Scott Ross, legendary VFX executive and co-founder of Digital Domain, joins the podcast for an unfiltered conversation about the state of the film industry and the visual effects business. With decades of experience and a reputation for telling it like it is, Scott digs into the systemic challenges facing Hollywood—from broken economic models in studio filmmaking to the relentless pressure on VFX vendors. He reflects on his time building Digital Domain alongside James Cameron and shares insights from his new book, UPSTART: The Digital Film Revolution – Managing the Unmanageable, which chronicles his journey through the chaos and creativity that have defined modern filmmaking.

While Scott doesn’t sugarcoat the industry’s issues, he also sees glimmers of hope. He highlights the rise of global talent and a shift toward more authentic, filmmaker-driven storytelling. The conversation touches on the role of AI, the decline of theatrical experiences, and the urgent need for systemic change—while still holding onto the belief that the future of cinema is worth fighting for. With honesty, insight, and passion, Scott offers a rare perspective from someone who’s been at the center of the digital revolution and still has something to say.

Joshua Lastine, an entertainment lawyer, returns to the podcast to break down the rapidly changing legal and business landscape of the film industry. As AI tools reshape content creation, streaming platforms redefine distribution, and independent filmmakers leverage new technology, Joshua explains how contracts, intellectual property, and revenue models are evolving. He dives into the legal implications of AI in filmmaking, from WGA and SAG-AFTRA’s new protections to the ethical and financial risks of content licensing for AI training. He also discusses how major studios are adapting to these shifts and what it means for the future of traditional and independent production.

The conversation highlights how cutting-edge technology is empowering low-budget filmmakers to create studio-quality content without massive resources. Joshua explores the impact of real-time rendering, virtual production, and AI-driven tools on independent filmmaking, making it easier than ever to produce high-end visuals on a fraction of the budget. He also breaks down the shifting economics of streaming vs. theatrical releases, how tax incentives influence production locations, and why smart distribution strategies are more critical than ever. Packed with expert legal insights and industry analysis, this episode offers a roadmap for navigating the intersection of law, technology, and the evolving film industry.

Oliver Markowski, Head of 3D at RISE, returns to the podcast to dive deep into the latest advancements in VFX technology. Since his last appearance, the industry has seen major shifts, and Oliver shares insights on how USD and MaterialX have evolved, shaping how studios exchange data and build pipelines. He discusses the adoption of USD across the industry, from major VFX houses to tech giants like NVIDIA and Apple, and the challenges of standardizing MaterialX for real-world production. Oliver also provides an update on RISE’s latest projects, including their work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Megalopolis, and the highly anticipated Fallout series.

A major focus of the conversation is the use of Gaussian Splats and how they are revolutionizing virtual production and 3D asset capture. Oliver explains how this technique has surpassed neural radiance fields (NeRFs) in efficiency, enabling real-time 3D reconstruction with remarkable accuracy. He explores its potential to replace traditional polygon-based workflows and the challenges of integrating Gaussian Splats into existing VFX pipelines. With fascinating insights into real-time rendering, AI-driven workflows, and the future of digital filmmaking, this episode is a must-listen for anyone following the cutting edge of VFX innovation.