenticate, artworks (like paintings) and just about anything else. And OOD is the first company placing physical and tangible collectibles (artwork, music, media and sports memorabilia like trading cards) front and center and first (rather than as merely an add-on). Co-founder and CEO Mike Bebel, a media-tech pioneer, joins Peter for a fascinating conversation about OOD's new blockchain-enabled, story-driven physical collectibles marketplace - and why it works both with the demand side of the collectible market (collectors) and the supply side (artists, creators, athletes and music, media and sports companies).

Follow Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy
And check out Creative Media, his media, music, entertainment and tech business and legal services venture.

And check out all episodes of "Fearless Media," follow and share episodes.

New "Watch To Earn" Business Models For Premium Streaming Services (Rewarded.TV)

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Forget advertising-driven streaming video business models - and even subscription-based models. At least that's what new web3/NFT blockchain-based streaming film and TV service Rewarded.TV wants. The company has introduced an entirely new "Watch to Earn" business model by which viewers get PAID and rewarded simply for watching. The more they watch, the more they earn. Think this is fantasy? Well, think again. The video games business is already being rocked by its controversial "Play to Earn" model, with notorious game Axie Infinity leading the way. So how should we think about all of this? Real (or not)? Good for the entertainment industry and consumers (or not)? Peter lays out all the "pros" and "cons" in this special episode of "Fearless Media." As always, check out Peter's Creative Media - and follow Peter on Twitter.

Franchise Content/IP - What Major Streamers & Media Companies Need Most

Sun, 01 May 2022 11:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Peter's 1st "Fearless Media" podcast "QUICK TAKE" - where Peter discusses a hot media/entertainment/tech story in real time. First stop - Netflix - and its recently announced Q1 earnings that were eye-opening to many.

After surprising Netflix's Q1, many think streaming content spending will go down. WRONG! The need for differentiated exclusive content goes UP for media companies to break out of the pack in our increasingly hyper-competitive streaming-driven media world. And FRANCHISE IP is the ultimate weapon. That is where the mega-focus and mega-content dollars will flow via an almost existential "Less is More" content strategy - less sheer volume (fewer titles), but more impact (franchises that immediately grab our attention via instant name and "brand" recognition, and built in audiences). In this special episode, Peter will analyze the forces at work - the numbers that back it up - and the unique power of IP/literary franchises and "brand names" (renowned authors, for example) to change the game and power massive future success across the globe, across all platforms (including emerging new ones), for decades to come.

You can follow Peter on Twitter @pcsathy. And check out Peter's two firms CREATV Media and music-focused Deep Cuts Media.

Fan Controlled Football: The Ultimate John Madden Fantasy League - Interview with CEO Sohrob Farudi

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:00:00 -0800

Fan Controlled Football (FCF) just scored a $40 million Series A financing round from crypto kings Animoca Brands and Delphi Digital. But FCF is not just a Web3/NFT/blockchain story (although it is that too). FCF is the ultimate John Madden football - where fantasy football meets IRL. Founder/CEO Sohrob Farudi joins me to discuss it all - and how their tech empowers thousands of fans to not only crowd-source (and decide) a team's name and logo, but also to call the plays for real football players who play on real football fields - all in real time. FCF even gives fans an opportunity to invest in a fractional share of ownership of the team they help to build. FCF is a fascinating company that brings to life the true, full promise of the metaverse - integrating virtual worlds with the physical world into one seamless experience where the fans control everything. And there is no more special bond than fans with their favorite sports teams.
Learn more about FCF at https://www.fcf.io/
Learn more about me and CREATV Media.

Web3, The Metaverse & Where Society Goes From Here: Interview with Galaxy Interactive's Sam Englebardt

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 02:00:00 -0800

Sam Englebardt, General Partner of leading interactive entertainment and Web3 venture firm Galaxy Interactive, joins Peter for a wide-ranging interview. Sam discusses Galaxy Interactive's sector focus and approach - Web3 - NFTs - DAOs - the Metaverse - and their overall impact on our lives and society. It is a candid interview about how our lives will evolve in our increasingly digital and immersive world.

Follow Peter on Twitter @pcsathy
Subscribe to Peter's free monthly newsletter
Check out Peter's bio on LinkedIn
Learn more about Peter and his firms CREATV Media and music-focused Deep Cuts Media
And check out Peter's music-focused podcast "The Story Behind The Song" on the Consequence podcast network

A Trip Down The Metaverse's Virtual Real Estate Rabbit Hole: Interview with Metaverse Group's Michael Gord

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 02:00:00 -0800

Leading Web3 investor and entrepreneur Michael Gord, co-founder of GDA Capital and the Metaverse Group (a leading virtual real estate company for the metaverse economy), joins CREATV Media's Peter Csathy for an overview of the massive and very real new investment world of virtual real estate in our increasingly metaverse world. Gord explains the opportunity (and some of the leading players in it), why virtual real estate is very real and lasting, and why it is analogous to the early days of the Internet. He also answers the tough questions of skeptics, explains why Zuckerberg's vision of a fully immersive metaverse is completely wrong, gives his own very different and surprising vision for the metaverse, and identifies some of the hottest "under the radar" Web3 companies and trends to follow.

Follow Peter on Twitter @pcsathy
Subscribe to Peter's free monthly newsletter
Check out Peter's bio on LinkedIn
Learn more about Peter and his firms CREATV Media and music-focused Deep Cuts Media
And check out Peter's music-focused podcast "The Story Behind The Song" on the Consequence podcast network

KOJI - The Super App For The Creator Economy: Interview & Demo with CEO Dmitry Shapiro

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 02:00:00 -0800

Dmitry Shapiro, co-founder and CEO of Koji -- the app store for the Creator Economy, and the world's most powerful Link In bio platform -- joins Peter for an overview and demo of Koji (including its upcoming NFT capabilities). Koji just recently raised a new $20 million Series B financing - and is one of Peter's favorite "must watch" companies in the world of media, technology, the Creator Economy and Web3. Learn more about Peter and his firms CREATV Media and music-focused Deep Cuts Media. And subscribe to his free monthly newsletter.

How Web3, NFTs & The Metaverse Will Transform Media & Entertainment: A Conversation with Peter Csathy

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 02:00:00 -0800

Peter discusses Web3, NFTs, DAOs, the Metaverse and the Creator Economy (and how they will transform the media, music and entertainment business) - and artist/fan relationships - at the Burbank Tech Talks (1-26-22). Follow Peter on Twitter @pcsathy - subscribe to his "Fearless Media" podcast on all platforms - and learn more about Peter's firms CREATV Media and music-focused Deep Cuts Media at creatv.media and deepcutsmedia.com.

The Metaverse, Web3, NFTs, DAOs (& Their Impact On Society): Interview with Arun Maini (Mrwhosetheboss)

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0800

Arun Maini (aka Mrwhosetheboss) - one of the world's leading tech voices and tech YouTubers (with 10 million subscribers, 1+ billion video views) - joins Peter for a thought-provoking discussion about the Metaverse, Web3, NFTs, DAOs (and their overall sobering impact on society - and our humanity). Check out Arun's YouTube channel Mrwhosetheboss and Peter's companies CREATV Media and music-focused Deep Cuts Media - and also Peter's music-focused podcast "The Story Behind The Song" on the Consequence Podcast Network (interviews with iconic artists like Blondie, Tears For Fears, Gary Numan, Lindsey Buckingham, Neil Finn, X).

How NFTs Will Transform The Music Business: Interview With CryptoPunks Rapper SPOTTIE WIFI

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 02:00:00 -0800

CryptoPunks' first rapper and overall "King" SPOTTIE WIFI i joins Peter and crypto investor Jacob Holmers for a discussion of NFTs and how they will transform the music industry (and the overall media business in general). Don't let SPOTTIE's "face" fool you. He is a true Web 3.0 pioneer - and this discussion (and what SPOTTIE is doing) applies to all Creators - including all Artists and Musicians. Now, with NFTs, Artists of all kind (musicians, film producers, game producers) can create a direct relationship with their audience and superfans - including via direct financing/investment and direct distribution. They can even give their audience/superfans an opportunity to share in the value they help to create (via actual ownership in the Artist's/Creator's works). Learn more about Peter and his firm CREATV Media at creatv.media and his music-focused firm Deep Cuts Media at deepcutsmedia.com

The Exploding Creator Economy, NFTs, DeFi & Media Transformed: Interview w/ BITKRAFT's & Infinite Canvas' Sebastian Park

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0800

Sebastian Park, co-founder of BITKRAFT Ventures and Infinite Canvas, joins Peter for a discussion about how Web 3.0 will transform the world of media and entertainment - and, in particular, how Creators will be able to go directly to their audience and superfans to engage with them (and monetize them) via NFTs, DeFi and other direct-to-consumer modes enabled by the blockchain. In this special session, Sebastian gives a full presentation of what Patreon's CEO Jack Conte calls "The 2nd Renaissance" - i.e., the feedback loop between tech and Creators that drives the expansion of Creator-type jobs and changes how society interacts with media and influence. You can follow Peter @pcsathy - also check out Peter's Deep Cuts Media (deepcutsmedia.com) and CREATV Media (creatv.media). The video version of this episode can also be found on YouTube at https://youtu.be/6a1lYWHOz1Y.

SHOW LESS

How NFTs Are Game-Changers for Creators, Artists & the World of Media & Entertainment

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 02:00:00 -0800

NFTs are no fad. They are here to stay - and they will radically transform the world for Creators, Artists, their content/IP, and their superfans. They already are. In this episode, I give an overview about the decentralized Web 3.0 world of NFTs in the world of media and entertainment. It just may transform the way you think about NFTs and the blockchain that fuels them. NFTs aren't just what you think they are (Beeple and visual images). They can be membership into exclusive clubs with exclusive benefits that rise in value, and can be re-sold. They also can give the NFT token holder actual ownership interest in the IP/content itself (and give the superfan/collector the ability to directly finance new art and content). Creators love them. The mega middlemen platforms like Facebook, YouTube and Apple - that built their trillion dollar plus valuations on the backs of your content/IP - certainly don't. NFTs enable Creators and Artists to take back the power (and dollars) to where they belong – i.e., to the individual(s) who created the IP or experience in the first place.

My 10 Predictions For Media & Entertainment In 2022

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 02:00:00 -0800

In this special year-end episode, I lay out my 10 predictions for media and entertainment in 2022. Just when we thought we were out(side), it (Covid) pulls us back in(side)! (Yes, a Godfather Part III reference to start things off!). While nothing is more powerful than real physical human connection, our increasingly tech-driven virtual world was the big story for media and entertainment in 2021. In particular, this past year marked the mass “coming out” party for an entirely new kind of transformational decentralized blockchain-enabled Web 3.0 world. And in the world of media, the headline blockchain story took its form in so-called non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Will the blockchain’s adoption in media accelerate in 2022? My Magic 8-Ball says “Signs point to ‘YES’.” And that is my prediction #1.
If you like my "Fearless Media" podcast - and want to hear more - please rate, share and subscribe to it.

Interview with Ultra-Marathon Man Dean Karnazes: Why & How I Do What I Do (& What Really Matters)

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Ultra Marathon Man Dean Karnazes – whose superhuman feats have blown minds and motivated millions around the world - joins Peter for a discussion about how he does what he does. But most importantly, why he does what he does (and universal themes about what really matters in life - which may help you identify your own priorities that matter to you). Dean defines, in every sense of the word, what it means to be "Fearless." He is a legend in the world of endurance sports. He has run 350 miles straight, without sleeping. 50 marathons in 50 consecutive days in all 50 states. 3,000 miles across the U.S. from Disneyland to NYC in 75 days (averaging more than 40 miles per day). He has even run a marathon to the South Pole without snowshoes! He next plans to run from the bottom of the Dead Sea to the top of Mt. Everest. But Dean is so much more. He is a multiple New York Times bestselling author and media figure – appearing on 60 Minutes and all the major late night and daytime talk shows. And he is a US Athlete Ambassador in overseas sports diplomacy. It is a fascinating conversation with an extreme sports legend.

Love, Loss & Music: Interview with Manchester Orchestra's Andy Hull & Robert McDowell

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 02:00:00 -0700

In this very special and deeply personal episode, Peter interview great indie band Manchester Orchestra's singer, chief songwriter and guitarist Andy Hull and lead guitarist (and brother-in-law) Robert McDowell about the band's latest great album "The Million Masks of God." The album's themes encapsulate the entire cycle of life - from birth to the after-life. Peter reveals that his mother, Eva, just recently passed away from her 5 year battle with cancer – and Manchester Orchestra’s McDowell, lost his father to cancer as they recorded the album. Hull, McDowell and Peter not only have a track by track discussion of the album (and what the lyrics mean to the writers of it). The core of their discussion is about the infinite meanings and impact those same lyrics can have on an artist’s audience. It is an interview about love, loss, and the deep power of music to console and to heal. Peter wrote a companion about this interview for VARIETY – an article titled “Love, Loss & Music: How Manchester Orchestra’s Songs of Solace Helped a Grieving Son Heal." You can find that at https://variety.com/2021/music/opinion/manchester-orchestra-songs-death-solace-1235048577/ .

The Life Of A Media/Tech Journalist (& How To Become One): Interview with Forbes' Senior Editor Dawn Chmielewski

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Award-winning media, entertainment & tech journalist Dawn Chmielewski (Sr. Editor for Forbes) joins Peter for a lively conversation about the life of a journalist (and how journalism has evolved over the past decades as a result of our tech-transformed social media and streaming "always on" world). Dawn discusses what it's like to do what she does, how she does it, and the pros and cons of today's journalism. She also discusses how she got into the world of journalism in the first place (and gives insights to others who hope to become a journalist and PR). And she discusses what it takes to succeed. Learn more about CREATV U at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

The Life Of A Hollywood Music Supervisor (& How To Become One): Interview with Award-Winning Music Supervisor Thomas Golubic

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Award-winning music supervisor Thomas Golubic ("Breaking Bad," "The Walking Dead," "Six Feet Under") joins Peter for a live conversation and Q&A about the life of a Hollywood music supervisor (and how he marries his sonic sensibilities with movie and television vision). In this live interactive CREATV U session, Thomas discusses what it's like to do what he does, how he does it, and the overall fundamental role music plays in all movies, television and video projects. He also discusses how he got into the world of music supervision in the first place (and gives insights to others who hope to become one). And he discusses what it takes to succeed. It's a fascinating journey. Learn more about CREATV U at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

The Life Of A Filmmaker (& How To Get Your First Film Made): Interview with Critically-Acclaimed Indie Filmmaker Alice Austen

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Critically-acclaimed filmmaker, playwright and overall creative force Alice Austen joins Peter for a conversation about the creative life of filmmaking (from ideation, to financing, to execution, to the next project). She gives advice to young filmmakers about how to get their first scripts and films in the right hands and noticed (and ultimately produced). Finally, in this CREATV U session, Alice answers questions and discusses her very own inspirational "road less traveled" professional journey - living 3 careers (first as an international lawyer, then as an award-winning playwright, and now as a critically-acclaimed indie filmmaker). Learn more about CREATV University at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

NFTs & AI: How Tech Is Transforming The Music Business (& The Impact on Artists) - Interview with Music-Tech Pioneer Benji Rogers

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Fearless music-tech pioneer and serial entrepreneur Benji Rogers joins me for a wide-ranging discussion of how technology is transforming the world of music both for artists and fans - with a focus on NFTs (and Benji's contrarian skepticism ... he explains why), Artificial Intelligence (including automated song-writing), and democratized musicianship via new technology that requires no practice or training. Benji also answers questions in this live CREATV University Q&A session. Learn more about CREATV U at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university and follow me (Peter) on Twitter @pcsathy

Synthetic Media: AI, Digital Humans & Deep Fakes (How It Will Change Hollywood): Interview with Victor Riparbelli, CEO of Synthesia

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Prepare for your mind to be blown. If you aren't familiar with so-called "synthetic media," you need to be. Synthetic media in all its forms - AI-driven digital humans, virtual beings, deep fakes - will transform Hollywood (and our lives). They already are. But you haven't seen anything yet. Fearless media-tech innovator and entrepreneur Victor Riparbelli, CEO of Synthesia (one of the leading innovators in this new AI-driven video world), joins me to discuss Synthesia's technology today - and where synthetic media will go in the next ten years. This all raises questions about the meaning of "creativity" and the impact on the creative community (and impacts on our lives). What happens to the "soul" of creativity when all of us can create Hollywood quality movies from our bedrooms - and when real human actors are no longer needed to play the leading roles? We discuss it all in this fascinating live CREATV University discussion. Learn more about CREATV U at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

Future Shock: 5 Mind-Blowing Media & Entertainment Trends: Interview with YouTube's Head of Brand Strategy, Nicholas Selz

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Nicholas Selz - who heads up brand strategy and product marketing for YouTube - joins me in this live CREATV University session for a fascinating and very different conversation and Q&A about (1) five media & entertainment trends Nick sees that will disrupt not only the industry, but our worlds in general (and blow your minds in myriad ways that you likely do not foresee), and (2) the impact on humanity - and philosophical implications - raised by those five trends. Nick is a deep thinker and visionary whom I respect - who fearlessly shares his thoughts and innovates. Learn more about CREATV University and its Mission at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel: What It's Like To Run A $100 Billion Company (& The Future Of Travel Post-Covid)

Wed, 26 May 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Glenn Fogel is CEO of Booking Holdings - the largest travel company in the world (Booking.com, Priceline, Kayak, Agoda, OpenTable, RentalCars.com). In this live CREATV University session, Glenn joins me to discuss what it's like to be a corporate titan and run a $100 billion company - especially a travel company during a global lockdown in a worldwide pandemic. Glenn discusses crisis management, and how he stays sane personally. He also discusses his own fearless professional journey, and how he overcame major adversity. Glenn and Peter also discuss the future of travel post-Covid - and how travel is forever changed because of it. Learn more about CREATV University at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

"Streaming Wars" Q2 Scorecard: How the Top 5 Stack Up (& Are Trending Now)

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Now that Q1's explosive earnings are under our belts in the world of media and tech, CREATV Media Chairman Peter Csathy lays out what we’ve learned in the fascinating "Streaming Wars" amongst giants that dominate Hollywood. Just 18 months ago, reigning champ Netflix played relatively alone. But that was then, this is now. Now four other global giants - Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus & HBO Max (plus several more) - place Netflix directly in their crosshairs as streaming has become core to their long-term strategies. So Peter handicaps all these mega-players and identifies how they’re trending for the rest of 2021.

The Shape of the Media Universe: A Deep Dive & Q&A with Expert Evan Shapiro

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0700

Emmy and Peabody Award-winning creative executive and visionary Evan Shapiro - who has fearlessly produced and developed 150 TV, etc. series (including "Portlandia") - joins Peter for a live, no holds barred conversation and Q&A about the overall "shape" of the media universe and its major players (and how his career took him to "Portlandia", National Lampoon and beyond). In this live CREATV University session, Evan - the ultimate media "insider's," outsider - also answers questions posed to him by CREATV U students (and gives insights about pursuing careers in media and entertainment). Learn more about CREATV University at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

Interview with SNL Alum Fred Armisen: His Comedy, Characters, Creative Process, Music (& Obsession with Devo)

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0800

SNL alum, comedian, actor, writer, musician Fred Armisen joins Peter for a journey through Fred's life and entertainment career. In this CREATV University session, Fred discusses how he began his career (as a punk rock drummer), fearlessly broke through into comedy and SNL, how he develops his characters, and his overall creative process. He takes us into the world of Portlandia, Documentary Now, and Los Espookys - but, with every journey somehow ending up with music front and center (Ian Rubbish & Blue Jean Committee, anyone)? Learn more about CREATV University and its mission to help and inspire young people who are passionate about pursuing careers in music, entertainment, media and tech at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

Marketing & Branding: Where Is the Consumer? Interview with Superstar CMO Geoff Cottrill

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 02:00:00 -0800

Marketing and branding expert Geoff Cottrill - a long-time Chief Marketing Officer and senior executive at Converse, Coca-Cola and other major brands - joins Peter for a live CREATV University conversation and Q&A about Geoff's insights. How should marketers/branding specialists think of advertising in this multi-platform world? How should they think of their customers? How can they be successful? And what defines "success"? Geoff also takes us down a journey through his fearless career, lessons learned along the way, how he incorporated his love for music all along the way, and how young people can break out in the world of marketing. Learn more about CREATV U and its mission at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

The Story Behind Bonnaroo (& Future of Live Music): Interview with Rick Farman, Co-Founder Superfly

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0800

Rick Farman, co-founder of live music festival and entertainment experiential company Superfly (producers of Bonnaroo & Outside Lands), joins Peter in this CREATV University session to discuss his journey about how he and his partners fearlessly started Bonnaroo & created Superfly. Rick and Peter also discuss the impact of Covid-19 on musicians and the live music and festival industry, what musicians can do right now in a non-touring world, and where the live music and event industry goes from here. Finally, Rick and Peter discuss innovations in the music industry today that are re-imagining the music industry of tomorrow (and lay out some of their favorite companies who are changing the game). Learn more about CREATV University at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

Instagram's Head of Music Perry Bashkoff: How Artists Can Build Their Audiences & Make Money Using Instagram

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0800

Instagram's Head of Music, Perry Bashkoff, joins Peter for a conversation and Q&A about Instagram Music, new and upcoming features, how artists can use Instagram to expand and monetize their fans, and how Perry broke into the music industry and fearlessly built his impressive career. In this CREATV University session, Perry also gives advice to young people who want to break into the music and entertainment industry - his very own "best practices".

CREATV University (CREATV U) is a hub of learning, access, internships and jobs that is entirely free to college and graduate students who are passionate about exploring careers in the worlds of media, entertainment, music and tech. Learn more at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

Interview with Music Mogul Troy Carter: A Revealing Journey Into A Seemingly Perfect Career (Lady Gaga, Spotify)

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 02:00:00 -0800

Music and tech "Renaissance Man" Troy Carter - who has managed Lady Gaga and John Legend among other superstars, led Artist relations at Spotify, and is an overall music and tech innovator - joins Peter for an inspiring conversation about his career. In this CREATV University session, Troy takes us on a candid journey through his "highs" and "lows" - and how he dug himself out of past failures to fearlessly re-imagine his career several times and take it to new levels. He also gives advice to young people who want to break into the music and entertainment industry - including how to land that first gig (and succeed in it).

CREATV University (CREATV U) is a hub of learning, access, internships and jobs that is entirely free to college and graduate students who are passionate about exploring careers in the worlds of media, entertainment, music and tech. Learn more at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

10 Predictions For Entertainment, Media & Tech In 2021

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0800

Peter reveals his renown "10 Predictions for Media, Entertainment & Tech" for 2021 in this special year-end episode - and discusses each in detail, covering all sectors of the media and entertainment business (video/movies/television, music, games/esports, immersive/VR/AR, AI, synthetic media and much more). Which sectors - and which companies - will be the "winners" and "losers" in 2021 after this unprecedented year of disruption? Learn more about Peter, his firm CREATV Media and his "give back" CREATV University at www.creatv.media.

From Living Room To Board Room - Confessions Of A Real Media-Tech Entrepreneur: Interview w/ Jon Skogmo, Founder/CEO Jukin' Media

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 02:00:00 -0800

Jon Skogmo, founder & CEO of Jukin' Media -- one of the leading media companies in the world of user-generated content -- joins Peter for a live conversation and CREATV University Q&A about Jon's entrepreneurial journey and what it takes to innovate and succeed in the ever-changing world of media and tech. Jon candidly discusses what he has learned along the way -- the good, the bad, the ugly - including raising capital, building teams, scaling businesses, and trying to stay sane amidst it all. Jon, one of Peter's favorite and most authentic entrepreneurs, gives important insights into choosing an entrepreneurial life that follows a road less traveled. You can learn more about CREATV University at http://www.creatv.media/creatv-university.

DEVO's Gerald Casale (Interview): The Story Behind The Song "Whip It"

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0800

If ever there were a time for DEVO, THIS is that de-evolutionary time! In this episode, Peter interviews iconoclastic New Wave band DEVO's founding member, co-songwriter and co-lead singer Gerald Casale to learn the real story behind the surprising hit song "Whip It." Gerald also discusses how "Whip It" from the band's 3rd album "Freedom of Choice" - which hit its 40th year milestone in 2020 - represented a sea change to electronic dance music from the band's earlier guitar-driven songs. Gerald similarly delves into the song "Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA" from that earlier second album (and discusses its origins as well). Finally, Gerald and Peter discuss DEVO's relevance and impact today - DEVO's future plans for tomorrow - and the de-evolutionary years ahead.

Netflix: The Contrarian's "Bearish" Case About The Streaming Giant's Very Real Vulnerabilities

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0800

We all watch Netflix, and we all love it. After all, what's not to love (especially when we are locked in our homes)? But, as invincible as this streaming giant seems, it isn't. No company is. The Blockbusters and Kodaks of the world remind us of that. In this provocative episode, Peter takes the bear's contrarian argument about Netflix and its prospects. He lays out Netflix's very real, and very significant, vulnerabilities. Peter also identifies potential ways those vulnerabilities can be addressed and risks mitigated. So can Netflix go it alone in the long-run? Or will a much bigger fish ultimately swallow it up? Listen and then place your bets.

The Importance Of Storytelling When Defining Your Career Path: Interview with John Evershed, Founder Mondo Media

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0800

John Evershed, founder of adult animation company Mondo Media and one of the leading experts in the adult animation space, sits down with Peter in this live CREATV University session to give his advice about how best to pursue fulfilling careers in the worlds of entertainment, media and tech. John uses his own non-linear journey to emphasize key universal "take-aways" for the benefit of young people who want to break into the business - including the power of relationships and mentorships and pursuing a meaningful and authentic life fueled by passion. Learn more about CREATV Media at www.creatv.media.

Esports & Games - An Overview Of This Massive Entertainment Sector (& Where It's Going): Interview with Scott Rupp, Bitkraft Ventures

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0700

Scott Rupp, founding General Partner of BITKRAFT Ventures - one of the leading venture capital firms in the world of esports and games - joins Peter to give an overview of that massive entertainment sector that dwarfs the movie and music industries. He also discusses the future of esports and games and how the music industry - and other entertainment sectors - can benefit by actively playing in the worlds of esports and games. Scott also answers questions posed by guests in this live CREATV University session - and explains why he chose the song "Peace Frog" by The Doors to kick off the session for guests before it begins (stumping Peter in the process). To learn more, visit CREATV Media at www.creatv.media.

What Film Schools Should Teach (But Don't): Interview with Chris Donahue, Academy Award Winning Producer

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0700

Academy Award & Emmy-winning film and TV producer Chris Donahue -- who teaches film both at UCLA Extension and Chapman University -- joins Peter to discuss his perspectives about what is missing from the curriculum of most film schools -- and how to fix it (which he calls "revolution", not "evolution"). In this live CREATV University session, Chris also answers questions posed by film school students (and others interested in applying). He also lays out his own creative and professional journey and why he chose the song "California" by U2 to precede the session as guests waited for it to begin. To go deeper and learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

Diversity & Inclusion In Hollywood & The Entertainment Business: Interview with Rabia Abedin, DreamWorks Animation

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0700

Rabia Abedin, who oversees diversity initiatives and early career programs at DreamWorks Animation, joins Peter to discuss today's realities of diversity in the media and entertainment business (and what DreamWorks and other companies are doing today to make the industry more inclusive and representative). Rabia also discusses breaking into the entertainment business, DreamWorks' innovative early career programs for young people. She also answers questions posed live during this CREATV University session - and explains why she chose the song "My Shot" from "Hamilton" as the song that preceded the session as guests waited for it to begin. To learn more, visit CREATV Media at www.creatv.media.

DJ Boris Brejcha: Interview About His Revolutionary Global Livestreaming Event

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0700

Peter interviews German DJ Boris Brejcha about his revolutionary upcoming October 24th global livestreamed event - where Boris will stream 3 separate concerts in 3 different time zones around the globe - and only charge fans 1 EURO for it. Boris is changing the game in this grand music experiment that charges his fans less, to reach more of them - and to give them an opportunity for hope and inspiration during these unprecedented times. To learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

The Power & Opportunity Of Livestreaming For Artists & Brands: Interview with John Petrocelli, CEO BulldogDM

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0700

CEO/Founder John Petrocelli of BulldogDM -- which is the leading premium high quality livestreaming company -- joins Peter to discuss the power and opportunity of livestreaming for musicians, advertisers and brands. John, who is one of the leading experts in the world of livestreaming, digs into specific music and entertainment case studies and success stories - as well as industry "best practices." To go deeper and learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

The Art & Science of Breaking Artists & Their Songs In Our Streaming-First World: Interview with Rachel Cragg, A&R Nettwerk Music

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0700

Long-time Artist manager, A&R executive and music festival relations executive Rachel Cragg - who has worked with musical artists ranging from Beastie Boys to Radical Face - joins Peter for a live CREATV U session and Q&A about her insights into the music business. Rachel discusses her "secret formula" for optimizing the chances of artists getting their songs heard (and building an audience) in our streaming-led world dominated by Spotify and others. She also discusses how she broke into (and succeeded in) the industry, how artists are coping during the pandemic's halt to all touring, and new ways for artists to engage with their fans and earn a living. To go deeper and learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

A Process For Maximizing Your Creative & Career Potential: Interview with L.C. Crowley, CEO Trioscope Studios

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0700

CEO/Founder L.C. Crowley of Trioscope Studios -- which produces hybrid live action/animated content for Netflix and others -- joins Peter for a live CREATV University Q&A about developing your own system to realize your creative, professional, and personal/life goals and potential. L.C. also lays out new content and programming possibilities in our streaming-first entertainment world. He also explains why he chose the song "When I Paint My Masterpiece" by The Band to be his pre-session song as the online audience waited for his interview to begin. To go deeper and learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

Finding Your "Jealousy" & Ideal Entertainment Gig: Interview with Jennie Morris, Content Strategy HBO Max

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0700

Jennie Morris, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy at HBO Max, joins Peter to discuss her unexpected professional journey that ultimately led her to a top programming role in one of the biggest streaming video services and stories of the year. Jennie has held ever-escalating executive roles in leading traditional and tech-driven entertainment companies over the years (including Facebook). She shares insights along the way in this live streamed CREATV University session that culminates with a career approach she calls "finding your jealousy." She also explains why she chose the song "This Town" by The Go-Go's as the pre-session song as the online audience waited for the interview to begin. To go deeper and learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

Musician CLAIRO: Interview About Her Creative Process & Personal Journey

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0700

Artist Claire Cottrill (CLAIRO), one of the hottest young indie music talents in the world, joins Peter in a candid and deeply authentic CREATV U session where she fearlessly discusses her creative process and her own personal journey (including both her triumphs and her struggles). Claire answers questions from, and gives advice to, her fans who joined this live stream. She also discusses how the pandemic is impacting her music and how she stays sane during these unprecedented times. We also find out why she chose Carole King's classic song "So Far Away" as the song that played as the audience waited for the interview to begin. To go deeper and learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

Keys To Career Success In The Entertainment Business: Interview with Jeff Clanagan, CEO LOL Network

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0700

Jeff is President of Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network and CEO of Codeblack Films. He joins Peter for a lively CREATV University session and conversation about his non-linear journey in the entertainment business -- and reveals his keys to succeeding in it. Jeff is a true fearless media entrepreneur who demonstrates the power of relationships, innovation and tenacity - ingredients behind how he and Kevin Hart created a comic empire together. To go deeper and learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

Mission-Driven Career Paths & The Art Of "Faking It": Interview with Ann Lee, CEO CORE

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0700

Ann co-founded global disaster relief organization CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) with actor Sean Penn. She is a fearless social entrepreneur and joins Peter in this CREATV University live session to discuss mission-driven professional career paths, the power of relationships, and the reality that multiple entry points exist into the entertainment business (most of which are unexpected). She also underscores that no one knows what they are doing - everyone is faking it - and sometimes you just gotta take action. To go deeper and learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

Finding Your "Why" & How To Break Into The Entertainment Business: Interview with Sarah Harden, CEO Hello Sunshine

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 03:00:00 -0700

Sarah is CEO of Reese Witherspoon’s media company Hello Sunshine, which places women at the center of its stories and produced HBO’s mega-hit “Big Little Lies.” Sarah is an intense fearless force and innovator in our tech-transformed world of media and entertainment. She joins Peter in this live CREATV University session to take us on her non-linear professional journey and share her insights learned along the way – including the importance of “finding your why” and what it takes to break into, and succeed in, the business. To go deeper and learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

The Art of Creating a Life While Making a Living: Interview with Randy Komisar, Kleiner Perkins VC

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 02:00:00 -0700

Venture capitalist Randy Komisar of Kleiner Perkins, one of the blue chip-iest of all tech VC firms on the planet, joins Peter for a candid, refreshing live CREATV University conversation that will surprise and inspire you. If you think all VC's fit a certain mold, think again. Randy breaks it, fearlessly. He chases ideas – not money. His professional journey matches his personal, spiritual journey. Randy also gives a "sneak peek" into how VC's make their decisions - something critical for all entrepreneurs. To go deeper and learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

Musician "Radical Face": Interview About His Creative Process & Personal Inspirations

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 01:00:00 -0700

Peter kicks off his new podcast with an interview of musician Ben Cooper, who goes by the artist name "Radical Face." Why Ben first? Because creators and their content (in this case music) sit in the center of everything in the world of entertainment and media - all else flows from that. Ben's music and career also embody everything that this podcast is about. He is fearless in his creativity, open about his own struggles and inspirations, and innovative as an artist in today's streaming-first world. Ben also just happens to be Peter's favorite musician of the past decade. In this live CREATV University session, he describes his fascinating creative process and artistic "recipe" - and candidly reveals how he infuses them with so much that is personal. He also explains the genesis of Peter's favorite "Radical Face" song, "The Mute." To go deeper and learn more, visit www.creatv.media.

Welcome To My FEARLESS MEDIA Podcast!

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0700

In this introductory episode, I lay out what you can come to expect in my new entertainment, music, media & tech-focused podcast FEARLESS MEDIA - give you a preview of the diverse things to come - and explain why I chose the name.