About us

Project Odyssey is an AI Filmmaking initiative to unite the creators, communities, and companies across the industry. Through this program, we hope to:

  • Foster opportunities for both AI technologists and traditional filmmakers to get hands on, providing free education and resources regardless of background or experience.
  • Support creators with monetary resources, not just exposure, to create sustainable career opportunities so that AI can augment creativity, not replace it.
  • Showcase how AI can democratize the filmmaking process, breaking down barriers for those who traditionally haven't been included in the conversation.
  • Spotlight educators and innovators, especially from the open-source community, who've pushed the medium forward and have uplifted those just starting their creative journey.
  • Legitimize AI filmmaking to mainstream audiences by producing stories with amazing visuals AND impactful stories, not just one or the other.

Organizers

This competition would not be possible without our organizers and sponsors, who've generously donated their time and resources to support the AI Filmmaking community.

Civitai - Organizer

Civitai is the home of open-source generative AI, whose mission is to make tools and resources universally accessible. Offering hosting, image generation, and model training services, Civitai has grown to become a community of 5M monthly active members, bringing together a vibrant collective of artists, developers, and filmmakers focused on growing the creator ecosystem.

Learn more at https://civitai.com/?ref_source=project_odyssey

ThinkDiffusion - Organizer

ThinkDiffusion is a cloud platform that makes the vast global ecosystem of open source AI art tools like Stable Diffusion accessible to all, without the need for pricey equipment and technical know-how. Learn, experiment and have fun with your private & personal art lab in the cloud.

Learn more at https://www.thinkdiffusion.com/

ElevenLabs - Organizer

ElevenLabs is a voice AI research & deployment company with a mission to make content universally accessible in any language & voice. ElevenLabs creates the most realistic, versatile and contextually-aware AI audio, providing the ability to generate speech in hundreds of new and existing voices in 29 languages. As a technology research company, ElevenLabs is at the forefront of developing new cutting-edge voice AI. They deploy the most advanced models and features accessible via web app or API to a user base from creators to publishers and beyond.

Learn more at https://elevenlabs.io/

Realdreams - Organizer

Situated in the vibrant heart of London, Realdreams is more than just a creative studio - we're a community. With a keen focus on AI-driven content production, our team crafts digital narratives that truly resonate. Our passion extends beyond the screen, as we bring together a diverse community of creators, thinkers, and AI enthusiasts. From innovative content development to engaging workshops, our services are designed to inspire, inform, and captivate.

Learn more at https://www.realdreams.io/

Morph Studio - Premier Sponsor

Morph Studio is an innovative AI-driven platform that revolutionizes video production by integrating storyboard design with advanced AI models. It features capabilities such as text-to-video, image-to-video, video style transfer, and advanced lip-sync. This combination helps users draft and produce professional-grade video content, simplifying sophisticated video creation and making it intuitive for creators at every skill level.

Learn more at https://www.morphstudio.com/

F3F - Premier Sponsor

The inaugural F3F Inclusive Tech Summit was a transformative experience, exceeding our wildest expectations! We showed how diversity of thought, experience & culture, when combined with technology has the power to positively impact everyone and everything – from fashion to entertainment to education to the workforce!Now, we’re raising the bar even higher for 2025! Save the date now, make plans to be in Orlando May 21–25th!

Learn more at https://www.f3fest.com/2024-recap/

LensGo - Premier Sponsor

LensGo is a generative AI platform designed to deliver the most advanced and controllable tools for professional creators and enthusiasts in AI filmmaking and related industries. Currently focusing on Style Transfer and pioneering experiments in AI rendering and AI-based VFX for post-production, LensGo has attracted millions of users across various sectors, fostering a vibrant community of the most innovative and creative minds.

Learn more at https://lensgo.ai/

Domo AI - Premier Sponsor

DomoAI is your go-to AI tool for unleashing your creativity on Discord! With DomoAI, you can effortlessly transform ordinary videos into stunning masterpieces in various styles, from anime and 3D cartoons to paper art and more. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking for some creative fun, our server is the perfect place to unleash your imagination. From crafting creative videos and design elements to creating memes and avatars, DomoAI has all your creative needs covered.

Learn more at https://domoai.app/r/odyssey

DeepMake - Premier Sponsor

By bringing the capabilities of the latest Open Source generative AI models directly into visual workflows, DeepMake allows human creativity to meet AI ingenuity, making content creation and editing fast and powerful. DeepMake is not a cloud rendering service, but instead integrates with the leading creative and video editing software to allow users to natively render and edit using AI tools powered by their own hardware and in their normal workflows. All the functionality is available without monthly usage limits.

Learn more at https://deepmake.com/

neural frames - Premier Sponsor

neural frames is an AI video synthesizer that empowers users to create audio-reactive AI visuals from text prompts. With a refined interface that offers unrivaled control over generated animations and the ability to train custom models, neural frames provides a unique creative experience. Fast cloud GPUs ensure the platform is widely accessible, making it the go-to tool for musicians, artists, and creators seeking to push the boundaries of visual expression.

Learn more at https://www.neuralframes.com/

FBRC.ai - Premier Sponsor

FBRC.ai serves the media and entertainment industry by bringing together startups, creators, and academics to build tools for the future of content production. Through a combination of deep technical knowledge, years of entertainment industry expertise, and a broad community of creators and makers, we research the latest in AI and emerging technologies, build tools with product-pipeline fit, create productions that tap into AI efficiencies, and educate the industry on operationalizing AI workflows ethically.

Learn more at https://www.fbrc.ai/

AILA - Premier Sponsor

The AI LA Community is a non-profit organization supporting the research, development, ethical application, and public education of artificial intelligence and frontier technologies through media, events, and workforce development in the greater Los Angeles region since 2016.

Learn more at https://www.joinai.la/

Tripo - Premier Sponsor

Tripo AI is a generative 3D model launched by VAST that can generate textured 3D mesh models in 8 seconds and a detailed one within 2 minutes. Furthermore, Tripo also develops auto-rigging, animation, and stylization, in order to make generated models more pipeline-ready. In March 2024, VAST and Stability AI jointly released the open-source TripoSR 3D model, which has been hugely successful globally. Meanwhile, Tripo API is well-integrated with ComfyUI for iteration and controllable pipelines. Tripo AI also has a viral 3D creator/developer community. The ultimate goal for Tripo is to make everyone a super creator in the upcoming 3D era.

Learn more at https://www.tripo3d.ai/

Luma AI - Premier Sponsor

Luma AI's mission is to build multimodal AI to expand human imagination and capabilities. We at Luma AI believe that multimodality is critical for intelligence. To go beyond language models and build more aware, capable and useful systems, the next step function change will come from vision. So, Luma is working on training and scaling up multimodal foundation models for systems that can see and understand, show and explain, and eventually interact with our world to effect change.

Learn more at https://lumalabs.ai/dream-machine

Leonardo - Sponsor

Leonardo transcends the conventional AI toolset by providing a robust and dynamic platform for creative production. They marry cutting edge generative AI technology with unparalleled creator control, reinforcing human creativity instead of replacing it. In every step of the content generation process, their platform affords granular control, ensuring your creative vision is flawlessly brought to life. Leveraging a slew of cutting-edge backend features, Leonardo excels in model fine-tuning, prompt adherence, training speed, inference pace, and multi-image prompting capabilities.

Learn more at https://leonardo.ai/

Deforum - Sponsor

Deforum is an AI animation platform and community that emerged after the public availability of Stable Diffusion. It is an open-source project, emphasizing collaborative development and shared innovation. The community-driven initiative first established its presence through a dedicated Discord server. It draws on the collective expertise of a diverse group of individuals passionate about AI and animation. The ongoing maintenance and expansion of Deforum are handled entirely by volunteer contributors. The project aims to empower everyone to experiment with and create animations, regardless of their technical background.Key members of our community took steps to form Deforum Studio. This entity is dedicated to enhancing user experience and making advanced animation tools accessible to a wider audience. Deforum Studio's core mission is to demystify the complexities of these tools, paving the way for users to develop professional proficiency with generative AI. The deforum studio discord bot and web application are based on the open-source Deforum Automatic1111 Extension and Stable Diffusion XL. The model checkpoint "Protovision XL" was created by SoCalGuitarist.

Learn more at https://deforum.studio/

zero1cine - Sponsor

Dive into a world where humans create and machines dream, blurring the lines between brains and bits. Discover a curated selection of the best AI Films.

Learn more at https://zero1cine.com/

AI on the Lot - Sponsor

The premier summit where Hollywood's creative minds meet the innovators of AI technology. This event is set to revolutionize the way we think about filmmaking and storytelling.​Located at the iconic LA Center Studios and Synapse VP stage in downtown LA, this event, sponsored by industry giants Dell and NVIDIA, promises to be a melting pot of ideas and innovations. From the writer's room to post-production and beyond, explore how AI is reshaping animation, VFX, and even entertainment business models. Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness the future of film and television, where independent filmmakers, studio executives, and AI tech leaders come together to redefine the boundaries of creativity and technology.

Learn more at https://www.aionthelot.com/

Late Arrivals - Sponsor

Late Arrivals is a Los Angeles-based generative AI film and media company. It creates AI multimedia and designs generative AI workflows for film productions.

Learn more at https://www.linkedin.com/company/late-arrivals/

Our Judges

We've gathered an expert panel from the AI, Filmmaking, and Music Industries to help select the best 3D Animation, Music Video, Narrative, Open Format, and Behind-The-Scenes entries!

Eric Solorio (enigmatic_e) - AI Filmmaker and VFX Artist

Sebastian Kamph - AI Educator

A professional Art director of 20 years, Sebastian has created everything from tv commercials to large branding campaigns and is now spearheading the generative AI art movement by teaching the industry. Known for his clear and engaging teaching style, Sebastian's videos help demystify complex AI concepts and make them accessible to a broader audience. His commitment to high-quality content and his ability to make technical topics interesting and fun have garnered him a substantial and dedicated following on YouTube. His channel is a go-to resource for anyone interested in learning about Stable Diffusion and AI art.

Tyler Bernabe (jboogx.creative) - AI Filmmaker and Head of Social Strategy & Content Marketing at Civitai

Based in Hawaii, Tyler came into AI Animation with over 4 years of freelance videography, editing, and VFX work. Recently he's seen seen huge success on social media accumulating over 20 million views and being featured at Coachella. As the Head of Social Strategy & Content Marketing at Civitai, the largest AI Art & Resource hub, he manages their social media channels, creates in house content for the website, and hosts weekly Twitch streams showcasing the latest animation tools and top community creators who are doing incredible things in the world of AI.

Justin Hackney - AI Filmmaker, ElevenLabs Creative Director, and RealDreams Founder

A pioneer deeply immersed in the intersection of AI and creativity, Justin is currently at ElevenLabs, steering groundbreaking projects as their Creative Director. His passion lies in unlocking the transformative potential of AI within the creative domain.

With a over a decade's worth of experience under his belt, Jusin has mastered the art of visual storytelling across various platforms working for renowned clients like Honda, Lego, Uber Eats, and EE. Driven by the intersection of technology and creativity, he founded the Realdreams collective, serving as a creative studio and AI agency, andfocusing on events and building a vibrant community around generative creative tools. Justin's commitment to this field is not just about pioneering; it's about creating a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the AI space.

Matt Wolfe - AI Educator and Entrepreneur

Matt Wolfe is an American entrepreneur, podcaster, blogger, affiliate marketer, mastermind host, speaker, and author. He is best known for his tool curation platform, FutureTools.io and for being the previous co-host of The Hustle & Flowchart Podcast. Wolfe began his career in building WordPress websites and blogging in the San Diego area.

Christie Lau - Digital Artist

Named one of the Institute of Digital Fashion’s Top 100 Innovators of 2023, Christie Lau (they/them) is a visionary XR artist and world builder. With a background in Fashion Print from Central Saint Martins, Christie seamlessly integrates fashion, technology, and digital art to create immersive virtual worlds and digital identities.

Christie's work transforms internet culture and everyday life into playful and absurd augmented and virtual realities. Utilizing Unreal Engine, Unreal Metahumans, and Gaussian Splats, they craft intricate digital environments that captivate and engage audiences. Their innovative approach gained viral attention with their graduation project, where giant QR code boxes on the runway led to AR filters featuring Unreal metahumans showcasing the collection. This groundbreaking work has been featured in i-D, Dazed, and the Evening Standard.

Since graduating in 2022, Christie has worked with high-profile clients, such as Meta and Intel, on projects that push the boundaries of digital fashion and mixed reality. Their creations explore themes of identity, culture, and societal norms, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the possibilities of digital realities.

Ring Hyacinth -AI Filmmaker and Product Manager at Morph Studio

Hyacinth is a multifaceted professional with deep expertise at the crossroads of film and technology. Currently, she serves as a Product Manager at Morph Studio and is a signed filmmaker with Maoyan Entertainment. Additionally, she was a jury member for the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival. In 2024, her project "To Dear Me" won the Best Film award in the AIGC program at the Beijing International Film Festival. Her AI animation work was also showcased during the 2024 CCTV Dragon Year Spring Festival Gala.

Wes Walker -AI Filmmaker and ThinkDiffusion Representative

Born in Durango, México, and raised in El Paso, TX, Wes graduated from Stanford University with degrees in Psychology and Neuroscience and has directed bold commercial work for Gatorade, Under Armour, Ford, Disney, Tesla, Nike, Shiseido, BMW, Corona Beer, Nissan, and many others. He has made waves as well with his music videos for notable artists Joey Bada$$, Buju Banton, Jidenna, and work for the Bob Marley Estate.

Wes’ work continues to garner awards and shortlists industry-wide including AICP, ADC, Webby, Clio, Berlin Commercial, and YDA awards. Shots honored Wes with the ‘New Director of the Year’ award and AICP honored Wes with a ‘2022 New Director of the Year’ award as well. He was also named to the AdWeek Creative 100 as one of only ten film directors globally.

As a Black and Mexican director, he is passionate about channeling uplifting stories that champion diversity, bringing to light the power, beauty, and humanity of all people of color. He works hard to ensure that equal representation happens behind the lens as well, hiring diverse and inclusive crews on every project.

Flawless Real Talk - Musician, Rapper, and Entrepreneur

Many are manufactured, but few are born with it. You can take one look in his eyes and see that he is different. Comingfrom the smallest state in the country, Rhode Island, Flawless has always adapted the underdog mentality. His hardwork, dedication, and drive has not only gotten him the key to the city, but a name that has been buzzing throughthe industry for quite some time. With over 8 years of experience, Flawless has done it all from national touring tointernational television appearances.

Fresh off his impressive showing on the hit Netflix series, “Rhythm and Flow”, Flawless is ready to take the world bystorm. He has a catalogue of work that spans over 70 original songs including his recent album, “Every Second Matters”.While building his own independent label, RiSE, Flawless has established a fanbase around the world that continuesto grow. In addition to his musical talent, he has a live stage show that is rumored to be one of the best. Flawless hascompleted more than 10 National independent tours with an international tour set to take place early 2022. It’s easyto think this hip hop phenomenon is signed to a major label judging by his resume, but he is just a small town kid whoknew if he worked hard he could be “on his way”. He is Flawless.

Joy Wine - AI Filmmaker and LensGo Representative

Joy Wine is the Operations Lead at LensGo.AI, driven by a profound interest in AI filmmaking and cutting-edge technology aimed at revolutionizing traditional production workflows. She plays a pivotal role in video production, marketing strategy development, and organizing competitions for LensGo.AI. Joy is also a big fan of snowboarding and cycling.

Bryan Lyon - Open Source AI Expert and DeepMake CTO

Bryan has been immersed in the field of AI for over 15 years, always working on the cutting edge of AI advancements. A key contributor to the largest Open Source Deepfake project, FaceSwap, he helped guide the AI development and wrote the ethics Manifesto, and has written a book on the subject. Bryan is currently the founder and CTO of DeepMake, a generative AI company bringing the latest Open Source AI functionality directly into visual workflows for creative professionals.

Nicolai Klemke - AI Filmmaker and CEO of Neural Frames

Nicolai Klemke is the founder of the AI video synthesizer neural frames, a popular tool that converts text into audioreactive visuals. Nicolai has a PhD in Physics and pivoted to entrepreneurship after falling in love with AI animation generation.

Rachel Joy Victor - AI Designer and Co-Founder of FBRC.AI

Rachel Joy Victor is the co-founder of FBRC.AI, a company focused on creating AI-supported tools for the future of content production--from films to games to location-based experiences. Rachel's work as a designer, strategist, and worldbuilder for emerging technologies (XR/AI/web3) focuses on creating cohesive narrative, brand, and product experiences. She designs for a range of applications: from multiplatform narratives and gaming experiences, to tools and platforms, to spaces and cities. She draws from her education in computational neuroscience and spatial economics to facilitate the creation of data-informed emergent experience where world simulation, systems design, and cognitive architectures intersect. Rachel’s clients have included Disney, HBO, Technicolor, Vans, Ford, Nike, Havas, Meow Wolf, Niantic, and many more.

Barkley Dai - Product and Growth Lead @ Luma AI

As the product and growth lead at Luma AI, Barkley Dai is focusing on the user experience with the Dream Machine and evaluate the AI model that powers it, while also finding innovative ways to try the Dream Machine for different audiences. Previously Barkley worked at TikTok, and was the product manager for many viral AI effects like AI Style and AI Greenscreen. He has always been interested in leveraging AI to create a new form of content. Barkley graduated from Yale University with a degree in Statistics and Data Science.

Luis Riancho (TechHalla) - AI Filmmaker and Tripo AI Representative

TechHalla is a telecommunications Engineer, specialized in digital product and app development. Passionate about generative AI and content creator, aiming to share all knowledge and experience to serve the AI Creative Community

Aaron Sistos - AI Venture Capitalist

Aaron leads AI investments at First Spark Ventures focusing on early stage startups across AI X Media. He was formerly co-founder and Chief Scientist at Searchable.ai, a venture-backed conversational AI startup based in San Francisco. Before Searchable, Aaron was a technologist at In-Q-Tel, the venture capital arm of the CIA, focused on deep-tech investments in AI, AR/VR, gaming and quantum computing. He is currently an advisor to X (the moonshot factory) and serves on a number of startup, VC and university advisory boards. Aaron holds a PhD in quantum simulation and machine learning from Stanford University.

Coco Nitta - Grammy-Nominated Producer and CEO of iKHOR Labs

Grammy-nominated music producer turned tech entrepreneur Coco Nitta is the CEO and founder of iKHOR Labs, an AI creative tooling company at the forefront of revolutionizing the anime industry by empowering AI-enhanced human animators. Their artist-friendly tools, powered by machine learning, are designed to supercharge animation workflows. Initially, iKHOR Labs began as an AI production company and animation studio, contributing to high-profile projects like Jennifer Lopez's feature film "This is Me... Now," where they provided AI visual effects and animation.

POM - Founder of Banodoco

POM is the Founder of Banodoco, a community dedicated to helping the open-source AI Art and filmmaking ecosystem thrive.

Dani Van de Sande - Founder, Artist & the Machine

Dani is a first-generation American entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of innovation (AI, Spatial Computing, Web3) for 10+ years, most recently founding Artist & the Machine, an AI event series and media company exploring the intersection of AI and Humanity. Dani was inspired to create Artist & The Machine from her perspective that technology is about more than just utility - it has the power to unlock humanity’s fullest potential and creativity.

Prior, Dani founded award-winning innovation agency ULO to guide major enterprises like Shiseido and Mars Inc to launch major Web3 & AI activations. She also held leadership roles at Snap Inc, launching the revenue-generating ads product at IPO, and leading GTM for the Lens Studio AR platform.