Renowned industry leader Seth Hallen, formerly Managing Director at Panavision’s Light Iron, is charting a new course in his career to focus on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in media and entertainment. With over 25 years of experience in running companies across production, post production services and technology, which includes his role as HPA president for the last 9 years, Hallen is set to leverage his expertise to support both early-stage media tech companies and existing traditional organizations as the supply chain navigates and realizes the potential of AI innovations.
Hallen’s new mission includes creating a thriving community for AI in entertainment, serving as a catalyst for change and a go-to resource for all things AI. He is committed to helping early stage mediatech companies further develop their product roadmaps, gain visibility, secure funding, and build essential connections. Additionally, he aims to support traditional media and entertainment organizations in their transformation efforts, ensuring they can compete and succeed in an evolving landscape.
"We know AI is powerful, but we've spent a lot of time either marveling at this technology or fearing it," says Hallen. "We need to shift the focus back to the human and talk about how these tools unlock and unleash the next level of human potential in powerfully new ways across media and entertainment."
Hallen emphasizes that AI tools will continue to replace certain human tasks, but new roles will emerge, just as they have with every technological advancement over the past century. "AI can feel scary to some now because it’s very difficult for us to conceive of what some of these new roles will be, but I believe they will continue to emerge," he adds.
As the traditional scripted feature and episodic industry undergoes disruption and transformation, Hallen aims to provide support and opportunity during this time of change. His focus spans the broader media and entertainment spectrum, including gaming, XR and immersive experiences, live events, advertising, and more. Hallen has invested in several companies developing AI and blockchain technologies and continues to evaluate early-stage companies for investment. He offers his extensive experience in business-building to these companies as an advisor, helping them compete and succeed in the market.
"These powerful new emerging technologies can enable the transformation of businesses and better enable them to thrive in a disrupted economic environment that is changing rapidly," he says. “We’re in a completely new era of technology application.”
Hallen's commitment to the industry extends to his involvement in various key events and discussions. He recently participated in TransformBase which took place in London, discussing responsible investment in frontier technologies, including AI. He moderated a session at Digital Hollywood with panelists from Microsoft, Amazon, NVIDIA, and Paramount. Hallen will also speak at IBC Show in September and at Infinity Festival in Hollywood this November.
Hallen acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding AI but insists on focusing on its potential benefits. "These technologies can empower us rather than replace us," he states. He believes that a multitude of futures are possible, including one where AI is used in a sustainable, human-centric manner. "Through education, communication and collaboration, it is up to us all to shape it."
As Seth Hallen embarks on this exciting new journey, the media and entertainment industry can look forward to his continued contributions and leadership in AI innovation. Early-stage companies, traditional organizations, venture capitalists and private investors are encouraged to connect with Hallen to explore opportunities for collaboration and investment. His official plans are still in the works and will be finalized in the coming months.
Stay tuned for further updates.
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