The final part of the LA Times’ deep-dive into Hollywood and AI is here – and our CEO and co-founder Stephen Piron was interviewed for the article. Stephen talks all things Pickford, from audience interaction to our recent screenings across the globe.

The LA Times piece offers a fantastic view into the creatives, technologists, and executives all working together to meld AI and Hollywood. Read the full article here.

AI on the Lot is a singular AI film conference. Located in sunny Culver City, a town steeped in Hollywood history, the conference brings together creatives and developers; artists and executives. 

The Pickford team was honored to screen our interactive AI experience “First Date” at the famed Culver Theater. It was a unique experience; a movie theater filled with over 100 people, building and creating a story together in real time. 

Audiences called it “surprising”, “super fun”, and “truly interactive”. They emphasized how unique it was to truly be a part of the creative process as it unfolded on the screen.

The Pickford team screened “First Date” at the prestigious Marché du Film during the Cannes Film Festival, where the attendees were both viewers and creators simultaneously. Audience members didn’t just watch the story unfold—they shaped it. From selecting character traits like occupation and hair color to steering key plot points, attendees became co-authors of the narrative in real time.

The response was thrilling. Viewers praised the experience for its “advanced storytelling” and sharp wit, calling it both interactive and innovative. Most importantly, they found it fun. One attendee even imagined it as a game night with friends—a shared storytelling adventure like no other.

Emmy and Peabody-award winning Director and Showrunner Bernie Su has joined the Pickford team to create a new AI experience called “Whispers”. The interactive mystery will allow users to work together (or in opposition) to solve a fictional crime in real time. 

Bernie brings a wealth of experience to the project, having worked at the intersection of technology and entertainment while creating content native to platforms like Twitch and YouTube. 

Read the full Variety article here.