Tech Titans Gather to Talk AI and the Future of Entertainment

Every January, Las Vegas becomes the hub for tech enthusiasts and industry leaders as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) takes over the city. Since 1998, this event has been a staple, drawing crowds eager to see the latest innovations. Among the many highlights is the Variety Entertainment Summit, a gathering that has been a part of CES for over half of its history. This year, the summit is split into two days, with the Variety Entertainment Summit on January 7 and the Variety Business of Creators Summit on January 8, both taking place at the Aria's C-Space Studio. The entertainment industry is buzzing with talks about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact. Big names like Rita Ferro from Disney and Kim Boyd from Hasbro will be there, along with actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Simon Helberg. The discussions will focus on how AI is changing the game, with some seeing it as a threat and others as an opportunity.Jon Liebman, CEO of Brillstein Entertainment Partners, brings a historical perspective to the table. He points out that every major technological shift, from talkies in the 1920s to the internet in the 1990s, was met with fear. Yet, each time, the industry adapted and grew. Liebman will share his thoughts on "The Future of Content" panel, moderated by Cynthia Littleton. He believes that while AI's full impact is unknown, history shows that technology often fuels growth rather than destruction. Jonathan Yunger, co-founder of Arcana, an AI-powered content production platform, agrees that AI is a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it. He will join Breckin Meyer and Andrew Wallenstein to discuss AI storytelling. Yunger emphasizes that AI can lower costs and maintain production value, but it still needs human creativity to thrive. The summit will feature a variety of panels, including "The New Business of Entertainment" and "Fandom in the Zeitgeist. " There will also be a conversation with Anthony Wood, the founder of Roku. On the second day, the focus shifts to the creator economy, with panels on the rise of creators in TV and the power of live shopping.